Folic Acid
Folic Acid 1 mg Tablet is a B-complex vitamin needed by the body to produce red blood cells. It is also important during pregnancy to support the growth of a healthy foetus and reduces unhealthy homocysteine levels in the body.[1]
This water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in food such as fruits, vegetables, liver, yeast and beans. It can also be bought over the counter in supplement form but should not be taken in large doses as it may cause stomach upset, irritability, skin reactions and even seizures.
Possible side effects
Folic acid is a vitamin that is needed for the growth and development of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning of nerves. It is also essential during pregnancy. [2]A deficiency of this vitamin can result in a number of problems, including poor night vision, slow wound healing, reduced sexual development and function, a weak immune system and a reduction in appetite. A dose of folic acid 1 mg tablet can help boost your body’s supply of this important vitamin. However, you may experience some side effects when taking this medication, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to store folic acid tablets
Folic acid is a vitamin B which helps prevent neural tube defects in pregnant women. It can also reduce the risk of certain birth defects in children. It can be found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits. However, folic acid is more bioavailable in a dietary supplement than from food. This makes it a useful way to boost your intake of this important vitamin before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy.[3] Store folic acid tablets in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Contents of the pack and other information
Folic acid is an essential vitamin needed by the body for the production of new cells and to help protect DNA from damage.[4] It is necessary during pregnancy, especially for preventing neural tube defects (birth defects of the developing embryo), and it helps reduce homocysteine levels, which can be associated with a build up of plaques in the arteries and is linked to cardiovascular disease.
It also plays an important role in the treatment of folic acid deficiency, megaloblastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia. It is more bioavailable in dietary supplements than from food, making it easier for the body to absorb. This pack contains 1 folic acid tablet that delivers 400 mcg of folic acid. [5]It is free from added sugar, yeast, preservatives, artificial flavours and colours and is gluten-free.
Other medicines and Folic Acid tablets
Folic acid is an essential B vitamin, which contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells. It is also important for the synthesis of amino acids and the development of healthy immune function. It is a necessary supplement for anyone who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. It is especially important during the early stages of pregnancy to take folic acid supplements as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing foetus. It also regulates a healthy form of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart disease. It can help reduce tiredness and fatigue in pregnant women.[6]
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Folic acid is an important B Vitamin that can be obtained from a wide range of foods but in order to reach an adequate level it may be necessary to take a folic acid supplement. [7]It is particularly essential during pregnancy and breast-feeding as it can help to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the developing foetus. It also helps to regulate healthy homocysteine levels which can contribute to cardiovascular health.
The recommended intake of folic acid for women who are planning to become pregnant is 400 mcg per day from the time of conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy. For best results take 1 tablet daily with a meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Elevit with Iodine contains 800mc folic acid which is shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such spina bifida, as well as iron to help prevent iron deficiency and iodine which assists in the development of baby’s brain. It is advisable to start taking Elevit with Iodine when you first begin to think about having a baby and then continue throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding. One tablet once a day is sufficient.[8]
Folic Acid tablets contain lactose
Folic Acid is a B vitamin which plays a crucial role in normal blood formation, amino acid synthesis and a healthy immune function. It is also important during pregnancy as it contributes to maternal tissue growth and helps to prevent neural tube defects. It also plays an important role in regulating the level of homocysteine in the body.[9]
Lactose is an ingredient that can be found in some folic acid tablets. If you have problems with lactose in your diet or if you suffer from digestive disorders, it is advisable to take a folic acid tablet without lactose.
A daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy should be started before you conceive and continue until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. After this, folic acid can be taken up to the end of your breastfeeding period.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Adults: 1 tablet daily, preferably with food. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.[10]
How to take folic acid tablets
Folic acid, a B vitamin, is found naturally in many foods and contributes to various processes in the body. It is essential for fetal development, especially during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant or are trying to conceive, it is important to take folic acid supplements to ensure you get enough of this vitamin. It is particularly helpful if you are using hormonal contraceptives, which can prevent the body from absorbing folate.[11]
To ensure you get the right amount of folic acid, take one folic acid 1 mg tablet daily, with some liquid during a meal. This can also be taken during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It also contains iron to help prevent iron deficiency and iodine to assist the development of your baby’s brain.[12]
Folic acid is a B vitamin that’s needed by the body to grow and develop. It’s also used to prevent birth defects.
Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. It also may reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorders in children.[13]
How much B vitamins do we need?
B vitamins are essential nutrients that help us to keep our energy levels high, maintain a healthy weight and support nerve function. They also play a role in regulating the thyroid, hormones and sleep.[14]
A deficiency in these vitamins can cause a number of symptoms including fatigue, irritability and poor concentration. They are also needed to produce neurotransmitters, which conduct messages through the brain.
