Dear Future Me… thanks for taking folic acid before and during pregnancy...you're da bomb.com!
This years Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW), we invite you to connect with NBDPN to celebrate the successes of folic acid in preventing serious birth defects of the spine and brain.
These birth defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly, are types of neural tube defects (NTD) that develop very early in pregnancy, before most people even know they are pregnant. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken, either as a supplement or in fortified food, before and during early pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of these serious birth defects. People considering pregnancy should take at least 400mcg of folic acid every day.
We invite you to partner with NBDPN during Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW) and help spread awareness about the importance of folic acid in helping reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Be sure to like, share, and interact with our posts throughout the week - you'll be all that and a bag of chips!
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Folic Acid Awareness Week social media captions
General posts about folic acid
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It’s Folic Acid Awareness Week! A small daily step today can support your health and help prevent serious defects of the brain and spine, when planning for pregnancy. Tune in this week to learn more about vitamin folic acid! #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 262) |
¡Es la Semana de Concientización sobre el Ácido Fólico! Un pequeño paso diario hoy puede apoyar su salud y ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna, al planear un embarazo. Sigue esta semana para aprender más sobre el ácido fólico. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 271) |
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Did you know serious birth defects of the spine and brain can happen early in pregnancy, often before someone knows they’re pregnant? That's why women are encouraged to get 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid daily if pregnancy is possible now or someday. #DearFutureMe (character count: 264) |
¿Sabías que los defectos graves del cerebro y la columna pueden ocurrir temprano en el embarazo, antes de saber que estás embarazada? Por eso se recomienda que las mujeres tomen 400 mcg de ácido fólico al día si el embarazo es posible ahora o en el futuro. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 277) |
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Taking a multivitamin daily is important BEFORE and during early pregnancy. A daily vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, called neural tube defects. #DearFutureMe (character count: 224) |
Tomar un multivitamínico a diario es importante ANTES y durante el inicio del embarazo. Un multivitamínico con 400 mcg de ácido fólico al día puede ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna, llamados defectos del tubo neural. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 263) |
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Science shows that vitamin folic acid can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. That’s why women who can become pregnant are encouraged to get 400mcg of folic acid daily through a vitamin, fortified foods, or both. #DearFutureMe (character count: 251) |
La ciencia muestra que el ácido fólico puede ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna. Por eso se recomienda que las mujeres tomen 400 mcg de ácido fólico al día mediante una vitamina, alimentos fortificados o ambos. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 255) |
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About 2,300 pregnancies in the US are affected by a neural tube defect (NTD) each year, including spina bifida and anencephaly. These birth defects affect the baby’s brain and spine and can happen very early in pregnancy, often before someone knows they are pregnant. Getting 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid daily BEFORE pregnancy can help lower the risk. Healthy habits today can support the life and goals you want for your future. #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 468) |
Unos 2,300 embarazos en EE. UU. se ven afectados cada año por un defecto del tubo neural (como espina bífida o anencefalia). Pueden ocurrir muy temprano en el embarazo, antes de saberlo. Tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico DIARIO ANTES del embarazo puede reducir el riesgo. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 289) |
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Many states track neural tube defects (NTDs), like anencephaly and spina bifida, to better understand how they affect families and communities. Getting 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid before pregnancy can help prevent or lessen the impact of many of these birth defects. Small daily habits today can support your future health. #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 339) |
Muchos estados registran defectos del tubo neural, como anencefalia y espina bífida, para entender su impacto. Tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico antes del embarazo puede prevenir muchos de estos defectos o disminuir la gravedad de varios defectos al nacer. Pequeños hábitos diarios hoy apoyan tu salud futura. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 277) |
