Why is it important that I include folate (folic acid) in my diet during my pregnancy?
Folate, a B vitamin, reduces the risk of delivering a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folate is essential to the production of new body cells by helping produce DNA and RNA. To be sure you reach the daily requirement of 400 micrograms, include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet every day. Good sources of folate include dark green leafy vegetables, certain fruits such as oranges, dried beans, and most grain products (which are fortified with folate).
