The Best Time to Take Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy?
Time to read 23 min
Time to read 23 min
Table of contents
Folic acid is an artificial B vitamin that is required to create DNA, red blood cells or and cell growth. It is necessary, particularly when one is pregnant as it prevents severe birth defects in the br ain and spine of the baby such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The women who are capable of becoming pregnant require an adequate amount of folic acid within the first month of pregnancy to defect any birth related disorders.
Folic acid is an artificial vitamin B9 substance. It is also known as mono- pterolylmonoglutamic acid or pterolylmonoglutamic acid. It is consumed as supplements and folic acid may be added to fortified foods such as flour and breakfast cereals.
The entire proportion of folic acid that you consume is not converted into the active form of vitamin B9. A specific portion of it is broken down in the liver. This process may take a considerable amount of time and is not efficient for everyone. It takes time before all the folic acid supplements that you take are converted to 5-MTHF by your body.
Even 200 to 400 micrograms of folic acid per day may not be completely absorbed before the next one is taken. This may be exacerbated by taking a supplement and consuming foods that contain too much folic acid.
Research indicates that an excess of unmetabolized folic acid could be associated with folate deficiency anaemia and other health hazards yet further investigation is required to substantiate this.
A synthetic form of folate
Folic acid is a synthetic folate. It is present in foods like leafy green vegetables or fruits, beans and nuts.
Supports red blood cell formation
Folic acid assists the body in producing new cells, DNA and RNA which are the fundamental building blocks of every tissue and organ.
Supports red blood cell formation
Folic acid is required to produce normal red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.
Folic acid is essential during pregnancy for multiple reasons, including knowing how much folic acid is the recommended daily amount for proper folic acid pregnancy dose to prevent birth defects ;
Early pregnancy folic acid supplements should be taken in adequate amounts before and during pregnancy to support the baby's development and decrease the occurrence of severe brain and spine birth defects known as NTDs, particularly through folic acid supplements.
It also reduces the risk of the Spina Bifida and Anencephaly, two common NTDs that occur when the neural tube fails to close and damage the spinal cord and the brain.
Folic acid aids the baby to grow as it provides cells and organs with the appropriate aspects to develop.
Pregnancy should be cared before becoming pregnant. NTDs may occur at a tender age even before a woman finds out that she is pregnant. Therefore, most women who were capable of pregnancy ought to consume sufficient amounts of folic acid.
Role in Preventing Neural Tube Defects
Folic acid is highly essential to the neural tube which develops to the brain and spine of the baby to help the baby grow.
Cellular Growth
Folic acid is a B vitamin. It assists the body to reproduce new cells, such as those contained in the brain, skin, hair and nails, especially when there is much folic acid present.
Production of DNA and RNA
It assists in production of healthy DNA and RNA which is the building block to all cells of the developing baby.
Red Blood Cell Formation
Folic acid is required to produce normal red blood cells. These are the oxygen carrying cells in the body.
The same is true with folic acid and folate. They assist in the production of new cells by the body such as red blood cells.
Folate passes via the digestive tract including the gut and is absorbed into the blood. It is then absorbed to the liver where it is processed. The folate in excess is transported to the kidneys where it is excreted through urine.
Excess fat-soluble vitamins are detrimental to the body. Vitamin A and D are stored in the body fat and therefore they accumulate over time.
One can never have an excess amount of folate since it is soluble in water. That allows the body to eliminate excess folate without any problem. Although there may be some additional folate left in the blood, it does not pose any known health risk.
The following table compares folic acid with folate:
|
Folic acid |
Folate |
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|
Benefits |
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occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, reducing the need for supplements |
|
|
Risks |
|
|
|
|
Side effects |
|
Folate from natural sources is unlikely to cause side effects. |
|
|
Types |
Folic acid is synthetic. It is available in some foods and in supplement form, as either a pill or a liquid. |
|
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. It aids in the development of the brain and spine and aids in the production of DNA, RNA creation of new cells and red blood cells which are vital in the total development of a baby. Planning to have a baby means that women should begin taking folic acid every day, an amount of mcg of 400 to 800 micrograms a day as part of a healthy diet at least one month before they believe they have conceived and continue taking it during the early stages of pregnancy.
The CDC and the WHO health organizations advise all people intending to get pregnant to consume 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily.
