Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) that helps the body produce healthy new cells. Folic acid is a manmade form of folate found in fortified foods and vitamins, whereas folate is found naturally in some foods. Without vitamin B12, folate in its methyl form becomes trapped inside cells, unavailable to support cell growth. Folate is essential for brain development and function.

The primary sources of folate

Dark green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, asparagus, wheat germ, yeast, peanuts, oranges, strawberries.

You should take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant.

Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.