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Myths Versus Truths about Folic Acid
- Myth: I don’t plan on getting pregnant any time soon, so I don’t have to take folic acid.
Fact: Half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned, so it’s important to take folic acid every day.
- Myth: There is no history of spina bifida in my family, so I don’t have to take folic acid.
Fact: 95 % of spina bifida cases occur in families without a history.
- Myth: Taking multivitamins increases your appetite and makes you gain weight.
Fact: Taking a multivitamin is part of a healthy diet and does not make you gain weight.
- Myth: As long as you have a healthy diet and exercise while you are pregnant, your child will be born healthy.
Fact: Some women do everything right during pregnancy, but due to other things like genetics or environmental factors, may still have a child with a birth defect.
 Myth: Only women over 35 who plan on becoming pregnant need to take folic acid.
Fact: Every woman needs folic acid every day.
- Myth: Some people are just destined to have a child with NTDs.
Fact: Although women with a history of spina bifida may be more likely to have a child with spina bifida, it is important to do what you can and take folic acid every day.
Source:
- National folic acid awareness week: messages and misconceptions of folic acid. Health and Beauty Section, Modern Latina; 2006 Archives.
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