Start taking the supplement a month prior to your attempts to become pregnant. This ensures that you are getting a sufficient amount of the folic acid during the early, significant pregnancy.
Continuous Intake
Continue taking folic acid till the 12th week of pregnancy.
Taking folic acid is significant to prevent the occurrence of birth defects to individuals who may end up pregnant, and some may prefer to adhere to a weekly dose . The timing and dosage will vary according to your age and health and missing doses can vary among individuals with different effects.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes the mcg of folic acid you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take.
|
Category |
|
|
|
0-6 months |
|
|
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7-12 months |
|
|
|
1-3 years |
150 mcg/day |
|
|
4-8 years |
200 mcg/day |
|
|
9-13 years |
300 mcg/day |
|
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14 years and older |
400 mcg/day |
|
|
Pregnant teens and women |
600 mcg/day |
|
|
Breastfeeding teens and women |
500 mcg/day |
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) of a supplement is the highest amount that most people can take safely. Higher doses might be used to treat folate deficiencies. But don't take more unless a doctor says so.
|
Category (Children & Adults) |
Folate (Folic Acid) Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) |
0-6 months |
N/A (should only come from breast milk, infant formula and food) |
7-12 months |
N/A (should only come from breast milk, infant formula and food) |
1-3 years |
300 mcg/day |
4-8 years |
400 mcg/day |
9-13 years |
600 mcg/day |
14-18 years |
800 mcg/day |
19 years and older |
1,000 mcg/day |
Maintaining adequate folic acid levels is recommended for all individuals of childbearing age.
You need to begin taking folic acid at least one month before attempting to conceive and continue taking it in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is beneficial since the neural tube. which develops into the brain and spinal cord and this is developed at a very early stage of pregnancy.
Physicians can offer various methods of taking folic acid based on your personal health history and risk and including the presence of family history of neural tube defects or a particular health condition.
To prevent neural tube defects or folic acid should be taken prior to pregnancy. These malformations such as spina bifida occur during the first 3 to 4 weeks of getting pregnant thus what happens is that the malformations occur prior to the pregnant person being aware of the pregnancy thus it can be too late to prevent the occurrence of such malformations.
One should begin taking a daily dose of folic acid at least 400mcg no less than a month before conception. Others such as the NHS started three months ago. This allows the vitamin time to accomplish safe levels in your body.
Continue the daily supplement to the completion of the first trimester (first 12 weeks). Prenatal vitamins contain 600mcg of folic acid and can be prescribed at this point.
Your doctor or midwife may advise you to continue taking folic acid throughout pregnancy, particularly when you may be getting low iron (anemia).
In case you get to know that you are pregnant and have not taken folic acid yet, then start a supplement immediately. The first month is the most important to keep birth defects at bay, however it is never too late to take folic acid which is good both for you and your baby.
Your doctor may recommend a higher dose of folic acid (typically 5 milligrams or 5,000 mcg) if you are at an increased risk of having a baby with an NTD. This may be the case if:
You or your partner have a family history of NTDs.
You have had a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD.
You have diabetes.
You take certain medications, such as those for epilepsy.
General Instructions
When you forget daily doses, you may take the dose when you remember unless it is near to when you are next to take it. Do not take an excessive amount of your usual dose simultaneously.
Frequent Misses
In case you continue to forget doses, discuss with a doctor or a pharmacist how to help.
Prolonged insufficient folic acid intake can lead to various health problems.
Neural Tube Defects
Lack of enough folic acid during early pregnancy increases the chances of folic acid may lead to folate deficiency anaemia and birth defects known as neural tube defects.
Spina bifida Occurs when the spinal column has not been completely closed.
Anencephaly This is a severe condition where the brain and skull fail to develop.
Anemia
The deficiency of folate may lead to a form of anemia referred to as folate deficiency anemia or megaloblastic anemia. This disease implies that the red blood cells are larger than usual and may cause one to experience tiredness and weakness.
Other Potential Issues
Other health issues, including the effects on thoughts and emotions, have also been associated with a persistent deficit.
The optimal timing for taking folic acid is primarily centered around consistency and absorption, though the time of day is generally flexible.
In the case of folic acid, there is nothing to be concerned with taking it in the morning or in the evening. It is a water soluble vitamin that gets absorbed easily. The most significant one is to have it at the same time every day to have a habit and avoid missing doses.
