When Should You Take Folic Acid Everyday?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since mandatory folic acid fortification began in the U.S., the rate of neural tube defects (NTDs) has dropped by 28%. This underscores the critical importance of a consistent daily intake, especially for women of childbearing age.

Quick Summary

Taking folic acid daily is especially critical for women of childbearing age to prevent birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. The synthetic vitamin, more bioavailable than natural folate, is vital for cellular development and can prevent deficiencies in all adults. The need for supplementation varies by life stage and health conditions.

Key Points

Preconception and Pregnancy: All women capable of becoming pregnant should consider daily folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects.
High-Risk Pregnancy: Women with a history of neural tube defects or other risk factors may need higher intake under a doctor's guidance.
General Health for Adults: Men and postmenopausal women benefit from daily folate intake, often obtained from fortified foods and diet.
Water-Soluble Vitamin: Because folic acid is water-soluble, it needs to be replenished daily through supplements or fortified foods.
Check for B12 Deficiency: High intake of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency; a doctor should check B12 levels if you have high folate intake.
Know Your Sources: Get folate naturally from leafy greens and beans, or from the more bioavailable folic acid in fortified grains and supplements.

Who Needs to Take Folic Acid Daily?

Information is for general knowledge, should not be taken as medical advice, and should consult with a healthcare provider.

For many people, getting a daily intake of folic acid is crucial for optimal health. While folic acid is vital for women who are or could become pregnant, other populations also benefit from consistent daily supplementation or fortified food consumption. Folate, the natural form of this B vitamin, is water-soluble, meaning the body does not store it in large amounts and requires regular replenishment.

Women of Childbearing Age

Experts recommend that all women who are capable of becoming pregnant take folic acid every day. This recommendation exists for a critical reason: the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal tube, forms very early in pregnancy—often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Taking folic acid daily ensures sufficient levels are available from the moment of conception, significantly reducing the risk of severe neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Since many pregnancies are unplanned, universal daily intake provides a vital safety net.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

For women who are pregnant, the daily intake supports the rapid cell division and growth of the fetus. This support should be continued throughout pregnancy. Similarly, breastfeeding women require adequate intake to support both their own health and to pass sufficient folate to the baby through breast milk. A healthcare provider might recommend increased intake if a woman is at a higher risk of having a baby with an NTD, such as those with a family history or who are taking certain medications.

Men and Postmenopausal Women

Folic acid is not just for women. Both men and postmenopausal women need daily intake to support overall health. This is important for processes like red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. While most can get this amount from a balanced diet, supplementation can be necessary, especially for those with poor dietary habits or specific health conditions. Emerging research suggests benefits for men including improved fertility, though more studies are needed.

Individuals with Specific Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can affect folate absorption and increase the need for supplementation. For example, individuals with malabsorptive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have a higher risk of folate deficiency. Patients on certain medications, such as methotrexate (used for arthritis or psoriasis), are often prescribed folic acid to mitigate side effects. People with alcohol use disorder are also at a higher risk of deficiency because alcohol interferes with folate absorption. A doctor may advise on appropriate intake for these conditions.

Folic Acid vs. Folate: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a key distinction between folate and folic acid.


Feature	Folate	Folic Acid
Form	Natural form of Vitamin B9.	Synthetic (man-made) form of Vitamin B9.
Source	Found in foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans.	Found in supplements and fortified foods like cereals, bread, and pasta.
Bioavailability	Absorbed less efficiently by the body; easily destroyed by heat and light.	Better absorbed and more stable than natural folate.
Metabolism	Processed primarily in the small intestine.	Metabolized by the liver and other tissues; unused folic acid may build up in the bloodstream.

Because folic acid is more stable and has higher bioavailability, it is the form often recommended for supplements to ensure consistent, adequate intake, especially for women trying to conceive.

Important Considerations for Daily Folic Acid Intake

While daily folic acid is essential for many, particularly women planning for pregnancy, it is important to be mindful of your overall health and consult a healthcare professional. High intake can potentially mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can have severe neurological consequences if left untreated. A doctor can help determine appropriate intake for your individual needs. Most adults should not exceed certain daily intake levels from supplements unless under a doctor's supervision.

For those not planning a pregnancy, a healthy, varied diet rich in folate-containing foods is often enough to contribute to overall intake. Folate-rich foods include: spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beans, peas, citrus fruits, eggs, and fortified grain products. Cooking methods like steaming can help preserve the natural folate content in vegetables. However, as the CDC notes, since fortified foods are so prevalent, many people in the US already consume more folic acid than they might realize through their regular diet. A daily multivitamin is a reliable way for women of childbearing age to ensure they contribute to recommended intake without overdoing it.

In conclusion, daily folic acid intake is a simple yet powerful habit for women of childbearing age to protect against birth defects. For all adults, it is a key nutrient for general health. By understanding personal needs, paying attention to diet, and consulting a healthcare professional, individuals can ensure they contribute to adequate intake for their life stage and circumstances.

Learn more about folic acid safety and recommendations from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/about/safety.html.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, taking appropriate daily amounts of folic acid is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. High intake should be managed by a doctor, as it can potentially mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens and citrus fruits. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods, and it is more stable and better absorbed by the body.

Women capable of becoming pregnant should consider starting daily folic acid as a preventive measure, since the critical period for preventing neural tube defects is in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before it is confirmed.

Yes, men also need daily folate intake for general health, including red blood cell production. While it can often be obtained through diet, supplementation may be beneficial for those with poor dietary intake.

Excessive intake of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially leading to irreversible neurological damage. It may also have other risks, so it is best to adhere to recommended intake levels unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

It can be challenging to get recommended amounts of folic acid from food alone, especially for pregnant women. This is why supplements and fortified foods are often recommended to help ensure consistent intake, particularly for women of childbearing age.

Folate-rich foods include leafy greens, broccoli, beans, peas, citrus fruits, and eggs. Folic acid is added to enriched grains like breads, cereals, and pasta.