Folic Acid

Pomegreat juice drinks contain a full day’s supply (100% RDA) of folic acid in just one 250ml glass.

Folic acid is recommended for both men and women when trying to conceive.

Other good sources of folic acid include green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sprouts etc.) and brown rice.

For more information, please check out our folic acid facts below:

Folic Acid Facts

What is folic acid?

Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group of vitamins. We all take it in small amounts, because it's found in certain foods.

It occurs naturally in foods such as beans and pulses, green vegetables yeast and beef extracts. Cooked black eyed peas, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli contain particularly high levels.
Some foods are also fortified with folic acid, such as certain breads and breakfast cereals. Products with extra folic acid should display a round symbol with the letter 'F' in the centre.

If I eat a balanced diet do I need to take extra folic acid?**

Many women with a good diet may have sufficient folic acid intake for pregnancy simply from their food without the need for extra folic acid. You will probably not know if your body needs folic acid when you are trying to become pregnant. Even mothers who have an adequate diet may have insufficient folic acid because the body is not absorbing it from food and using it efficiently.
An increase in folic acid is thus recommended for every woman trying to conceive to be sure that your intake is sufficient. When you are not pregnant folic acid is removed from the blood fairly quickly but in pregnancy the kidneys filter it off from the blood at four times the normal rate, which is another reason why supplements are recommended.

When should I start to take folic acid when preparing for pregnancy? **

Ideally a woman should take extra folic acid before starting to try and conceive.  

How much folic acid do I need and how long do I need to take it?

The non-pregnant recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 200 micrograms. Prior to becoming pregnant it is recommended that a woman takes 400 micrograms a day and continues to take 400 micrograms during at least the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.

When can I stop taking extra folic acid during pregnancy?

Some doctors are happy for women to stop taking extra folic acid at 12 weeks. Alternatively, some doctors recommend it throughout pregnancy. This is because folic acid is a vitamin that does not harm the woman or the baby and can help prevent problems such as anaemia.

There is no hard and fast rule after 12 weeks. Always follow medical advice.

What if I become pregnant and have not taken folic acid tablets?**

Many women become pregnant without taking folic acid, so the medical advice is not to be over worried if you have become pregnant and have not taken any folic acid supplement. Most women have enough folic acid from their normal diet to prevent neural tube defects.

Your grandmothers and possibly even your mothers were not advised to take extra folic acid. If you realise you are pregnant within 12 weeks of conception and you have not taken folic acid supplements however you should start immediately. It is worth doing even if you are a bit late.

Are there any risks involved in taking folic acid supplements?

There is no known risk.

** Medical facts courtesy of www.mom-e.com