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September 14, 2026
LANSING, Mich. - With approximately 1 in 33 babies born each year with a birth defect, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is highlighting a simple yet powerful prevention measure: taking folic acid daily to help reduce the risk of certain serious birth defects.
This recommendation is being made as part of Folic Acid Awareness Week, Sept. 13- 19, which focuses on birth defects prevention through education and promoting daily supplements.
“Folic Acid Awareness Week reminds us that small, everyday actions, like taking a vitamin, can support healthier beginnings for babies,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Folic acid prevents serious birth defects of the brain and spine, such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Because these conditions develop in the first month of pregnancy – often before someone even knows they are pregnant – it’s important to start taking folic acid if you are planning on becoming pregnant.”
Folate occurs naturally in foods like leafy greens, beans, peas, asparagus and citrus. Folic acid, a type of B vitamin, is added to many grain products and is available in supplements.
Because early prevention is key, health experts recommend all women who can become pregnant take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This can be met by taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid and eating fortified foods such as enriched bread, cereals and pasta. Even for women not planning a pregnancy, folic acid supports healthy cell growth and overall wellness. A healthy eating routine that includes natural folate sources, along with fortified grain products like cereals, breads, pastas, nuts and seeds, can help support daily folate needs.
Multivitamins or supplements containing folic acid can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
To learn more about folic acid, how much you need and where to find it, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention folic acid resource page.
Additional resources are available on the National Birth Defects Prevention Network website.
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Media Contact:
Lynn Sutfin
517-241-2112