The Folic Acid : Folic acid is also known as the vitamin B-9 is considered to be an all-rounder. It a synthetic type of folate which a naturally occurring B-vitamin that helps the body build healthy cells and turn food into energy. Folic acid is a busy vitamin considering it is used in dietary supplements and prenatal vitamins, and also get added up to packaged foods . Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin. Even though folic acid and folate are used as synonyms it is different in sense that it has a different structure than folate and has slightly different effects on the body. Benefits of Folic Acid : It helps in the growth of new tissues and cells. It builds proteins. It is known to break food down into nutrients . Folic acid is helpful in making red blood cells . It synthesizes and repairs the DNA. It prevents or treats anemia. It may improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease . Folic acid is the only type of folate that is proven to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid for Pregnancy : Folic acid play an essential role in a baby’s development since it is involved in the cell division and tissue growth. Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy both is extremely beneficial since it can prevent neural tube irregularities and helps with baby’s brain and spine . Doctors and researches recommend anyone who is trying to get pregnant should start taking folic acid supplement containing 400-800 mcg at a month before getting pregnant and should continue taking it through first 2-3 months of pregnancy . Where does one get folic acid from?Folic acid can naturally be found in food such as spinach, nuts, kale, broccoli, avocado, citrus fruits, eggs, beef liver, and beans. It is also added to foods such as flour, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, and breads. You can also find it in dietary supplements such as multivitamins, etc.