Updated January 24, 2014.

What:
Folic Acid (Folate), 600 mcg

Why:
Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help prevent certain types of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTD), like spina bifida and anencephaly.

Where to find it:
legumes, oranges, asparagus, broccoli

When you need a supplement:
It is recommended that you begin folic acid supplementation prior to contemplating pregnancy for the best protection against birth defects.

Other:
Folate is the name of the B vitamin, but most people recognize it by the term folic acid, which is the synthetic form. Many foods are fortified with folic acid.