Folic acid is common among functional ingredients for expectant mothers.
The list of functional ingredients added to foods often includes folic acid due to its importance in baby development, it has been noted.
Sarah Montagu, admin secretary at the Association of Radical Midwives, explains that folic acid plays an important role in the development of a baby's nervous system.
As such, it is among the functional ingredients commonly added to foods consumed by pregnant women.
"Eating well is important so that the mum is well nourished," Ms Montagu says.
She adds that this can include "eating foods that are high in folic acid - and she can take folic acid supplements as well".
However, it is not only the food consumed that has an impact on conception and the success of the reproductive cycle.
Ms Montagu recommends that other lifestyle issues - such as smoking and consuming alcohol - should also be tackled by people who are trying to conceive.
