If you plan for a baby you must take enough folic acid. Here the folic acid supplement plays a vital role.

The functions of folic acid include:

• Important in reducing blood homosysteine levels
• Cell growth and division
• Formation of red blood cells
• Protein metabolism
• To prevent neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephaly. Neural tube defects occur in the early days following conception.

The foods rich in folic acid include:

Excellent food sources of folic acid include:
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Chick peas
• Dried beans
• Pulses
• Spinach.
Very good food sources of folic acid include:
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Leeks
• Oranges
• Orange juice
• Parsley
• Peas
• Wheat germ
• Wholegrain products
Good food sources of folic include:
• Nuts, unsalted
• Parsnips
• Potato
• Seeds
• Salmon
• Strawberries
• Tomato
• Liver is a very good source of folic acid, but not good for pregnant women because of high vitamin A content
• Eggs
All leafy vegetables are excellent source of folic acid. Milk, yogurt, fats, cheese, oils and sweets are poor sources of folic acid.