Folic Acid

Folic Acid is formed from glutamic acid (an amino acid), para-aminobenzoic acid and another group of organic substances. First isolated from green leaves and identified in 1945, folic acid is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is involved in cell division in both plants and animals. The metabolism of folic acid is closely linked with that of vitamin B12 and as such both are often found together in multivitamin supplements.

A supplement of 400µg folic acid daily is advised for all women planning pregnancy, up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Adequate folic acid intake levels are required during pregnancy to avoid the development of neural tube defects in the unborn baby. Click here for our full range of prenatal and postnatal supplements.

This supplement is often administered by practitioners to premature infants. Folic acid is a crucial element in the production of red blood cells and is believed to help lower blood pressure. As it cannot be stored by the body it is important that we replenish our daily supply.