Folic acid is particularly important before and during pregnancy. It belongs to the group of B-vitamins and serves the primary purpose of preventing certain birth defects such as neural tube defects that can occur in the form of spina bifida. That’s why most governmental health bodies such as the German DGE (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) recommend a daily intake of 0.4mg for pregnant and soon to be pregnant mums. Foods containing folic acid are: salads, spinach, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, pulses, oranges and wholemeal products.