Every so often, government-backed associations get on the horn about some health campaign -- which surprisingly turns out to be quite effective. This morning a gaggle of gym locker gossip-mongers were chatting up the benefits of folic acid, which I would ordinarily brush off as another one of their faddish tales, except for the fact that my mother asked me about my folic acid intake just a few days before. I knew somebody had to be lapping up some news report, and indeed they were. Apparently the Scottish Spina Bifida Association reported a rise in the number of infants born with the birth defects; the rate doubled in the last year. They advise "all women of child-bearing age to take extra folic acid." A similar US campaign was initiated in 1998, after which the number of cases declined 31%. The UK Press maintains that long-term use of folic acid prevents the condition, which often leads to paralysis from the waist down and other damage to the infant's nervous system. At this point, thinking about children isn't a huge motivator. Keeping up with vitamins that supposedly, invisibly help my body function can be tough. Luckily, folic acid, as well as a slew of other vitamins, often have a visible effect on what you see in the mirror every day.

Obviously too much of a good thing is often bad; in fact, ODing on super-fortified foods will probably have the opposite of the desired effects. The key is balance, and even after years of yoga, I am the last person to tell you how to achieve that. Speak to your physician before you bolt over to Organic Avenue.

Vitamin: Folic Acid Eat: Spinach, asparagus, lettuces, beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds. Health Benefits: Aids the synthesis, repair, and functioning of DNA, prevents depression and anemia, as well as cancer. Beauty Benefits: Those nagging skin discolorations you've collected via sun exposure and hormonal changes could see their final days. And since it aids in cell synthesis, you skin benefits in radiance from consistent replenishment. Product: Nivea DNAge Visage Night Cream.

Vitamin: C Eat: Rose hip, red pepper, parsley, guava, broccoli, strawberries, oranges. Health Benefits: Highly effective antioxidant, aiding in overall tissue repair, and reducing the chance of chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Beauty Benefits: Widely accepted as an anti-aging tool, plumps up skin, and prevents hair loss. Product: MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum available at Sephora.

Vitamin: E Eat: Asparagus, avocado, egg, milk, nuts. Health Benefits: Prevents prostate cancer, reduces cholesterol, and aids in weight loss. Careful: too much E is bad for your health. Beauty Benefits: The whole "aids in weight loss" thing sounds pretty good, but it also helps to repair stretch marks and scars. When used topically, it helps blemishes and extremely dry skin. Product: Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Scrub available at Bloomingdale's

Vitamin: B3 Eat: Meat, mushrooms, milk, peanuts and other high-protein foods. Health Benefits: Migraine miracle worker, and is said to help with arthritis as well. Beauty Benefits: Bye-bye red, peely skin! The windburned, between-the-seasons look is remedied when used- especially when used topically. For lotions and skin treatments, look for B3 in products that contain niacinamide -- which is also B3. Product: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer.