Final answer:
The Food and Nutrition Board recommends that pregnant women consume at least 400 µg/day of folic acid from supplements or fortified foods. Folic acid plays a crucial role in fetal development and helps prevent certain birth defects. Foods high in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, avocado, and fortified breads, cereals, and rice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This is because folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in fetal development. It helps prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida, by aiding in the closure of the neural tube.
Foods that are high in folic acid include:
- Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
- Legumes like lentils and chickpeas
- Avocado
- Fortified breads, cereals, and rice
It is important for pregnant women to ensure they are getting enough folic acid through their diet and/or supplements to support the healthy development .