Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the important B vitamins. It's found naturally in many foods, and is added to some manufactured foods. This vitamin is vital for the growth and health of all the cells in the body. Folic acid is very important in the early stages of pregnancy, or if you are planning a pregnancy.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant they you should take folic acid supplement to help prevent babies from being affected by such disease as spina bifida.

It is currently recommended that a daily dose of 400mcg (0.4mg) folic acid tablet for at least three months before becoming pregnant and for 12 weeks into your pregnancy.

If you become pregnant unexpectedly, start taking a folic acid tablet every day until the twelfth week, and eat more foods which contain folic acid.

If you suffer from epilepsy, consult your family doctor before taking a folic acid supplement. Your epilepsy may affect your folic acid needs.

Foods which contain natural folic acid. If you have had a previous pregnacy where the baby has had a tubal defect, consult your GP about the correct dosage of Follic Acid to take.

• Green vegetables, including spinach, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peas.
• Some bread and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid ø check the label.
• Some fruit, including oranges, grapefruit, and bananas.
• Beans and pulses, especially black-eyed beans and chick peas.
• Milk and yoghurt.
• Yeast extracts (taken as a drink or a spread).

For current information please visit the National Instuite of Clinical Excellence (NICE) at www.nice.org.uk and search 'antenatal care'.