Folate is a B vitamin your body needs to build healthy new cells. It matters most in the first weeks of pregnancy, when your baby's brain and spine are forming.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Here's what I want you to know.
I'm a big believer in getting nutrients from real food. Natural sources of folate include well-cooked leafy greens, legumes, eggs and beef liver. A 1/2 cup serving of beans with each meal and leafy greens once a day go a long way toward the pregnancy RDA (600 mcg), and liver pills are a nice complement.
That said, folic acid is the only form of folate shown in studies to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. These form in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before you know you're pregnant. That's why the CDC recommends 400 mcg of folic acid daily for anyone who could become pregnant, in addition to a folate-rich diet.
If you have an MTHFR variant, or you'd prefer methylfolate, talk with your provider about the right form and dose for you.
Happy baby making!
Warmly,
Dr. Suuzi Hazen
Please note, this article is not medical advice, it is for informational and educational purposes only. Always discuss your health with your medical provider.