What is Folic acid?

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B that is found in liver, meat, yeast, spinach, carrots, beans, fairies, oranges and coarse bread. A well-balanced diet provides us with a sufficient amount of most vitamins. Folic acid is slightly different in terms of the average consumption by Swedish women and men.

The average consumption rate for folic acid is considerably lower than the recommended amount, which is 200 µg per day. Today, there are a number of international studies that indicate that an extra intake of 400 µg per day, above the regular dietary intake, is beneficial for women of childbearing age. Folic acid is a very important component when forming new cells or splitting cells.

Folic acid deficiency results in impaired cell division and disordered protein metabolism. The effects are noticed primarily in the formation of red blood cells, but the formation of white blood cells is also affected. The cause of the deficiency is most often a poor diet, often in combination with an increased need, e.g. during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women with low stores of folic acid constitute a risk group.

Should a woman who is planning on becoming pregnant eat extra folic acid? Yes. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish National Food Administration and maternity clinics now recommend (since January 2001) that women of childbearing age – especially those planning to become pregnant – eat at least 400 µg of folic acid per day. Firstly, the woman should increase her consumption of foods that are rich in folic acid, primarily all fruits, vegetables and root vegetables. Secondly, she should take a folic acid supplement.

In an international comparison, the risk of a Swedish woman giving birth to a child with spina bifida is among the lowest in the world. However, women who previously gave birth to children with spina bifida are a risk group. Several studies have shown that the risk of these women giving birth to another child with this deformity can be reduced by giving them high doses of folic acid for a time before the next pregnancy. Folic acid should be taken for one month prior to fertilization and then during the first three months of the pregnancy. If the woman plans to become pregnant, she should start to take folic acid as a supplement immediately. However, not all pregnancies are planned. If a pregnancy is discovered, it is important to supply folic acid as soon as possible.