Folic acid

Folic acid (folacin), a vitamin important in the manufacturing of red blood cells and in energy metabolism, the process that provides energy for the body's use, working closely with vitamin B12 and vitamin C. It is part of a group of vitamins known as the vitamin B complex; substances containing folic acid are called folates. Folic acid is abundant in liver, beans, and green leafy vegetables, and is also found in nuts, fresh oranges, and whole wheat products. It is very important in development of the fetus, especially of the nervous system and red blood cells, and folic acid deficiency has been linked with increased risk of neural tube defects (see spina bifida). Pregnant women are sometimes given folic acid supplements, especially during the last three months of pregnancy. Some researchers recommend folic acid supplements for smokers. Symptoms of folic acid deficiency are diarrhea and a form of anemia, causing fatigue, pallor, and depression, while over consumption can obscure the presence of pernicious anemia.

March of Dimes and many other will say that all women of child baring age should take folic. If you already have a child with a birth defect, you should be taking 4 mgs.

*A side note, I took folic acid 0.8 mg over the counter before I got pregnant with Andrew and he still had SB. But Started taking 4 mg by prescription a year before my second pregnancy. Shane was born with out SB, tho he has other issues.

A link:
How Folate Can Help Prevent (some) Birth Defects

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This information was taken from, AOL keyword: Moms Online