What is Folic acid (Vitamin B9)?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of Vitamin B9. It is available in the form of tablet and fortified foods. Vitamin B9 deficiency is associated with heart diseases, birth defects, and an increased risk of cancer.

Are folic acid and folate the same?

Folate is a natural form of vitamin B9. You can get folate from many natural sources, like spinach, broccoli, lettuce, meat (liver), eggs, and milk, while folic acid is available in FDA-approved fortified foods and tablets of different doses, like 400, 600, or 1000 mcg, etc.

Uses

• In the formation of new cells, DNA, and RNA.
• In the formation of RBCs.
• In folate deficiency anemia.
• In the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord during pregnancy.
• In reducing the side effects of medicines for arthritis and psoriasis.
• In treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Side-effects

Some common side-effects as follows:

• Feeling of sickness (tiredness, mild fever, etc.)
• Loss of appetite.
• Frequent burping or passing gas.
• Feeling of tightness/fullness in the stomach.

Note: These are not a complete list of side effects, so consult your doctor in any serious case.

Who can’t take folic acid ?

• Persons with Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia.
• Patients on kidney dialysis (hemodialysis).
• Persons with a stent in any artery of the heart.
• Cancer patients.
• Persons allergic to folic acid or other medicines.

Note: Consult your doctor before changing or starting supplements.

Why is folic acid necessary and its dose?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), folic acid is the only proven synthetic source of Vitamin B9 to prevent neural tube defects (birth defects) during pregnancy. According to the WHO & CDC, a normal woman of reproductive age can take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Different age group has different dose. After doctor’s consultation, this quantity can be increased in case of folic acid or folate deficiency.

Myths:

• Folic acid can’t help you get pregnant.
• Mothers can take folic acid during breastfeeding as per the doctor’s prescription.
• No evidence shows that folic acid harms the fertility of men or women.

Credit: National Health Service (U.K.), CDC