Folic Acid
Also known as: Vitamin B9, Folate
What it's for
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Before and during early pregnancy, it helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida in babies. It also treats folate deficiency anaemia.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- For pregnancy: 400 micrograms daily before conception and for 12 weeks after.
- Higher doses (5mg) if you have diabetes, epilepsy, or previous affected pregnancy.
- For anaemia: Usually 5mg daily.
- Take with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Side effects are rare at normal doses
- Occasionally: feeling sick, bloating, or wind
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Tell your doctor if you have vitamin B12 deficiency - folic acid can mask it
- High doses may interact with some epilepsy medicines
- Start taking it before you get pregnant if possible
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- You have difficulty breathing
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.