The nutritionists usually recommend the intake of B vitamins in the morning since they assist the organism to generate energy. It would be more in line with the energy pattern of the body to take them at that time. You can easily recall when you eat breakfast or do your morning routine.
Take other medicines in the morning, consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine whether they can interact with your usual dose and give you their advice on spacing. As an example, the antacids must be consumed at least 2 hours after folic acid.
In case the supplement causes mild stomach discomfort then taking it in the evening will be a good idea since when you are asleep, your body will not have begun digesting it. It can also come in handy when you have a hectic morning schedule.
Certain B vitamins may be stimulating to some individuals and therefore, in case it is affecting your sleep, you might take it in the morning.
Folic acid (the synthetic form of Vitamin B9, folate) absorption is generally very good, but there are slight differences based on food intake:
|
Condition |
Absorption Consideration |
Recommendation |
|
Empty Stomach |
Highest Bioavailability: Folic acid from supplements is estimated to be ≈100% bioavailable when taken on an empty stomach. |
Good Option: Maximizes absorption. Take with a full glass of water. |
|
With a Meal |
Slightly Reduced Bioavailability: Absorption is still excellent, estimated at about ≈85% bioavailable. |
Preferred Option for Consistency: Taking it with food can help prevent potential stomach upset, which is a common side effect of many supplements and linking it to a meal helps create a daily habit. |
The effectiveness of folic acid largely depends on when you take it prior or during pregnancy and from how many times you take the same on a daily basis rather than the time of the day.
The most crucial timing is preconception: The best period of time to start taking folic acid is when you are not yet pregnant. Folic acid prevents severe defects of the brain and spine during birth like spina bifida.
Neural tube closure: It develops early in the brain and the spine, approximately 28 days upon the beginning of development of a growing baby, normally before a mother realizes she is pregnant.
Requirement: To ensure maximum effectiveness of folic acid, the level of folate of a woman, particularly the level within red blood cells, must be optimal before the tube closes. This typically entails an intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid daily approximately one month prior to attempting conception and continuing the intake up to the initial 12 weeks.
Impact of early start: Early folic acid intake also increases the likelihood of having a baby with a neural tube defect by a significant margin in women. When they wait to know that they are pregnant they might not be at the right moment to prevent the defect.
Folic acid is water soluble. It is not stored in the body and additional quantity is excreted through urine.
Effectiveness: You should take it daily in order to maintain good levels of folate in your blood and in the red blood cells. This aids in the growth of cells and formation of DNA. No big deal in case you miss a dose, however, when you miss a lot of doses, the levels of folate will fall.
Correct usage of folic acid pills consists of knowing the dose, frequency and whether they are likely to support other drugs. Not to be used in pregnant women, people with a health condition/pharmacologic and/or take other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Here is a detailed guide on how to take folic acid tablets correctly:
The correct dosage depends entirely on the reason you are taking the supplement.
Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Folic acid of 400 micrograms daily should be taken by women who might get pregnant. Begin at least one month to conception and continue taking it during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
High-Risk Pregnancy (Higher Dose): A physician might prescribe 5 milligrams more per day in case you are more at risk of having a neural tube defect. This increased dose is possible in case you have a history of a neural tube anomaly such as spina bifida, and diabetes.
In the Treatment of Folate-Deficiency Anemia: The adults typically administer 5 milligrams per day during a period of four months. In the case of chronic causes, then you may have to take longer.
Other Conditions (e.g., with Methotrexate): The dose can be prescribed by your doctor as 5 milligrams once a week or as 1 to 5 milligrams once a day and on a different day than the day you take methotrexate.
Always follow the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the supplement label.
Typically you should take folic acid every day. In some cases, when using methotrexate, one may only take it once in a week.
You are free to take folic acid at any time with or without food. Choose a moment where you will be able to recall such as breakfast or before going to sleep.
Take the medicine as a whole tablet without water. In case you are using a liquid variant, then use the measuring syringe or spoon that comes along with it.
Do not have folic acid within 2 hours of taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, as they may reduce the amount of folic acid absorbed by your body.
