The need for folic acid increases considerably during pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency anemia may result from inadequate intake, poor absorption, or drug interactions. Poor cooking habits (e.g., cooking with large amounts of water) can also destroy the folic acid content of foods and can lead to folic acid deficiency. Folic acid deficiency is seen in women with vitamin B12
deficiency. Women who are strict vegetarians should be evaluated for this type of anemia
Folic acid deficiency is associated with neural tube defects. Three common neural tube defects are anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. Recommendations from the U.S. Public Health Services are that all women of childbearing age take 0.4 mg of folic acid daily. Foods high in folic acid include dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, yeast, and fortified breakfast cereals