Foods to Avoid When Taking Folic Acid

Pregnant women have long been advised to take folic acid supplements in order to help prevent birth defects. But did you know that there are certain foods you should avoid while taking folic acid? Here is a list of foods to avoid when taking folic acid supplements, as well as some tips on following a healthy diet while taking these supplements.

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. It is important for pregnant women to take folic acid because it helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate (the natural form of folic acid) daily.

There are some foods that you should avoid when taking folic acid supplements. These include:

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of birth defects.

Caffeine: Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of folic acid.

High-mercury fish: Fish such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel can contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful to the developing baby.  gofolic.org  should avoid these fish and limit their consumption of other fish to 12 ounces per week.

Smoked meats and deli meats: These meats can contain harmful chemicals that can increase the risk of birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid these meats or cook them thoroughly before eating them.

While it is important to avoid these foods while taking folic acid supplements, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet. Pregnant women need to eat a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. They should also limit their intake of sugar, salt, and saturated and trans fats.

There are also some foods that pregnant women should eat when taking folic acid supplements. These include:

Leafy green vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of folate. Other good sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and romaine lettuce.

Legumes: Beans and lentils are good sources of folate. Other good sources include peas and peanuts.

Fortified foods: Many breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, rice, and other grain products are fortified with folic acid. Check the labels to see how much folic acid they contain."