For Release: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Contacts: Sue Marshall, MDPH Public Health Nutritionist, (608) 261-9604
Cheryl Levendoski, Dane County WIC Director, (608) 242-6503

MADISON, WI—During National Folic Acid Awareness Week, January 9-15, the Dane County Division of Public Health and the Madison Department of Public Health want to remind women who are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant that they should get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to protect their babies’ health.

Folic acid, a B-vitamin, prevents up to 70 percent of some serious birth defects of the baby's brain or spine, such as spina bifida. To be most effective it must be taken every day, starting before a woman conceives.

"Research shows that most women don't get the recommended daily amount of folic acid to help protect their babies from serious birth defects," said Dr. Thomas Schlenker, Director of Public Health for Madison and Dane County. "We want to make sure women know how important this vitamin is, and how easy it is for them to add it to their diets."

One of the simplest ways to get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day is to take a vitamin that contains the recommended amount, as most multivitamins sold in the U.S. do. Another option is to eat breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid per serving—check the label to be sure.

Folic acid isn't just for women who might become pregnant. It's recommended for men and women of all ages and may have other health benefits such as improving heart health and protecting against some cancers.

For more information on the importance of folic acid for preventing birth defects, please visit http://www.folicacidinfo.org/campaign/