Dr. Besser Explains Folic Acid and Your Health

ABC News Senior Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser reports: I recently discussed the results of a new study on folic acid supplements.  There's one very important point I'd like to make clear: All women should continue to make sure they're getting 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.  
This is especially important for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant because folic acid helps prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.  Women who may become pregnant should start taking folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant and continue taking it throughout their pregnancy.  
The natural form of folic acid found in some foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, is not enough.   Women need to get the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid every day by taking a multivitamin, a folic acid pill, or by eating a bowl of cereal that has this much folic acid.  
Be sure to check that the label on the multivitamin, the folic acid pill, or the cereal says that it contains 400 micrograms of folic acid (100% of the recommended daily value).
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