Even women who are not trying to have a baby should take folic acid tablets daily as 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, according to experts at Safefood.

Only one in three women routinely take folic acid supplements, despite 95% of women being aware of the benefits according to safefood's lastest survey.

Given the high number of unplanned pregnancies, should certain foods be fortified with folic acid to protect against neural tube defects, asks Andrea Mara.

A fall-off in foods fortified with folic acid has been linked with an increase in severe birth defects.

FOLIC FACTS: A new Safefood campaign is urging women who could become pregnant to take a folic acid supplement daily, irrespective of whether or not they are planning a baby.

Fewer than one in four women takes folic acid before getting pregnant, despite studies showing the supplement is effective at preventing birth defects.

One in ten Irish women think they get enough folic acid from their diet, according to SafeFood.

Only one in four women take folic acid before getting pregnant, despite studies showing how effective the supplement is at preventing birth defects.

A reduction in the amount of folic acid added to food is being linked to growing numbers of severe birth defects among Irish newborns.

Expectant mothers are being urged to take folic acid after a worrying rise in congenital disorders linked to a deficiency of the diet supplement.