Folic Acid

Folic acid (vitamin B9 / folate) is a B vitamin needed to build DNA and make healthy new cells. For women who may become pregnant, it is the single most important supplement — it prevents serious birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.

Why it's non-negotiable in pregnancy

• Adequate folate in the first 28 days after conception — often before a woman knows she is pregnant — prevents neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly).
• Start 400 micrograms (µg) daily at least one month before trying to conceive and continue through the first trimester.
• Women on anti-seizure drugs, with diabetes, obesity, or a previous baby with a neural-tube defect need a higher dose (10× the usual) — ask a doctor.
• Iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets are distributed free to pregnant women, adolescents, and young children through Indian government health services.

Food sources

• Leafy greens — palak, methi, amaranth, mustard greens, coriander.
• Pulses — rajma, chana, moong, masoor.
• Other: eggs, liver, citrus fruits, beetroot, bananas, peanuts, fortified atta and fortified rice under India's fortification programme.

Folate deficiency beyond pregnancy

• Causes megaloblastic anaemia — fatigue, breathlessness, pale tongue, mouth ulcers.
• Common with: poor diet, alcohol dependence, coeliac disease, pregnancy, some medicines (cancer/autoimmune drugs, anti-seizure medicines, some antibiotics).
• Confirmed on a blood test (serum folate / vitamin B12).
• Treatment is usually oral folic acid — but B12 deficiency must be ruled out first; giving folic acid alone when B12 is low can worsen nerve damage.