Julie Garden-Robinson Food and Nutrition Specialist Module by Bridget Curley Program Assistant

The following tips will help you navigate through each module.  Click the left mouse button or the down arrow to continue to the next bullet or slide.  Before you begin you’ll take a presurvey.  The presurvey will open in a new window.  When you are finished with the presurvey close the window to return to the module.  symbolizes a question slide. You’ll need to click your mouse once to see the answer.

 symbolizes an Internet Mission. You’ll need to click on the link listed to answer the question.  After visiting the site, close the Internet browser to return to the module.  Click your mouse once to see the answer.  When you are finished with the module, you will take a post-survey.  The post-survey will open in a new window.  When you are finished with the post-survey, close the window to return to the module.

Time to Take the Pre-survey  We would like to learn how much you know before taking part in this activity  You will take the same quiz at the end of the lesson to see what you have learned.  Click here to begin the presurvey!here

Defining Folic Acid  A “B” vitamin the body needs to produce:  Healthy cells  Healthy blood  The natural form, “folate,” is found in some foods.  The man-made form, “folic acid,” is found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements

Why is Folic Acid Important? a. Shown to reduce 70% of birth defects b. May reduce heart disease and stroke risks c. May lower cancer risk d. All of the above

Folic Acid and Birth Defects  What are common birth defects affected by folic acid intake?  Visit this link to find out.link  Neural Tube Defects  Affect baby’s brain or spine  Spina bifida – spine and back bones do not close all the way  Anencephaly – brain and skull bones do not form correctly

Spina bifida  The spinal cord and back bones do not form correctly.  A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back.  Most children live full lives but often have lifelong disabilities.

Anencephaly  The brain and skull bones do not form correctly.  Part or all of the brain and skull bones may be missing.  Babies die before or shortly after birth.

Folic Acid and Women  Folic acid is especially important for women  Should a women who is not planning on having a baby take folic acid?  Click here to find out.here  Yes! Every women needs folic acid to make healthy cells.

True or False  All women childbearing age are encouraged to consume 400 micrograms (mcg) daily  This may prevent birth defects that develop before the woman knows she is pregnant. True

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need? Age in Years Adult (mcg/day*) Pregnancy (mcg/day*) N/A 600 *mcg/day means micrograms per day Go to the Folic Acid: A Vitamin at Any Age publication by clicking here to find out.here

Where Can You Find Folic Acid? Visit this fact sheet to find out.fact sheet

What Foods Contain Folic Acid?  Folic acid is added to some grains such as:  Pasta  Breads  Cereals  Rice  Folate is naturally found in:  Leafy green vegetables  Cooked dry edible beans  Broccoli  Peanuts  Citrus fruits

Folic Acid on Nutrition Labels Did you know folic acid is listed on some Nutrition Facts labels (especially cereal)? Look here to see a sample label.here

What About Fortification?  Why are some foods fortified with folic acid?  Find out here.here  Not everyone takes a folic acid supplement  Adding folic acid to foods helps people meet the daily recommended 400 mcg

How Much is “Too Much?”  1000mcg is the upper limit for folic acid.  Too much folic acid may hide Vitamin B 12 deficiencies. Click here to find out.here

Folic Acid Absorption Man-made folic acid (in cereals and supplements) is easier for the body to use than folate naturally found in foods

Is Folic Acid for Everyone?  Folic acid has benefits for males and females.  Click here to find out more.here  Folic acid’s relationship to lowering risk of heart disease is being studied.

It’s Time to Take the Post-survey!  After completing all the activities and review questions, you are ready to take the survey. Good luck!  Click here to take the survey.here  The next two slides show additional resources, so check those out after the survey.

Check out these Publications  Can we talk? …about folic acid… Can we talk? …about folic acid…  Folic Acid: A Vitamin Important at Any Age Folic Acid: A Vitamin Important at Any Age  Born Too Soon and Too Small: Questions and Answers About Prematurity Born Too Soon and Too Small: Questions and Answers About Prematurity

For More Information:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements   Linus Pauling Institute/Oregon State University  / /  March of Dimes   North Dakota Wheat Commission 