Folic Acid Supplements
1. What are folic acid supplements?
Folic acid supplements are a type of supplement that contains a form of the nutrient folate. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is also found in fortified foods such as cereals, breads, and pastas. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is used in supplements and in fortified foods.
2. When should you take them?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all women of childbearing age take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. This is to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTDs). The AAP also recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant take a daily supplement of 400 mcg of folic acid for at least one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
3. What are the benefits of taking folic acid supplements?
Folic acid supplements can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTDs). These defects occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Taking a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid can help reduce the risk of having a baby with an NTD by 50 to 70 percent.
4. Are there any risks associated with taking folic acid supplements?
There are no known risks associated with taking folic acid supplements in the recommended amounts. However, taking too much folic acid (more than 1000 mcg per day) can mask other problems such as vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to serious health problems. If you have any concerns about taking folic acid supplements, talk to your healthcare provider.
5. How do gofolic know if you need to take a folic acid supplement?
If you are a woman of childbearing age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. This is to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTDs). The AAP also recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant take a daily supplement of 400 mcg of folic acid for at least one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about whether or not you should take a folic acid supplement.
6. What are gofolic.org of folic acid supplements?
Some common brands of folic acid supplements include:
- Nature Made
- One A Day
- Vitafusion
- Rainbow Light
- Garden Of Life
- New Chapter
7. Where can you find folic acid supplements?
Folic acid supplements are available without a prescription from pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. They are also found in some multivitamins and prenatal vitamins. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about where to find or how to take a folic acid supplement.
8. Conclusion
Folic acid supplements are a type of supplement that contains a form of the nutrient folate. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is also found in fortified foods such as cereals, breads, and pastas. Folic acid is the synthetic form"