Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B-group vitamin. It is used in the making of red blood cells and proteins such as DNA. An adequate supply of folic acid is particularly important during growth periods such as adolescence and pregnancy. Folic acid helps to prevent certain congenital defects related to the brain and spinal cord (known as neural tube defects) and should therefore be taken before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy to prevent these defects.

 

Folic acid and folate are different names for the same vitamin. Folic acid is a B-group vitamin; it is man-made, and is used as a vitadmin supplement and added to certain foods (called enriched or fortified foods). Folate is the natural form of the B-group vitamin and occurs naturally in some foods. The biggest difference between folic acid and folate is that folic acid is more easily used by the body than folate. Folic acid is measured in micrograms (mcg). The recommended daily intake of folic acid for fertile women is 400 mcg. The best sources of folic acid are fortified breakfast cereals. Green leaves, citrus fruit, some beans and liver are rich in folates.