The amount of B vitamins you need depends on several factors, including your age and lifestyle. You need more if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a lot of stress or are taking certain medications, such as oral contraceptives.
Most people need at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. This is a safe daily dose that can reduce the risk of certain health problems, such as heart disease and birth defects.
Folic acid helps in the formation of red blood cells and supports nervous system function. It also lowers the level of homocysteine, a compound that can increase your risk for heart disease.[15]
Many vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes contain folate, and it is fortified in some foods, such as cereals, breads and pastas. In addition, many supplements are fortified with folic acid.
Getting enough folic acid is important for women who are trying to get pregnant or who are pregnant, as it can prevent neural tube birth defects. This is a serious condition that can result in deformities of the spine, brain and nervous system.
For this reason, most pregnant and breastfeeding women need a folic acid supplement. This is especially true for women of childbearing age who are at high risk of developing these disorders, such as those living in nursing homes or who have preeclampsia, a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure.[16]
It is best to take your folic acid supplements with digestive enzymes, to help your body absorb them more effectively. This can be especially important as you get older, when your ability to absorb the nutrients you eat decreases.
Who needs more and why?
Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps with a wide variety of things in the body, but it is especially important during pregnancy. It is required for the formation of red blood cells, synthesis of DNA, and cell differentiation. It can also help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and may even help lower blood pressure.[17]
While most people get enough folic acid from their diets, some people still need more. These include those with certain diseases, such as celiac disease, that prevent their small intestines from absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption syndromes).
For example, they might need more than 400 micrograms of folate per day. Luckily, a variety of foods are fortified with folic acid and supplements are available as well.
A recent survey by the Gallup Organization showed that 40% of women aged 18–45 years report taking a vitamin containing folic acid daily, up from 32% in 2003. This is an important health indicator because it demonstrates that women are aware of this vitamin and are willing to take the effort to consume it.[18]
Despite the high level of awareness, women surveyed were not always aware of the most important feature of the vitamin: that it can prevent birth defects. They also were not convinced that consuming it is the best way to go about it. New in 2004 was a flurry of studies demonstrating that the right combination of diet and supplemental folic acid is the key to lowering the risk of developing these life-altering complications.
Which foods contain B vitamins?
You can get B vitamins from a variety of foods. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (including beans and lentils), seeds, green vegetables and dairy products are all good sources. You can also find them in breakfast cereals and some breads, which are usually labeled fortified with B vitamins.[19]
Some of the most common B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin. They work together to help your body convert carbohydrates and lipids into energy. They can also help you make a substance called hemoglobin, which is used to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Other important B vitamins are folic acid, which is needed to help your body grow and develop properly. It is particularly important for pregnant women and their developing babies, but it also plays an important role in the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids.
Folic acid is available in both natural and synthetic forms. You can get naturally occurring folate in many fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens such as spinach. You can also find it in whole-grain cereals, avocado, nuts, and meats.
Generally, adults need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily; breast-feeding mothers need 500 micrograms a day; and pregnant women and teens need 600 mcg. Taking a folic acid supplement can increase your intake of this vitamin.[20]
The National Institutes of Health recommends that you get a daily dose of folic acid from food or supplements to avoid deficiency. You can get this vitamin from a wide range of foods, such as dark-green leafy vegetables, strawberries, oranges, nuts and beans.
In addition, you can find folic acid in many fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals and some breads. Some of these fortified foods contain up to 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for these vitamins.
If you do not consume enough B vitamins from food, you may need a B-complex supplement, which contains all eight of the essential B vitamins in one tablet. These tablets are easier to take than individual B vitamins.
How to use Folic Acid
Folate, a form of vitamin B9, is a crucial part of the red blood cell production chain and plays a vital role in keeping your brain healthy. It is also a very important component of the immune system, which helps prevent disease and infections and is crucial for wound healing.
There are several ways to obtain folic acid, including through dietary supplements and fortified foods such as cereals, dairy products, legumes, and even beer. Women who are planning a family should start a folic acid regimen at least 3 months before conception to optimize their chances of a successful pregnancy.
The best way to do this is by taking a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid in the form of a single 1 mg tablet. Ideally, this should be taken every day, with the exception of Sundays and major holidays. Besides the obvious health benefits, supplementing with folic acid may help you avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, errands, and missed workdays as well as reduce your risk of miscarriage and other common pregnancies. The one-two punch of a folic acid regimen coupled with healthy eating and exercise will go a long way toward ensuring your and your baby’s healthy development.
