iFolic Acid 800mcg – 100 Tablets – gluten free ^Sale

Folic Acid, known as folate in its natural form, is a synthetic water-soluble vitamin and is part of the B-vitamins group. Folic acid is generally consumed in the form of food supplements or in fortified foods.

Essential during pregnancy for efficient neural tube development which forms the brain and spinal cord. ‘Neural tube defects’, such as spina bifida, in babies appear to be linked to a ‘metabolic defect’ in folate metabolism in the mother. This means that, even though the mother may have an adequate dietary intake of folic acid, her body cannot use it efficiently. Taking extra folic acid at the time when the neural tube is forming can reduce the chance of the baby having a neural tube defect. However, the neural tube is formed very early during pregnancy – about a month after conception. Women are advised to take folic acid for 12 weeks prior to conception and to continue taking folic acid supplements until the 12th week of pregnancy.

In addition, folic acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells and has been shown to reduce the levels of an amino acid (homocysteine). This reduction may have a protective effect against heart disease.

Folic Acid also contributes to brain health, immune function as well as helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue.