Women should take folic acid tablets even if not conceiving

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.

Safefood is calling for a change in behaviour, because while 95% of women know of the benefits of folic acid, just one in three are taking it before pregnancy.

Folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, if taken before, and during, pregnancy.