1. What is folic acid?

https://gofolic.org/how-long-after-unprotected-sex-pregnancy-test/ is a water soluble vitamin and is part of the B-vitamin family. It is mainly found in leafy green vegetables and fruits. Folic acid is important for the development of the neural tube. It helps to prevent spina bifida, a birth defect in the spinal cord. Folic acid can also help to prevent other birth defects of the brain and spine. All women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate or folic acid.

2. What are the benefits of taking folic acid?

Folic acid has many benefits. In addition to helping to prevent birth defects, it can also help to:

-Reduce the risk of heart disease
-Lower the risk of stroke
-Reduce the risk of some types of cancer
-Improve cognitive function
-Boost mood and mental health
-Improve fertility
-Reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)


3. What foods contain folic acid?

Folic acid is found naturally in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods such as breads, cereals, and pastas. Some breakfast cereals contain 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for folic acid, which is 400 mcg. One slice of enriched wheat bread contains about 25% DV for folic acid.

4. How much folic acid should I take?

The recommended daily amount (RDA) for folate is 400 mcg DFE (micrograms dietary folate equivalents) for adults. This amount increases to 600 mcg DFE during pregnancy and lactation. The upper limit (UL) for adults is set at 1000 mcg DFE to avoid potential gastrointestinal issues associated with high intakes of folate from supplements or fortified foods1.

5. Are there any side effects of taking folic acid?

Most people can safely take folate supplements without any side effects. However, some people may experience gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea at high doses2. If you experience any side effects after taking a supplement, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.

6. What conditions can folic acid help treat?

Folic acid has been shown to be effective in treating anemia caused by a deficiency in this vitamin3. It has also been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults4 and reduce the risk of cognitive decline5. Additionally, folic acid supplementation has been shown to improve fertility6 and reduce the risk of some types of cancer7.

7. Can gofolic get too much folic acid?

Yes, it's possible to get too much folic acid from supplements or fortified foods8. Taking more than 1000 mcg DFE per day from these sources can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea9. Additionally, high intakes of folic acid may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency10 which can lead to neurological problems11 such as memory loss and depression12. If you're concerned about your intake of folic acid, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

8. Where can I find folic acid supplements?

Folate supplements are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores13 . You can also get folate from fortified foods such as breakfast cereals14 , breads15 , pastas16 , and rice17 ."