Folic Acid Supplements

Folic Acid Supplements

Planning for a baby is an exciting time, but it also comes with a whole new world of health information to learn and think about. If you’re planning on getting pregnant or looking into pregnancy health, you’ve probably heard people talking about folic acid.

At Healthylife, we’re here to answer the common questions about folic acid and help you to understand how to best support you and your growing baby. 

Our folic acid supplement range includes high-quality brands like Blackmores, Bioceuticals and Perdays, as well as pharmacy favourites, such as Megafol. 

Is folate different from folic acid?

Both are forms of Vitamin B9 that support healthy cell growth and development, especially in pregnancy, and you’ll often hear these two words used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference:

• Folate is the vitamin as it occurs naturally in foods (like spinach, broccoli, beans, eggs and lentils)

• Folic acid is the form of the vitamin used in supplements and fortified foods.

Why are folate and folic acid supplements important for pregnancy?

Folate is a crucial building block for your baby’s early development. It plays a major role in forming the neural tube, which eventually becomes your baby’s brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) are associated with folate deficiency before and during pregnancy.

That’s why getting enough folate and folic acid through your diet and supplements is vital in the early stages of pregnancy to protect your growing baby. If possible, try to start taking folic acid supplements as soon as you start thinking about becoming pregnant.

Should you take a folic acid supplement when pregnant?

Absolutely. 

While eating a balanced diet full of leafy greens is fantastic for your overall wellbeing, it can be tricky to reach the recommended daily intake of folate through food alone. Taking a daily supplement is a simple, reliable way to make sure both you and your baby are getting exactly what you need.

How much folic acid should I take for pregnancy?

For most women, the standard recommendation is a daily supplement containing 400 to 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.

Ideally, you should start taking this at least one month before you start trying to conceive, and continue taking it daily throughout the first three months of your pregnancy.

What happens if I take too much folic acid?

If you are taking a standard daily dose of folic acid and you accidentally have an extra one, it's usually no worries.

Folic acid, like other B-group vitamins, is water-soluble. This means the extra folic acid your body doesn't absorb will pass naturally out of your body when you wee.

However, if you think you've been taking too much folic acid, speak to your doctor or call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

When to speak to a health professional

Every pregnancy is unique, and so are your health needs. Some women may require a higher dose of folic acid depending on their personal medical history, medications, or family background.

It is always best to go see your doctor before trying to conceive to have a chat. They can give you personalised advice to ensure you're on the right track for a healthy, happy pregnancy.