How to Increase Folic Acid Intake

Folic acid is an important dietary supplement, especially for women. Folic acid seriously reduce the chances of birth defects in newborn babies, including neural tube defects. Here are simple ways to increase your folic acid intake.

Instructions

1. Eat leafy green vegetables. Spinach, green beans, broccoli and peas are all great sources of folic acid.

2. Find foods that are fortified with folic acid. Many cereals contain 100 percent of the recommended dietary requirement. Many breads also have added folic acid.

3. Drink orange and tomato juices. Both of these products contain a healthy amount of folic acid.

4. Add more meat to your diet. Liver is an exceptional source of folic acid. You can also increase your intake of folic acid by eating more chicken, pork and shellfish.

5. Take a vitamin supplement. Many prenatal vitamins will contain an increased amount of folic acid to ensure that pregnant women receive the recommended daily amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor for advice on how to safely add the recommended amount of folic acid to your diet.

• Folic acid should not be taken in excess, since it can trigger symptoms of B12 deficiency.

• Avoid foods that are fortified with folic acid if your diet includes a high amount of folic acid naturally.