Description

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, or vitamin B9. Folate is required to form healthy cells and red blood cells in the body. Also, enough folate is important during pregnancy because it helps the baby’s brain and spinal cord develop early in the pregnancy.

Thus, folic acid supplements may be important if dietary intake is inadequate.

What Is Folic Acid Used For?

Physicians and healthcare providers may recommend folic acid to prevent or treat folate deficiency. Deficiency can cause certain types of anaemia.

Also, folic acid is important before and during early pregnancy. Taking 400 mcg a day before you get pregnant and during the first 12 weeks can lower the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

400mg vs 400mcg folic acid

This is an important distinction.

400 mcg = 0.4 mg. 400 mg = 400000 mcg. These are very different numbers.

So never assume that “400mg” and “400mcg” are the same thing. Read product labels carefully and ask a chemist or doctor if the strength is not clear.

Dietary Sources of Folate

A good balanced diet will also give you folate from natural sources. Good sources are:

• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Broccoli (2)
• Green Peas)
• Chickpeas, beans
• Citrus fruits
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Whole grain enriched products

But through pregnancy food may not provide the recommended amount of folic acid and so the advice is often to take supplements.

How Much Folic Acid Is Needed?

People who are thinking about getting pregnant or might get pregnant are advised by NHS guidance to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day before pregnancy and until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

But some people may need a higher prescription dose because of certain risk factors. So don’t take a high-strength supplement without professional advice.

FAQs

The answer is yes, 400mg of Folic Acid is the same as 400mcg of Folic Acid.

400mg is a lot more than 400mcg. No. The usual supplement recommended during pregnancy is 400 mcg, or 0.4 mg.

What is the need for folic acid in pregnancy?

Folic acid helps with the early development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

Do men need folic acid?

Folate is a B vitamin that everyone requires. Most people can get enough folate from a varied, balanced diet, but supplements may be recommended if a deficiency is found.

Summary

When searching for Folic Acid 400mg, always make sure the product you are looking for is really 400mcg (0.4mg). This simple distinction may help to prevent potentially serious dosing errors. In the end, select the strength advised by a qualified healthcare professional and follow the product label carefully.