Working with Folic acid, Vitamin B12 is used to create healthy red blood cells. One mistake is to take a substantial amount of folic acid but the patient has a latent B12 deficiency. A B12 deficiency can be treated with high doses of folic acid, which will correct the low blood count.
But the B12 deficiency will go undetected and nerve damage may occur unnoticed. Due to this, most B-complex vitamins have both of them, or physicians test B12 and then administer high doses of folic acid.
Folic acid is usually used with iron (including ferrous sulfate) to treat iron-deficiency anemia and it is commonly found in prenatal vitamins and common multivitamins. Add up all of the folic acid in all of your supplements to avoid surpassing the recommended amount. In adults the folic acid supplementation upper limit is 1000 mcg (1 mg) a day unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.
There are medicines that may interact with the functioning of folic acid, such as certain anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenytoin), methotrexate and pyrimethamine. Disclose all the medicines and supplements used.
Alcohol
Attempt to prevent or reduce alcohol and herbal remedies , as it may prevent absorption of folate and its use.
Make it a habit: Take your pill as you would any other day activity, brush your teeth, have breakfast or take another medicine that you are used to.
Visual aids: Place the bottle beside an item that you use on a daily basis, such as your coffee maker, your toothbrush or next to your keys.
Set alarm: Apply a phone alarm or reminder app on a daily basis.
Pill boxes: A pill organizer can be used on a daily or weekly basis to check whether or not you have taken your pill.
Keep a calendar: Cross the day off a calendar immediately after you have taken the dose.
B12 Deficiency Underlying: B12 Deficiency can be covered up by a large amount of folic acid. Your doctor will tend to test your B12 levels in case you take high doses (such as 5 mg) of it.
Allergies: Uncommon, but in severe cases, discontinue taking the supplement and seek medical attention immediately, in the event of a severe allergy to the supplement, which includes any of the following symptoms; swelling of your face or tongue or throat; or a severe rash or difficulty breathing.
Medical Conditions: Speak to your physician in case you have been allergic to folic acid prior, whether you have cancer (unless you have a folate-deficiency anemia), or you are on haemodialysis, as these could be warning signs .
Stopping Too Early (in Pregnancy): When you are pregnant, you should take folic acid 400 mcg daily for at least 1 month before getting pregnant and continue taking them during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. When you quit when you test positive but before week 12 you are at risk, as the brain tube develops very early.
Taking the Wrong Dose: When you take an incorrect dose- say one of 400 mcg rather than the 5mg that a doctor desires- it may fail to protect or do the treatment on you. Conversely, excessive consumption of the same might conceal vitamin B12 deficiency. Always do not forget to check with your doctor the right dose and inform them if you experience any allergic reaction.
.
Missed Doses: It is not a big issue to miss one or two doses, however, when you forget about taking them regularly, the medicine will not be so effective, particularly in treating anemia and preventing neural tube defects. If you forget a dose:
Once a day dose: Take the dose you have missed immediately you recall, but do not take it within about the time you are to take further doses. Then miss the dose and use the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses to replace one that has been forgotten.
Dose once a week: Take it as soon as you remember and then resume your regular schedule of once a week.
Mixing with Antacids: At the same time when you take your antacids, you can significantly decrease the effectiveness of your body in absorbing folic acid. Take at least 2 hours in between.
Vitamin B9 also known as folic acid is a very significant food nutrient. This is particularly necessary during pregnancy before conception and early in pregnancy. The primary importance of it is that it prevents severe birth defects of the baby, which is often highlighted in a fact sheet . Failure to take the recommended amount by the doctors may place you and your baby in grave danger.
The following is a simplified discussion of what may occur in case you miss or omit your folic acid. It also discusses the reasons why you should continue taking it consistently and when you should discuss dose change with your doctor.
Folic acid is most significant during this period immediately around conception, a period of one month before you are pregnant and during the pregnancy of the first 12 weeks. The development of the baby brain and spinal cord begins very early and may even before a woman can realise that she is pregnant.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): Insufficient folic acid is strongly linked to an increased risk of NTDs, which are serious birth defects affecting the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
Spina Bifida: This occurs in situations where the back bones of the baby fail to close completely. It may result in the development of chronic issues, difficulties in mobility and happen that the child requires surgery.
Anencephaly: This is a problem of high grade in which the majority of the brain and skull of the baby fails to develop. Practically, all anencephaly infants end up dying either before birth or immediately after birth.
