New BC Pill adds folate

A new oral contraceptive that contains folic acid has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells and is critical for pregnant women because it helps prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine such as spina bifida.

The tablet, called Beyaz, has both estrogen and progestin but also contains a folate, a B-vitamin essential for cell growth and reproduction.