Folic acid protects unborn babies from serious birth defects such as Spina Bifida. If women are planning on having a baby or are already pregnant then they need to ensure they get enough folic acid. A babies spine develops very soon after you’ve conceived so it be happening before you even realise your pregnant. The department of health recommends that you should take a supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid every day from when you stop using contraception up until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Foods that contain high amounts of folic acid are black eyed beans, Brussels sprouts, spinach, granary bread, spring greens, broccoli and chickpeas.
Examples of medium folate foods include cooked soya and kidney beans, cauliflower, lentils, potatoes, peas, orange juice. It is unlikely that you could take in enough folate to protect your baby just from the food you eat hence why it is recommended to take Folic acid supplements.
