What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a man-made supplement that you are advised to take while you are trying for a baby and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. The natural form of folic acid is folate and is found in green leafy vegetables, breakfast cereal, bread and sandwich spreads. You can’t get enough folate in diet alone and therefore a supplement is recommended.
What does it do and why is it important?
Folic acid helps to prevent development problems such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These are called neural tube defects, where the baby’s spinal cord or brain does not develop as it should. Spina bifida can lead to bladder, bowel or mobility problems with the baby. Many years ago, it was discovered that too little folate in the diet caused an increase in these conditions. By recommending folic acid supplements the incidence is now much lower.
What dose do I need to take?
The usual recommended dose is 400 micrograms a day
Sometimes you will be advised to take a higher dose of folic acid (5 milligrams a day) and this needs to be prescribed by a doctor.
If you have an increased chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect you will be advised to take the higher dose. You have an increased chance if – you or your partner have a neural tube defect, if there is a family history, or if you have had a previous baby affected. Also, if you have diabetes, epilepsy or have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis which can affect the absorption of food and medicines. If you have a raised BMI you will also be advised to take the 5mg dose. Also if you are diagnosed with a twins in early pregnancy.
Folic acid can be bought as small tablets from a supermarket or pharmacy. It isn’t expensive. It is often included in a multivitamin specifically for use in pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/folic-acid/