#DYK folic acid can help prevent birth defects? Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) found in many foods like kale, spinach, beans and oranges. While everyone needs folic acid, for women who may get pregnant, it's especially important. That's because it's been long known that folic acid helps a fetus develop properly and prevents birth defects such as spina bifida.⁣ ⁣ Check your food labels to make sure you're getting at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Be sure to al