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For most women the following recommendation will be adequate.

Women should:

• Take a multivitamin containing 400 to 800 mcg folic acid, or
• Eat grains and cereals fortified with folic acid, or
• Eat a balanced diet with foods rich in folate.

Recommendations regarding folic acid intake focus only on women. However, because folate is an important nutrient, all individuals (i.e., men, adults beyond age 50) should attempt to achieve their RDA through a balanced diet including foods with folate.

For the proper amount of folate and folic acid to recommend, please refer to the Recommended Dietary Allowance chart.