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Vitamin folic acid is the only type of folate shown to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. You can get folic acid from supplements and enriched foods like bread, cereals, pasta, and rice. It is also important to eat folate-rich foods as part of a healthy and balanced diet. #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 334) |
El ácido fólico es la forma de folato que ha demostrado ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna vertebral. Se obtiene en suplementos y en alimentos enriquecidos (panes, cereales, pasta, arroz). También es importante comer alimentos ricos en folato como parte de una dieta sana. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 318) |
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Timing matters. Neural tube defects (NTDs), birth defects of the brain and spine, happen very early in pregnancy, before many know they’re pregnant. That’s why women who could become pregnant are encouraged to get 400mcg of vitamin folic acid every day. A small step today can support your future health tomorrow. #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 351) |
¡El momento importa! Los defectos graves del cerebro y la columna ocurren muy temprano en el embarazo, antes de que muchas sepan que están embarazadas. Por eso se recomienda que quienes pueden quedar embarazadas tomen 400 mcg de ácido fólico cada día. Un pequeño paso hoy protege tu salud mañana. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 317) |
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Even with healthy eating habits, it can be hard to get enough folate from food alone to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), birth defects of the brain and spine. For example, you would have to eat around 4 cups of broccoli a day to get close to the recommended 400 mcg of folic acid daily. That’s why adding a daily vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid to your routine can help ensure you get what you need! Questions about vitamins or supplements? Talk with your doctor about your options. #DearFutureMe (character count: 494) |
Aunque comas sano, puede ser difícil obtener suficiente folato solo de los alimentos. Por ejemplo, haría falta casi 4 tazas de brócoli al día para acercarse a 400 mcg. Añadir un multivitamínico diario con 400 mcg de ácido fólico puede ayudar. ¿Dudas? Habla con tu médico. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 292) |
Posts for women not planning a pregnancy
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Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps support new cell growth (think hair, skin, and nails) and can help prevent serious defects of the brain and spine. Even if pregnancy isn’t part of your plans right now, small steps today can support your future self. #DearFutureMe (character count: 269) |
El ácido fólico es una vitamina B que ayuda al crecimiento de nuevas células (p. ej., cabello, piel y uñas) y puede prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna. vertebral. Aunque no planees un embarazo ahora, pequeños pasos hoy pueden apoyar a tu yo del futuro. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 289) |
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Already have a vitamin with folic acid but forget to take it sometimes? Try linking it to a daily habit like brushing your teeth, setting an alarm, or keeping it in a pillbox somewhere you’ll see it. Small routines can make healthy habits easier. #DearFutureMe (character count: 247) |
¿Tienes ya una vitamina con ácido fólico pero a veces se te olvida tomarla? Intenta vincularla a un hábito diario como cepillarte los dientes, poner una alarma o dejarla en un pastillero visible. Las pequeñas rutinas facilitan los hábitos saludables. ¡Tú puedes hacerlo! #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 292) |
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Trying to find an affordable multivitamin? Store brands and a folic acid-only supplement can be good options. Some communities and health programs may also offer free or low-cost vitamins. Check with your local health department for more information. #DearFutureMe (character count: 264) |
¿Buscas un multivitamínico económico? |
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Need a little more self-care? Start by taking a multivitamin that has folic acid in it every day! #DearFutureMe (character count: 117) |
¿Necesitas un poco más de autocuidado? Empieza tomando cada día un multivitamínico que contenga ácido fólico. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 130) |
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Need a small act of self-care today? Starting a daily vitamin with folic acid can be one simple step to support your health and future goals. #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 178) |
¿Quieres un pequeño acto de autocuidado hoy? Empezar una vitamina diaria con ácido fólico puede ser un paso simple para apoyar tu salud y tus metas futuras. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 178) |
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Some pharmacies and health programs offer free or low-cost vitamins with folic acid. A daily vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid is one small step that can help support your health and help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine in a future pregnancy. Find a pharmacy that participates in a vitamin program at https://www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/programs/healthy-kids-free-vitamins/ #DearFutureMe #FolicAcidForFutureMe (character count: 429) |
