Description

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. Your body needs folate to produce healthy new cells and red blood cells. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in periods of rapid growth and development.

Folic acid is found in supplements and fortified foods. Natural folate is found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, citrus fruits and some whole grains.

Why Do We Need Folic Acid

Folic acid has a number of important functions. For instance, it helps the body to produce healthy red blood cells. A lack of folate can lead to folate-deficiency anaemia.

Folic acid is particularly important before and during early pregnancy. Taking 400 mcg each day before you become pregnant and during your first 12 weeks of pregnancy may lower the chances of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Folic Acid In Pregnancy

All women who are planning a pregnancy or who could become pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day. Ideally, supplementation should start pre-conception and continue through 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Some people might need a higher prescribed dose (due to certain medical or pregnancy-related risk factors). So talk to a doctor or chemist before you begin taking a more powerful supplement.

Folate-containing foods

A well-rounded diet can also help you increase your dietary folate intake. Good sources are:

• Spinach and other green, leafy vegetables
• Broccoli (2)
• Chickpeas, beans
• Green Peas)
• Citrus fruits
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Whole grain enriched products

A varied diet supplies many important nutrients, but pregnancy guidance recommends a supplement of folic acid because food alone may not provide the recommended amount.

Can You Get Too Much Folic Acid?

Yes. More isn’t always better. High doses of folic acid can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which may allow nerve damage to go unnoticed and progress.

So, get 400 mcg confused with 400 mg. If your product is labelled 400 mg, talk to a healthcare professional before taking it.

FAQs

400 mg folic acid is equal to 400 mcg.

No. 400 mg = 400,000 mcg The recommended pregnancy supplement dose is 400 mcg (0.4 mg), not 400 mg.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid helps your body produce healthy cells and red blood cells. It also helps in early growth of the foetus and reduces the chances of having any neural tube defects in pregnancy.

**When to take folic acid during pregnancy**

Most guidance for those planning pregnancy is 400 mcg daily prior to conception and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some people have circumstances that need a different dose.

Overall

Folic Acid 400mg is a phrase which needs care because the standard pregnancy recommendation is 400 mcg, not 400mg. Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. It’s especially important for women before and during early pregnancy. So always check the strength and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.