Why Folic Acid Is Important Before Pregnancy

Why Start Folic Acid Before You’re Pregnant?

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant—or even if you’re not trying yet—it’s a good idea to start taking folic acid. It can help lower the risk of serious birth defects called neural tube defects. It may also reduce the chances of other birth defects and even lower the risk of miscarriage.

According to a 2018 study published in JAMA Psychiatry, taking folic acid along with other prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy was linked to a lower risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. That said, it’s always best to check with your doctor before starting any supplements, including vitamins, herbs, or other dietary products.

General Benefits of Folic Acid

Folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9) plays a key role in making and repairing DNA, supporting red and white blood cell production, helping convert carbs into energy, and aiding in healthy cell division.

Possible Side Effects of Folic Acid

Is Folic Acid Safe?

For most people, folic acid is generally safe when taken in doses under 1 mg per day. Higher doses, especially over long periods, might cause side effects like stomach cramps, nausea, trouble sleeping, skin rashes, mood changes, confusion, or even seizures in rare cases.

When to Be Cautious

Folic acid supplements should be used with care in certain situations:

• Post-angioplasty patients: People recovering from procedures to widen narrowed arteries should avoid high doses of folic acid, as it could make things worse.
• Cancer history: Some studies suggest high doses (800 mcg to 1 mg daily) could increase cancer risk, so those with a cancer history should be cautious.
• Heart disease: There’s evidence that combining folic acid with vitamin B6 might increase the risk of heart attacks in those with a history of heart issues.
• Living in malaria-prone areas: Taking folic acid with iron could increase the risk of hospitalization or death where malaria is common.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Folic acid can mask symptoms of B12 deficiency, delaying proper treatment.
• Seizure disorders: High doses might worsen seizures in people with epilepsy or related conditions.

Medication Interactions

Folic acid can interact with some medications, including:

• Capecitabine
• Fosphenytoin
• Methotrexate
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Pyrimethamine

Recommended Dosage Before Pregnancy

All women of childbearing age are advised to get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. This helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Higher doses aren’t necessarily better unless recommended by a doctor for specific health reasons.

Food Sources Rich in Folic Acid

Here are some folic acid-rich foods to include in your diet:

• Lentils: 1 cup (198g) cooked = ~358 mcg
• Eggs: 1 large egg = ~22 mcg
• Beets: 1 cup (136g) raw = ~148 mcg
• Orange: 1 large = ~55 mcg
• Wheat germ: 28g = ~78.7 mcg
• Papaya: 1 cup (140g) raw = ~53 mcg
• Banana: 1 medium = ~23.6 mcg
• Asparagus: 1 cup cooked = ~268 mcg
• Spinach: 1 cup cooked = ~263 mcg
• Edamame: 100g = ~311 mcg
• Broccoli: 1 cup cooked = ~168 mcg
• Avocado: 1 whole = ~163 mcg
• Mango: 1 cup = ~71 mcg
• Lettuce: 1 cup = ~64 mcg
• Sweet corn: 1 cup cooked = ~61 mcg

Want to Learn More?

Curious about how folic acid ties into pregnancy? Check out videos and articles for more helpful info!