| What are the benefits? |
| Folic acid is a water soluble B vitamin needed for the production of energy and the formation of red blood cells. Folic acid also aids in the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells. |
| What are the natural food sources? |
| Folic acid is found in a wide range of foods including green leafy vegetables, liver, yeast, wheat germ, fortified bread, nuts, eggs and pulses. |
| How much do you need? |
| The standard recommended daily allowance (RDA) for folic acid is 200 mcg. However, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are advised to take a daily supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid, to help prevent neural tube defects in the developing baby such as spina bifida. |
| Are you likely to be deficient? |
| Generally, people do not consume the recommended amount of folic acid. Folic acid deficiency is common among alcoholics, people living at poverty level, those suffering from malabsorption disorders, and women taking the birth control pill. |
| Are you taking too much? |
| A long-term intake of up to 1000 mcg daily is not considered harmful |
| Are there any interactions? |
| Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Proteolytic enzymes, antacids and alcohol inhibit folic acid absorption, and oral contraceptives may increase the need for folic acid. You should not take high doses of folic acid for an extended period if you have a hormone-related cancer or convulsive disorder. |
