Folic Acid

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic Acid is a water soluble B vitamin. It is a supplement and is found in many foods such as breads and breakfast cereals. It occurs naturally in beans, pulses, oranges, green vegetables and yeast and beef extracts.

Why Do I Need Folic Acid?

If you are trying to become pregnant, taking folic acid can help to protect your baby against neural tube defects like spina bifida. Research has shown that mothers who take supplements of folic acid help the spine to develop properly.

What Are Neural Tube Defects And Spina Bifida?

As the baby develops inside the womb, the spine develops out of the neural tube. If the neural tube does not form properly, the bones in the spine do not develop properly leaving a gap. This means the spinal chord and nerves are damaged. This condition is called spina bifida. Spina bifida affects babies in different ways. A person with spina bifida may be physically dependent on others and unable to walk properly.

Are Some Mothers More Prone To Spina Bifida Babies Than Others?

No. A spina bifida baby may be born to anyone regardless of:-

• Age
• Whether or not you are a first time mother
• The mothers health
• Spina bifida in the family

How Can I Make Sure That I Get Enough Folic Acid?

Although folic acid is found naturally in many foods, it is very difficult to get enough to protect your baby through your normal diet alone. Daily folic acid supplements can be bought over the counter in supermarkets and chemists shops. They are cheap and easy to take.

Foods that contain folic acid include:-

• Beans including baked beans and green beans
• Cauliflowers
• Courgettes
• Peppers
• potatoes
• Brussel sprouts
• Grains and breakfast cereals
• Iceburg lettuce
• Peas
• yoghurt
• Beef extract
• Kale, spinach,cabbage, spring greens and other green leafy vegetables
• Granary and other high grain breads
• Broccoli
• Parsnips
• Chick peas, kidney beans, lentils, soya beans
• Oranges and orange juice
• Eggs
• Brown rice
• Wholegrain pasta

How Much Do I Need To Take?

If you have just stopped using contraception and are trying to become pregnant, take a 400mg supplement daily, now until the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy.

Try to eat more breads and breakfast cereals and look for information on the packaging that tells you that the food has been fortified with folic acid.

Consult your doctor before taking folic acid supplements if you have a history of neural tube defects in your family or if you are epileptic.

I Am Already Pregnant. Do I Need Folic Acid?

Yes. Start taking folic acid supplements as soon as you can. Continue with your supplements until the twelfth week of pregnancy.

If you are over twelve weeks pregnant and have not taken folic acid supplements, try not to worry, most babies are born healthy.

Can Folic Acid Be Harmful?

Folic acid has no side effects in women of child bearing age.If you intake more than you need, your body will get rid of the waste.