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Folic acid

We all need folic acid (or folate) to make DNA. DNA carries the genetic information that controls the correct development and function of every single cell in our bodies. You need extra folic acid during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks while your baby’s body is being formed. Not enough folic acid at this time may, in some women, cause a problem with the developing brain and spinal cord in her baby. This is what is meant by a neural tube defect or NTD.

Although these problems are rare, the UK government advises all pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant to take a folic acid supplement. Extra folic acid is particularly important for women who have already had a baby with a NTD.

Folic acid supplements

The normal dose is 0.4mg (sometimes described as 400 mcg) a day. Folic acid supplements are available on prescription from your family doctor or midwife. In the UK, National Health Service prescriptions are free to pregnant women. If you are not entitled to free prescriptions, it is cheaper to buy a folic acid supplement from a chemist’s shop or supermarket than pay for a prescription. Ask the pharmacist for advice.

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

Folic acid in food

The UK government advises pregnant women to also increase the amount of folic acid in their diet. All of these foods are good sources of folic acid but the foods towards the top of the list have the highest levels of folic acid:

  • Green leafy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, spinach and broccoli
  • Other vegetables - especially beans, peas, cabbage, potatoes and cauliflower
  • Tinned baked beans
  • Fruits - particularly citrus fruits and kiwi fruit
  • Fortified breakfast cereals and bread (check the nutritional information charts on packets or look for the ‘contains folic acid’ symbol)

If you want to know more about folic acid speak with your midwife or family doctor or contact the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH)