From the Guidelines
Folic Acid Definition and Importance
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a crucial nutrient that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including cell growth and development. It is particularly important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, such as neural tube defects 1.
Recommended Dosage and Timing
The recommended dosage of folic acid for pregnant women is 400-800 micrograms per day, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester 1. For women with a history of neural tube defects or certain medical conditions, a higher dose of 4-5 milligrams per day may be recommended 1.
Availability and Uses
Folic acid is available as a dietary supplement, usually in the form of tablets or capsules, and is often prescribed to pregnant women 1. Additionally, folic acid is also used to treat certain medical conditions, such as megaloblastic anemia, at a dose of 1-5 milligrams per day, for a duration of several months or as directed by a healthcare provider 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects in pregnant women 1.
- The recommended dosage and timing of folic acid supplementation may vary depending on individual risk factors and medical conditions 1.
- Folic acid is available as a dietary supplement and is also used to treat certain medical conditions, such as megaloblastic anemia 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Folic acid, N-[ρ-[[(2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-pteridinyl) methyl]-amino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid, is a B complex vitamin containing a pteridine moiety linked by a methylene bridge to para-aminobenzoic acid, which is joined by a peptide linkage to glutamic acid. Folic acid is a B complex vitamin that is necessary for nucleoprotein synthesis and erythropoiesis. It is a precursor to tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved in the biosynthesis of purines and thymidylates of nucleic acids.
- Folic acid is also known as a pteridine moiety linked to para-aminobenzoic acid and glutamic acid.
- It is found in foods such as liver, kidneys, yeast, and leafy green vegetables. 2 2
From the Research
Definition and Forms of Folic Acid
- Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, found in supplements and fortified foods, while folate occurs naturally in foods 3.
- It is a class of B complex vitamins, crucial for homeostatic function of the biological system and not endogenously produced 4.
- Folic acid is also known as folate and vitamin B9, and it can be found in natural and synthetic forms, mostly in vegetables or folic acid containing food supplements 5.
Importance of Folic Acid
- Folic acid is extremely important in the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and different proteins, and it acts as a coenzyme for the transfer of 1 carbon in the biosynthesis of purine, pyrimidine, and amino acids 3.
- It plays a very important role in the prevention of neural tube defects and megaloblastic anemia, the proper functioning of the nervous system, as well as reducing the risk of developing certain cancers 6.
- Folic acid has a preventive effect in various diseases, including megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular diseases, obstetrical complications, neuropsychiatric diseases, and tumors 5.
Health Benefits and Recommendations
- Folic acid supplementation is critically important for childbearing mothers before conception and in the first trimester pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects 3.
- Women are recommended to take 400 microgram of folic acid per day from preconception until the end of the first trimester to prevent NTD-affected pregnancies 3.
- The average dietary folate intake is half the recommended amount, and food fortification of cereal grains adds only 100 micrograms daily, making periconceptional folic acid supplementation essential 7.
- A multiple vitamin containing folic acid is a practical solution to meet the recommended daily intake, and it is considered safe as long as the daily limit of 1000 micrograms is not exceeded 7.