Precautions
What is folic acid? Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is the synthetic (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube.
What is folic acid used for in pregnancy?
Nutritional folate deficiency is treated with oral folic acid supplements. This type of deficiency is no longer a problem in many countries that fortify foods such as cereal and pasta with folic acid. Heart and blood vessel disease and stroke. Folic acid works with vitamins B-6 and B-12 to control high levels of homocysteine in the blood.
What are the benefits of oral folic acid?
Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious, aplastic, or normocytic anemia. However it will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord.
Can folic acid be used to treat anemia?
Does folic acid help in getting pregnant?
“Folate supplementation prior to conception has been associated with a greater chance for getting pregnant, improved success with fertility treatments, and reduced risk of neural tube defects in the baby,” says Low Dog. “Though, more testing is needed.” For pregnant women, the RDA of folic acid is 600 micrograms (mcg).
What is the use of folic acid?
Folic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folate (folate deficiency) and high blood levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). People who are pregnant or might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
What are 3 benefits of folic acid?
Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.
Which folic acid is good for pregnancy?
Folic acid before and during pregnancy It's important to take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
Does folic acid make you gain weight?
There is no evidence that people with adequate blood levels of folic acid will gain weight if they take supplements. However, weight loss is one possible side effect of a folate deficiency.
Is it OK to take folic acid when not pregnant?
Most women should be getting 400mg of folic acid every day, even when not pregnant. While much of the conversation focuses on ensuring a woman's body can provide essential nutrients for a fetus during pregnancy, research suggests that folic acid benefits aren't limited to fetal development.
When should I take folic acid morning or night?
If you are taking folic acid every day, take it at the same time each day, either in the morning OR in the evening. Take your folic acid tablets with a glass of water. You can take folic acid with or without food. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember.
Who needs folic acid?
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
Can I use folic acid during my period?
Can folic acid be taken during periods? Yes! There are no known risks of taking the supplement during when you're on your period. Some studies show that increased folate can actually help with the symptoms of PMS.
Can folic acid prevent miscarriage?
Authors' conclusions. Taking any vitamin supplements prior to pregnancy or in early pregnancy does not prevent women experiencing miscarriage. However, evidence showed that women receiving multivitamins plus iron and folic acid had reduced risk for stillbirth.
Which vitamins are most important during pregnancy?
All nutrients are important, but these six play a key role in your baby's growth and development during pregnancy:Folic acid.Iron.Calcium.Vitamin D.DHA.Iodine.
What happens if you miss your folic acid?
If you forget to take it If you forget to take folic acid, what to do depends on how often you take it: once a day – take your missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the usual time.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need...
How Should I Take Folic acid?
Take folic acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on you...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dos...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, mouth or...
Folic Acid Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Megaloblastic Anemia:1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day. May continue until clinical symptoms of fo...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Folic acid?
The dosages of other medications you take may need to be changed while you are taking folic acid.Tell your doctor about all other medications you u...
What is folic acid?
About folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These–and other parts of the body – make new cells each day. Folic acid is the synthetic (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, ...
Why is folic acid important?
Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain ( anencephaly) and spine ( spina bifida ).
What is the name of the tetrahydrofolate in food?
Dihydrofolate (DHF) Tetrahydrofolate (THF) 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5, 10-Methylene-THF) 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-Methyl-THF or 5-MTHF) Food fortification is a way to add vitamins or minerals, or both, to foods. Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid.
Is folic acid enriched?
These foods are labeled “enriched.”. Folic acid is a specific type of folate that does not generally occur naturally. Folic acid is ideal to use for food fortification. It is more stable than types of natural food folate. Heat and light can easily break down types of natural food folate.
Is 400 mg of folic acid good for neural tube defects?
When taking folic acid, a higher dose than 400 mcg of folic acid each day is not necessarily better to prevent neural tube defects, unless a doctor recommends taking more due to other health conditions.
Is folate good for food fortification?
Folic acid is better suited for food fortification because many fortified products, such as bread and pasta, are cooked. 6. CDC recommends that women of reproductive age who could become pregnant consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate every day. However, it’s difficult to get 400 mcg of folate through diet alone.
What is folic acid?
Folate and folic acidare forms of vitamin B9 used for deficiency and to prevent pregnancy complications. Many foods contain folate or have folic acid added. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law.
Why is folic acid used in pregnancy?
People who are pregnantor might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
What foods contain folic acid?
Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in folate include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney ), orange juice, and tomato juice.
Can you take folic acid with methotrexate?
Taking folic acid pills along with methotrexate might decrease the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex). Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with FOLIC ACID . Phenobarbital (Luminal) is used for seizures. Taking folic acid can decrease how well phenobarbital (Luminal) works for preventing seizures.
Is folic acid safe for children?
Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe in children. Procedures to widen narrowed arteries (angioplasty): Using folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 might worsen narrowed arteries.
Can you take folate while pregnant?
Taking folate by mouth during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of this type of cancer in children. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). In elderly individuals with osteoporosis, taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6 does not seem to prevent broken bones.
Does folic acid help with nausea?
