Doctors explain why taking folic acid before pregnancy matters, how folate status affects fertility, and when to start supplementation to reduce birth and pregnancy risks.

This article was reviewed by Sara Harcharik Perkins, MD. Key Takeaways: Folic acid (vitamin B9) supports healthy cell growth ...

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an important B-vitamin with many vital functions in the human body. It was ...

Anna Beaudin, PhD, and Brian Krum holding ASH acceptance letter Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) discovered that the level of blood and immune cells in mouse ...

Although they number from 1 (thiamine) to 12 (cobalamin), there are eight B vitamins—don't bother seeking numbers 4, 8, 10, or 11. The rest are all facilitators of the nervous system and tend to work ...

Many staple foods are fortified with folic acid and can lead to many potential health benefits. Here's what to know about ...

Most people get enough folate through natural and fortified foods. You may need supplements if you need a higher daily amount or are at risk of not getting enough of this important vitamin. Share on ...

Kale is a good source of folate (vitamin B9), but other foods contain as much or even more of the nutrient. Most people need about 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate daily to make healthy cells and ...

New California law adding folic acid to corn masa will help reduce birth defects in the Latino and Hispanic community.