1. Julie Garden-Robinson Food and Nutrition Specialist Module by Bridget Curley Program Assistant

2. The following tips will help you navigate through each module.  Click the left mouse button or the down arrow to continue to the next bullet or slide.  Before you begin you’ll take a presurvey.  The presurvey will open in a new window.  When you are finished with the presurvey close the window to return to the module.  symbolizes a question slide. You’ll need to click your mouse once to see the answer.

3.  symbolizes an Internet Mission. You’ll need to click on the link listed to answer the question.  After visiting the site, close the Internet browser to return to the module.  Click your mouse once to see the answer.  When you are finished with the module, you will take a post-survey.  The post-survey will open in a new window.  When you are finished with the post-survey, close the window to return to the module.

4. Time to Take the Pre-survey  We would like to learn how much you know before taking part in this activity  You will take the same quiz at the end of the lesson to see what you have learned.  Click here to begin the presurvey!here

5. Defining Folic Acid  A “B” vitamin the body needs to produce:  Healthy cells  Healthy blood  The natural form, “folate,” is found in some foods.  The man-made form, “folic acid,” is found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements

6. Why is Folic Acid Important? a. Shown to reduce 70% of birth defects b. May reduce heart disease and stroke risks c. May lower cancer risk d. All of the above

7. Folic Acid and Birth Defects  What are common birth defects affected by folic acid intake?  Visit this link to find out.link  Neural Tube Defects  Affect baby’s brain or spine  Spina bifida – spine and back bones do not close all the way  Anencephaly – brain and skull bones do not form correctly

8. Spina bifida  The spinal cord and back bones do not form correctly.  A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back.  Most children live full lives but often have lifelong disabilities.

9. Anencephaly  The brain and skull bones do not form correctly.  Part or all of the brain and skull bones may be missing.  Babies die before or shortly after birth.

10. Folic Acid and Women  Folic acid is especially important for women  Should a women who is not planning on having a baby take folic acid?  Click here to find out.here  Yes! Every women needs folic acid to make healthy cells.

11. True or False  All women childbearing age are encouraged to consume 400 micrograms (mcg) daily  This may prevent birth defects that develop before the woman knows she is pregnant. True

12. How Much Folic Acid Do You Need? Age in Years1-34-89-1314-1819+ Adult (mcg/day*)150200300400 Pregnancy (mcg/day*) N/A 600 *mcg/day means micrograms per day Go to the Folic Acid: A Vitamin at Any Age publication by clicking here to find out.here

13. Where Can You Find Folic Acid? Visit this fact sheet to find out.fact sheet

14. What Foods Contain Folic Acid?  Folic acid is added to some grains such as:  Pasta  Breads  Cereals  Rice  Folate is naturally found in:  Leafy green vegetables  Cooked dry edible beans  Broccoli  Peanuts  Citrus fruits

15. Folic Acid on Nutrition Labels Did you know folic acid is listed on some Nutrition Facts labels (especially cereal)? Look here to see a sample label.here

16. What About Fortification?  Why are some foods fortified with folic acid?  Find out here.here  Not everyone takes a folic acid supplement  Adding folic acid to foods helps people meet the daily recommended 400 mcg

17. How Much is “Too Much?”  1000mcg is the upper limit for folic acid.  Too much folic acid may hide Vitamin B 12 deficiencies. Click here to find out.here

18. Folic Acid Absorption Man-made folic acid (in cereals and supplements) is easier for the body to use than folate naturally found in foods

19. Is Folic Acid for Everyone?  Folic acid has benefits for males and females.  Click here to find out more.here  Folic acid’s relationship to lowering risk of heart disease is being studied.

20. It’s Time to Take the Post-survey!  After completing all the activities and review questions, you are ready to take the survey. Good luck!  Click here to take the survey.here  The next two slides show additional resources, so check those out after the survey.

21. Check out these Publications  Can we talk? …about folic acid… Can we talk? …about folic acid…  Folic Acid: A Vitamin Important at Any Age Folic Acid: A Vitamin Important at Any Age  Born Too Soon and Too Small: Questions and Answers About Prematurity Born Too Soon and Too Small: Questions and Answers About Prematurity

22. For More Information:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs.htm www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs.htm  National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements  http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp  Linus Pauling Institute/Oregon State University  http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/fa / http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/fa /  March of Dimes  www.marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes.com  North Dakota Wheat Commission  www.ndwheat.com/uploads/resources/390/folicacidconsumption.pdf www.ndwheat.com/uploads/resources/390/folicacidconsumption.pdf