Taking folic acid by mouthseems to reduce nausea and vomitingfrom methotrexate treatment. Birth defects of the brainand spine (neural tube birth defects). Consuming folic acid 600-800 mcg by mouth daily during pregnancy reduces the risk of these birth defects. Folic acid can come from the diet or supplements.
Why is folic acid important for pregnancy?
The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.
What are the symptoms of folic acid?
Nausea. Loss of appetite. Confusion. Irritability. Sleep pattern disturbance. People with allergies might have a reaction to folic acid supplements. Warning signs of an allergic reaction include: Skin rash. Itching.
What is the recommended daily amount of folate for adults?
The recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg).
What drugs interact with folic acid?
Possible interactions include: Anticonvulsants. Taking folic acid with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) or primidone (Mysoline) might decrease the drug's concentration in your blood. Barbiturates.
What fruits are rich in folate?
Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, melons and strawberries. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. It's in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency.
Is it safe to take folate?
Generally safe. For most people, it's best to get folate from food. A balanced diet usually provides all you need. However, folic acid supplements are recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant, could become pregnant, are pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Does folic acid interfere with a drug?
Taking folic acid with a drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant (barbiturate) might decrease the drug's effectiveness. Methotrexate (Trexall). Taking folic acid with this medication used to treat cancer could interfere with its effectiveness. Pyrimethamine (Daraprim).
What is Infacare used for?
Infacare Capsule is used for Treatment of anemias of nutritional origin, Pregnancy, Infancy, Or childhood, Treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to a deficiency of folic acid and other conditions.In facare Capsulemay also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What to know before taking Infacare?
Before using Infacare Capsule, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over the counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. Take as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Important counseling points are listed below.
Can you overdose on Infacare?
Do not use more than prescribed dose. Taking more medication will not improve your symptoms; rather they may cause poisoning or serious side-effects. If you suspect that you or anyone else who may have overdosed of Infacare Capsule, please go to the emergency department of the closest hospital or nursing home. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you to help doctors with necessary information.
Can I take Infacare with other drugs?
If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Infacare Capsule may change. This may increase your risk for side-effects or cause your drug not to work properly. Tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using, so that you doctor can help you prevent or manage drug interactions. Infacare Capsule may interact with the following drugs and products:
Can you take expired Infacare?
Taking a single dose of expired Infacare Capsule is unlikely to produce an adverse event. However, please discuss with your primary health provider or pharmacist for proper advice or if you feel unwell or sick. Expired drug may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use expired drugs. If you have a chronic illness that requires taking medicine constantly such as heart condition, seizures, and life-threatening allergies, you are much safer keeping in touch with your primary health care provider so that you can have a fresh supply of unexpired medications.
Why is folic acid added to cereal?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that manufacturers add folic acid to cereal grain products labeled as ‘enriched’ to lower the chance of neural tube defects from occurring. This is mandatory fortification. 5.
When did folate levels start to decrease?
Researchers have studied the association between low folate levels in women and neural tube defects as early as 1965. 1 Neural tube defects are major birth defects of a baby’s brain ( anencephaly) and spine ( spina bifida ). A number of studies showed that taking folic acid before and during the first weeks of pregnancy helped to lower ...
Why is fortification important?
Mandatory fortification is the most effective public health strategy to help prevent neural tube defects because. Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned; 6. Folic acid is only effective before and during the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant; and.
What is the purpose of folic acid?
Folic acid is used to increase levels of folate in the body, which can have a variety of benefits. Some primary folic acid uses include: Pregnancy: Folate is vital for a healthy pregnancy.
What is the difference between folate and folic acid?
Although folic acid and folate are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Folate is a naturally occurring essential vitamin found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic version of the vitamin.
What is the synthetic form of folate?
In contrast with the naturally occurring folate, folic acid is the synthetic form that is present in supplements and vitamin B9-fortified foods (cereals, flour, pasta, etc). The terms folate, folic acid , and vitamin B9 refer to very closely related compounds.
How many micrograms of folic acid are in Nature's Blend?
Nature’s Blend Folic Acid comes in a container of 1,000 tablets, each contains 1,000 micrograms of folic acid. This affordable folic acid product is perfect for prenatal supplementation and for anyone with a folate deficiency. These small, easy-to-swallow tablets are preservative and gluten-free. They contain no artificial coloring, flavors, wheat, sugar, starch, or yeast.
Is Megafolinic vegan friendly?
Source Naturals MegaFolinic. Source Naturals MegaFolinic contains folinic acid rather than folic acid. This form is more active in your body, making it one of the most effective supplements. It is vegan-friendly, hypoallergenic, and free from gluten, dairy, egg, corn, soy, and wheat.
Is Nature's Bounty folic acid vegetarian friendly?
Nature’s Bounty Folic Acid pills are vegetarian-friendly and free from gluten, fish derivatives, and milk . These good folic acid pills come in an attractive bottle that contains 250 pills each.
Is Sundown a folic acid?
Sundown Naturals Folic Acid. Sundown Naturals Folic Acid is a vegetarian-friendly folic acid supplement. One tablet daily of this effective product is enough to get the many folic acid benefits that we mentioned before. This is a non-GMO, lactose-free, and gluten-free product.