Algunas farmacias y programas de salud ofrecen vitaminas con ácido fólico gratis o a bajo costo. Un multivitamínico diario con 400 mcg de ácido fólico es un pequeño paso que puede apoyar tu salud y ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna en un embarazo futuro. Encuentra una farmacia participante: https://www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/programs/healthy-kids-free-vitamins/ #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 407-because of link) |
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Questions about folic acid and MTHFR? Studies show that vitamin folic acid can help support healthy baby development, including for people with common MTHFR gene variants. Scientists continue learning more about folic acid and MTHFR, and a doctor or healthcare professional can help answer questions you may have. Learn more by visiting @CDC for the latest information: https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr/ #DearFutureMe (character count: 436) |
¿Preguntas sobre ácido fólico y MTHFR? Los estudios muestran que el ácido fólico ayuda al desarrollo saludable del bebé, incluso en personas con variantes comunes del gen MTHFR. La investigación sigue, y un médico puede responder tus dudas.Más info en @CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr/ #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 331) |
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Behind every data point is a child, a family, and a future. That’s one reason many states track neural tube defects (NTDs), like anencephaly and spina bifida. Daily vitamin folic acid before pregnancy can help prevent these serious birth defects! #DearFutureMe (character count: 261) |
Detrás de cada dato hay un niño, una familia y un futuro. Por eso muchos estados registran los defectos del tubo neural (anencefalia, espina bífida). Tomar ácido fólico todos los días antes del embarazo puede ayudar a prevenir estos defectos graves. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 270) |
Posts for Women planning a pregnancy
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Did you know serious birth defects of the brain and spine can happen before someone may know they’re pregnant? That’s why getting 400mcg of vitamin folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy matters. #DearFutureMe (character count: 222) |
¿Sabías que defectos graves del cerebro y la columna pueden ocurrir antes de saber que estás embarazada? Por eso es importante tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico todos los días antes y durante el inicio del embarazo. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 232) |
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Some people start taking a multivitamin after learning they’re pregnant, but vitamin folic acid is important BEFORE and during early pregnancy. A daily vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid can help prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida. #DearFutureMe (character count: 245) |
Algunas personas comienzan un multivitamínico al saber que están embarazadas, pero el ácido fólico es importante ANTES y durante el inicio del embarazo. Un multivitamínico diario con 400 mcg de ácido fólico puede ayudar a prevenir defectos graves como la espina bífida. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 290) |
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Questions about folic acid and MTHFR? Even with MTHFR gene variants, your body can still use and process all types of folate, including folic acid. Studies support folic acid for helping prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Learn more [short link]. #DearFutureMe (character count: …) |
¿Preguntas sobre ácido fólico y MTHFR? Incluso con variantes del gen MTHFR, tu cuerpo puede usar y procesar tipos de folato, incluido el ácido fólico. Los estudios apoyan el uso de ácido fólico para ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna. Más info: https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr/ #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 342-because of link) |
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Planning for the future can start with small healthy habits today. Getting 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid daily before and during pregnancy can help prevent serious birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. #DearFutureMe (character count: 223) |
Planear el futuro puede empezar con pequeños hábitos saludables hoy. Tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico cada día antes y durante el embarazo puede ayudar a prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna del bebé. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 232) |
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Your family’s health story can start with small steps today! Neural tube defects (NTDs) happen very early in pregnancy, often before you know you are pregnant. That’s why getting 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid daily BEFORE and during early pregnancy is important. Healthy habits, like taking vitamin folic acid and eating a healthy folate-rich diet (leafy greens) now can support the future you’re building for your family. #DearFutureMe (character count: 438) |
¡La salud de tu familia puede empezar con pequeños pasos hoy! Los defectos del tubo neural (DTN) ocurren muy temprano en el embarazo, a menudo antes de saberlo. Por eso es importante tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico cada día ANTES y al inicio del embarazo. Hábitos como tomar ácido fólico y comer verduras de hoja apoyan el futuro de tu familia.#QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 362) |
