Folic Acid

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, vitamin B9, used in food supplements and fortified foods. Folate has a role in the process of cell division and contributes to normal blood formation and to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, which is why folic acid is one of the most frequently recommended supplements when planning a pregnancy. The body cannot produce folate, so we obtain it from food or supplements.

In the Folic Acid category at ApotekaOnline you will find classic folic acid tablets, products with active folate (methylfolate), combinations of folic acid with vitamin B12, iron or inositol, as well as products intended for women when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For a wider choice of vitamins for this period, also take a look at the Vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding women category, and for combinations with other B vitamins the Vitamin B complex, B12 and folic acid category. All vitamin categories can be found on the Vitamins and minerals page.

Folic acid, folate or active folate – what is the difference?

The terms folate and folic acid are often used as synonyms, but they are not the same. Folates are the natural forms of vitamin B9 found in food – mostly in green leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, broccoli), legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas), citrus fruits and wholegrain cereals. Folic acid is a stable, synthetic form that is well absorbed and is therefore most often used in supplements. To be used, the body converts it into the active form through several enzymatic steps.

Active folic acid (methylfolate, 5-MTHF) is the form of folate the body uses directly, without prior conversion. It is often chosen by people with known MTHFR gene variants – agree on the choice of form with your doctor or pharmacist.

Folic acid for pregnant women and when planning a pregnancy

The most important and most common use of folic acid is related to pregnancy. According to the health claim authorised in the European Union, supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status, and low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. This beneficial effect is obtained with a supplemental folic acid daily intake of at least 400 µg for at least one month before and up to three months after conception.

That is why it is important to start taking folic acid before pregnancy, already during the planning period, and not only once the pregnancy has been confirmed – the neural tube develops in the first weeks, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Folate also contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. For some women, a doctor may recommend higher doses (for example 5 mg) – such doses are used only on a doctor's recommendation, never on your own initiative.

What else folic acid is good for and who may need it

Folate is not important only in pregnancy. In line with authorised EU claims, folate contributes to normal blood formation, normal amino acid synthesis, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal psychological function, the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and it also has a role in the process of cell division. Additional folic acid intake may be beneficial for people with a monotonous diet low in vegetables, older people whose diet is often limited, people who regularly drink alcohol, and those whose doctor has found a low folate level based on a blood test.