Folic Acid

Sometimes deficiency can occur if folic acid losses are excessive (such as Crohns disease or untreated coeliac disease) and from the use of some medications such as water tablets (diuretics), or in alcoholism. Pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding) The foetus rapidly develops spine and nerve cells in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Inadequate blood levels of folate at this crucial time increase the risk of the baby’s spine developing a ‘neural tube defect’, resulting in spinal malformation called spina bifida. Folic acid is a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood cells. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is termed ‘folate’. This leaflet will tell you all about folic acid – which foods are good sources, how much you need, and who should take supplements. What does folic acid do? Folic acid, together with vitamin B12, is necessary to form red blood cells. Deficiency of folic acid can cause a type of anaemia (reduced oxygen-carrying ability of red blood cells) called ‘macrocytic’ (large cell) anaemia. Both vitamins together also help nerves to function properly. Folic acid is also essential in the formation of DNA (genetic material) within every body cell, allowing each cell to replicate perfectly.