"Generally, a large glass of orange juice and a bowl of fortified cereal can provide a woman with at least one-half of her recommended folic acid for the day," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Folic acid works best for a woman and her baby very early in the first month of pregnancy, a time when most women don't know that they're pregnant. That is why it is important for women of child bearing age to make folic acid a part of their diets before they become pregnant," he added.

High amounts of folic acid are found in a variety of foods such as:

* Fruits and Juices: orange and pineapple fruit juices, cantaloupe, grapefruit, strawberries,

bananas and pears

* Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, brussel sprouts, asparagus, corn, cabbage, beets,

Romaine and leaf lettuce, cauliflower, peas and artichokes

* Cereals and Grains: fortified breads and cereals, bran muffins, tofu, flour tortilla, rice and pasta

* Beans/Legumes: lentils, black-eyed peas, chick peas, pinto beans, lima beans, baked beans,

kidney beans navy beans and green beans

"Some women have a greater need for folic acid in their diets," said Dr. Adel. "A woman who has had a baby with brain or spinal defects (neural tube defect) is at a high risk of having another baby with the same defects. She should consult with her doctor before planning her next pregnancy," he added.