Which food is highest in folic acid that a nurse should recommend to a pregnant client?

Green leafy vegetables are the food highest in folic acid, making them an excellent recommendation for a pregnant client. Folic acid, also known as folate in its natural form, plays a crucial role in the production of DNA and is essential for cell division, which is particularly important during the rapid growth and development that occurs in pregnancy. Consuming adequate folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus, underscoring its importance in prenatal nutrition.

Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich sources of folate. They not only provide high levels of this vital nutrient but also offer additional benefits such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the overall health of both the mother and the baby. This makes green leafy vegetables a superior choice compared to other options that contain some folate but in lower amounts. In contrast, oranges, brown rice, and eggs also provide nutritional benefits and contain folate, but they do not match the high levels found in leafy greens.