Folic acid is the man-made version of the vitamin folate. It's also called vitamin B9.
Women who can get pregnant should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid in a supplement every day. It's best to take folic acid even when you do not plan to get pregnant.
If you do not take folic acid already, it's best to:
- start taking folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant
- continue to take folic acid throughout your pregnancy
Ask your pharmacist about the best product for you.
You cannot get the amount of folate you need from food alone. But it's still important to include foods high in folate in your diet. For example, green leafy vegetables, legumes or citrus fruits. Some foods are fortified with folic acid.
Benefits of folic acid
Your baby's spine develops fully during the first month of pregnancy.
Folic acid supports your baby’s spine and brain development. This helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida or hydrocephalus.
Neural tube defects (NTDs)
There is a higher risk of having a baby with a NTD if you have:
- an NTD or other people in your family have an NTD
- obesity
- type 1 or type 2 diabetes
There is also a higher risk if there is a history of NTDs in your partner's family.
In these cases, your GP may prescribe a higher dose of folic acid (5 mg).
Who can take folic acid
Most adults can take folic acid.
But ask your GP for advice if you:
- had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any other medicine
- take prescription medicines - some medicines interfere with the way folic acid works
- have vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia