Folate (folic acid) supplements are important for pregnancy as they can help prevent birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Taking the vitamin folate before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect

Babies need folate and iodine for the healthy development of their spine, brain, and nervous system. Sometimes our diet does not have enough folate and iodine, and a supplement is needed. It can take time to build up these nutrients.

Find out if Vitamins B6, B9 (Folate), B12 are likely to help.

These tests measure the concentration of folate and vitamin B12 in the serum or plasma (liquid portion of the blood). Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.

Folate can prevent up to 70 per cent of spina bifida cases if taken daily for one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.

Mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification of bread resulted in increased levels of folic acid and iodine in the food supply, increased folic acid and iodine intakes, a decreased rate of neural...

Did you know most Australians eat only about half the recommended quantity of vegetables per day?  There is strong evidence that for each serve of vegetables eaten each day the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced even further!  Also, by eating vegetables, especially colourful vegetables, there is a reduced risk of stroke and weight gain. Vegetables, including legumes/beans are nutrient dense, low in kilojoules, and are a good source of minerals and vitamins (such as magnesium, vitamin C and folate), dietary fibre and a range of phytochemicals including carotenoids.

Folic acid, iodine and vitamin D supplements are recommended during pregnancy. But a healthy diet will provide all the other nutrients that you need.

Here is what you need to know about the benefits for fertility and pregnancy health of folic acid, iodine, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium supplements.