Folic acid

About Folic Acid

This belongs to the group of medicines known as vitamins and minerals.

Folic Acid is also sometimes known as vitamin B₉

Vitamins are substances required by the body in small amounts for growth and general health. We can usually get the amounts we need from the food that we eat, but some people, for various reasons, may not receive enough from their diet alone. Folic Acid is important for the production of blood and lack of it can lead to anaemia, which can cause tiredness, breathlessness and infections. Folic Acid may be used alongside other medicines to treat some types of anaemia.

It has been shown that taking Folic Acid supplements decreases the chance of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in the baby. Because neural tube defects occur before a woman knows she is pregnant, it is especially important that women start taking supplements before they become pregnant.

It is recommended that all women planning to become pregnant increase the amount of Folic Acid in their diets either by eating more of the foods which contain it (see below) or by taking a supplement. The Department of Health recommends a supplement of 400 micrograms a day from before conception to at least the twelfth week of pregnancy to prevent occurence. To prevent recurrence of neural tube defect, if there is a family history, a supplement of 4mg is recommended.

Certain conditions may make you more likely to have a lack of Folic Acid. These include alcoholism, continuing diarrhoea and liver disease.

Folic Acid is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Calcia Plus Folic Acid; Cantassium; Folicare; Lexpec; Preconceive Folic Acid; Pure Health Folic Acid. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Folic Acid

Before taking Folic Acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have epilepsy
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Folic Acid

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you miss a dose of Folic Acid, take it as soon as you remember.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Folic Acid contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Folic Acid.
• Folic Acid supplements may cause your urine to become more yellow than normal. This is to be expected and is no cause for concern.
• Folic Acid is found in various foods including lettuce, raw or lightly cooked green vegetables such as spinach, Brussel sprouts, broccoli and green beans; potatoes, fruits and nuts. Some breakfast cereals and breads are fortified with Folic Acid - check the labels.
• Folic Acid is also found in liver, but women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid liver and liver products (e.g. pate) because of the high levels of vitamin A present.
• It is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables wherever possible since they contain the most vitamins. Cooking may destroy vitamins. For example, heat may reduce the amount of Folic Acid in foods. If they are cooked, green vegetables should be cooked for a short time only in as little water as possible. Better still, cook your vegetables in a microwave, a steamer or stir fry them.

Can Folic Acid cause problems?

Folic Acid supplements are unlikely to cause any side effects. However, if you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Folic Acid

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 27/06/2005