Other Potential Birth Defects: Individuals who do not obtain sufficient folic acid run the risk of developing additional birth defects including certain cardiac issues and perhaps cleft lip or palate.
Folate is essential for making healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Lack of folate can result in a form of anemia wherein the body produces too-large red blood cells which are immature and unable to work properly. Symptoms include:
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Irritability
Sore mouth and tongue
Headache
Poor folate may raise the risk of other pregnancy complications including:
Premature birth (below 37 weeks).
Fetal Growth Retardation or low birth weight.
There is a possible risk of reduced expectancy of preeclampsia and miscarriage.
Consistency in taking folic acid is paramount, especially during the first trimester, due to the rapid and crucial development of the fetal nervous system.
Critical Developmental Window: Critical Developmental Window The neural tube closes during the first 28 days of conception. Since this occurs early, mostly before you miss a period, you must have sufficient folic acid before you conceive. A daily dose of the supplement will ensure that you get the folic acid required in the body (in the number of red blood cells) when the body is most in need of it.
Water-Soluble Vitamin: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B vitamin. This implies that it is not stored in the body long. It is eliminated within a short period of time and hence you need to continue taking it daily to maintain the levels that aid in protecting and supporting the baby cells that proliferate very fast. Lack of dose may lead to you having lower levels of folate in your blood than the safety level.
Unplanned Pregnancies: Since approximately half of the entire pregnancy is unplanned, doctors advise every woman who has the possibility of getting pregnant to take a daily dose of folic acid. In that manner the protective level is already in place in case of an unexpected pregnancy.
The majority of the women able to conceive are informed to take 400 micrograms (0.4mg) of folic acid daily, yet there are individuals who require it in large amounts, typically 4 to 5 milligrams (5000mcg) per day. Never alter the amount of folic acid intake without consulting your doctor since only he or she knows what suits you.
Higher dose is usually advised in case you belong to one or more of the following high-risk groups:
Previous NTD-Affected Pregnancy In case you have given birth or gotten pregnant with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
Family History of NTDs In case you or the biological father of the baby had suffered NTDs or had relatives who had NTDs.
Diabetes (pre-pregnancy Type 1 or Type 2): Women with a history of diabetes are more at risk.
Obesity Very fat women before pregnancy.
Gastrointestinal Conditions Important issues that make it difficult to absorb nutrients such as Celiac disease, Crohn and gastric bypass surgery.
Kidney Dialysis Patients under haemodialysis.
If you are taking certain medications that interfere with folate metabolism, such as:
They are drugs that are used to prevent seizures.
These drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Indicatively, folate is inhibited by methotrexate.
These medicines fight HIV.
Your doctor may recommend an increase or decrease in dose or further testing in case you have a manifestation of folate deficiency anemia or in case a regular blood examination reveals that you have low levels of folate. Your doctor should know about your entire medical and family history and about all medications and supplements that you take to receive the optimal and safest dose.
Folic acid plays a very significant role in a healthy pregnancy and baby. It is a vitamin, which is soluble in water and which the baby requires the most. To keep it working, especially when taking folic acid supplements, it is best to do so on a daily basis.
Every woman who is able to become pregnant is supposed to take a folic acid pill daily, even though one may not be certain that he or she will be pregnant in the near future. It is a daily routine that is beneficial in securing the baby at a time when it is at its weakest. When you are pregnant or even believe that you may be, discuss with your doctor or midwife to determine the correct dose for your overall health .
The answer is yes, one can take folic at night. It continues to act provided that you take it daily. There are those who prefer to take it at night so that they do not forget. in case it gives you a bad stomach, you can take it in the morning, when you have eaten.
It is possible to consume folic acid either before or after a meal. It is better to take it after a meal since it can decrease nausea or stomachache. The most significant one is to take it every day, every day at the same time.
Yes. You can consume it with prenatal vitamins or multivitamins. It combines easily with iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. However, do not overdose without consulting a doctor since it may interfere with the equilibrium and lead to an overdose.
It begins to be of assistance immediately when you begin to take it. It assists in the development of the brain and spine of the baby at an early stage. The positive effects are mostly achieved within the first couple of weeks and so it is better to commence it prior to pregnancy or during pregnancy as early as possible.
**Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).