Posts for healthcare or medical professionals
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Healthcare professionals: You can help your patients build healthy habits over time. Talking with your patients about nutrition, vitamin folic acid, and preventive health during routine visits can support future pregnancy health and overall well-being. #DearFutureMe (character count: 267) |
Profesionales de la salud: pueden ayudar a sus pacientes a crear hábitos saludables con el tiempo. Hablar sobre nutrición, ácido fólico y prevención en las visitas de rutina puede apoyar la salud de futuros embarazos y el bienestar general. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 263) |
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Many patients may not know that neural tube defects, serious birth defects of the brain and spine, occur very early in pregnancy, often before they know they are pregnant. As medical professionals, you can support prepregnancy health by discussing importance of getting 400 mcg of vitamin folic acid daily, eating a healthy diet, and other healthy habits during routine care- not just pregnancy planning visits. These discussions can help reduce the risk of these serious birth defects. #DearFutureMe (character count: 501) |
Muchos pacientes no saben que los defectos del tubo neural, defectos graves del cerebro y la columna, ocurren muy temprano en el embarazo, a menudo antes de saberlo. Como profesionales, apoyen la salud preconcepcional hablando de tomar 400 mcg de ácido fólico diario, dieta sana y otros hábitos en la atención rutinaria. Estas charlas pueden reducir el riesgo.#QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 380) |
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Prepregnancy health conversations matter, even when pregnancy is not part of your patient’s immediate plans. Routine discussions about vitamin folic and the benefits of getting 400 mcg daily can help patients make informed choices that support their future health and any future pregnancies. Daily vitamin folic acid before pregnancy can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. #DearFutureMe (character count: 411) |
Las conversaciones sobre salud antes del embarazo importan, aunque el embarazo no sea inmediato. Hablar de ácido fólico y de los beneficios de tomar 400 mcg diarios ayuda a que los pacientes tomen decisiones informadas para su salud y futuras gestaciones. El ácido fólico diario antes del embarazo puede prevenir defectos graves del cerebro y la columna. #QueridoYoDelFuturo (número de caracteres: 376) |
Infographic WITH NBDPN branding/ logos
Infographic WITHOUT NBDPN branding/ logos
OTHER RESOURCES
March of Dimes
- Before or Between Pregnancies: Folic Acid
- PeriStats Maternal and Infant Health-related Data
- Folic Acid: self-reported multivitamin use in the month before pregnancy
- Birth Defects: prevalence of Spina Bfida or Anencephaly
Unique Tools and Resources from State Programs
Food Folate Food Game - Florida Folic Acid Coalition
Plan meals with foods high in folate below and supplement with 400mcg of folic acid!
Folic Acid: Your Vitamin For Life - Arkansas Folic Acid Coalition website
Folic Acid Take it for Your Health - Michigan Department of Community Health
Brochures featuring women from diverse communities available in English, Arabic, and Spanish
Recent Publications
Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects: 30 Years of Opportunity and Controversies
Changes in Spina Bifida Lesion Level After Folic Acid Fortification in the US
Mai CT, Evans J, Alverson CJ, et al. Changes in Spina Bifida Lesion Level After Folic Acid Fortification in the US [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 27]. J Pediatr. 2022;S0022-3476(22)00597-2. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.06.023
Trends in Multivitamin Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: United States, 2006-2016
Wong EC, Rose CE, Flores AL, Yeung LF. Trends in Multivitamin Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: United States, 2006-2016. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(1):37-45. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7075
Page Citations
- Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Viswanathan M, Urrutia RP, Hudson KN, et al. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2023 Aug. (Evidence Synthesis, No. 230.) Chapter 1, Introduction.
- Get Enough Folic Acid
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024 Jun. Overview.
- National population-based estimates for major birth defects, 2016-2020
Stallings, E. B., Isenburg, J. L., Rutkowski, R. E., Kirby, R. S., Nembhard, W.N., Sandidge, T., Villavicencio, S., Nguyen, H. H., McMahon, D. M., Nestoridi, E., Pabst, L. J. Birth Defects Research. 2024 Jan;116(1), e2301. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.2301. PMID: 38277408; PMCID: PMC10898112.
Social Media Messaging
We have created content you can use to help spread the word about folic acid during Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW) or any time throughout the year!
Below are images with and without the NBDPN logo, so states and partners can use the images while staying within their communication policies. The version without NBDPN’s logo is available in both English and Spanish.
Social Media Images WITH NBDPN branding/logos
Please use these images created by NBDPN to create your own folic acid posts.