Folic acid Polarised light micrograph of crystals of folic acid folacin a member of the vitamin B complex Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of pregnant women giving birth to children with spine or brain defects These defects such as spina bifida can occur in the embryo in the first stages of pregnancy women of childbearing age and in early pregnancy are encouraged to include folic acid in their diets Folic acid is a coenzyme needed for forming body protein and haemoglobin Dietary sources of folic acid include liver leafy green vegetables legumes like peas and beans nuts whole grains and brewers yeast Magnification x at xcm size