{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Folic Acid Facts &amp; Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know \u2013 with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik (@ScienceWhizLiz)","description":"In this special Folic Acid Awareness Week episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, PhD\u2014a biomedical scientist, mom, and science communicator better known as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram. Together, they unpack the science behind folic acid, its critical role in early pregnancy, and why it's one of the most important (yet misunderstood) nutrients for people of childbearing age. From real talk on neural tube defect prevention to busting social media myths like \u201cfolic acid causes tongue ties\u201d or \u201cMTHFR mutations mean folic acid isn\u2019t safe,\u201d this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical guidance for both healthcare providers and future parents alike. \ud83e\udde0 Key Topics Covered:   What folic acid is and why it matters for pregnancy   The difference between folic acid and folate   When folic acid is most critical (hint: before you know you're pregnant!)   Myths and misinformation about folic acid\u2014especially on social media   What the research really says about MTHFR gene mutations   How to support patients with dietary restrictions or supplement concerns   Why more folic acid is not always better   \ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695\ufe0f Guest Bio: Dr. Elisabeth Marnik is a biomedical scientist with a PhD from Tufts University and The Jackson Laboratory, where she studied immune system function, autoimmune disease, and vaccine response. She\u2019s also a passionate science communicator who makes complex topics clear and relatable for thousands of followers as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram. \ud83d\udd17 Resources Mentioned:   Learn more about folic acid: MotherToBaby Folic Acid Fact Sheet   Contact a MotherToBaby specialist (free &amp;amp; confidential):   Call: 866-626-6847   Text: 855-999-3525   Chat: MotherToBaby.org     Follow Dr. Marnik: @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram   \ud83d\udcac Have a Question or Topic Idea? We\u2019d love to hear from you! Email us at contactus@mothertobaby.org. \ud83d\udcf1 Subscribe &amp;amp; Listen On: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible | iHeartRadio | Or wherever you get your podcasts \ud83d\udc9b Support Our Work: Help us keep this podcast free and accessible. Join our monthly giving community, Encircle, to support parents and families with trusted pregnancy and breastfeeding information. Learn more at MotherToBaby.org\/Donate ","author_name":"The MotherToBaby Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/mothertobaby.org\/podcast\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37720950\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/37720950"}