Counseling

How can I help the individual include folate/folic acid in their diet?

Beyond providing a recommended dietary allowance, suggest solutions that empower individuals and ease compliance, such as:

• Provide culturally appropriate recipes. Keep in mind that in many Latino cultures, corn, beans and rice are staples.  Many of these foods are enriched with folic acid but not all brands, especially if the product is imported from outside of the United States.

• Remind individuals to check the nutrition labels. 

• Help individuals identify which foods in their regular diet contain folic acid or folate, and build on those "building blocks." Keep in mind that while some foods may be high in folate, such as chicken liver, you may not find many individuals who enjoy recipes containing chicken liver.