Question

When should a woman consume 400 mcg of folic acid from fortified foods in addition to dietary folate from a variety of foods?

(A) At least one month before conception and throughout pregnancy.
(B) During the first trimester of pregnancy only.
(C) During the second trimester of pregnancy only.
(D) During the third trimester of pregnancy only.

Answer 1

A woman should consume 400 mcg of folic acid from fortified foods in addition to dietary folate from a variety of foods at least one month before conception and throughout pregnancy. This helps reduce the risk of neurological defects in the baby.

Step-by-step explanation:

A woman should consume 400 mcg of folic acid from fortified foods in addition to dietary folate from a variety of foods at least one month before conception and throughout pregnancy. This recommendation is made by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. Folic acid is important for the healthy development of the neural tube, and a deficiency during the early stages of pregnancy can result in neurological defects such as spina bifida. By consuming sufficient folic acid, a woman can reduce the risk of these defects in her baby.