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You need to take start taking folic acid BEFORE you become pregnant. Why?

Because folic acid can help to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida which occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy – before many women even know they are pregnant.

Up to 70% of neural tube defects (NTDs) including spina bifida can be prevented by taking the right amount of folic acid at the right time.

How much should I take?

"Health professionals recommend that if you could become pregnant, whether you are trying for a baby or not, you should take a supplement of folic acid each day. This is because it is difficult to tell exactly when you conceive."

The standard dose is 400mcg daily. Ideally, this should be taken for at least 3 months before conception and also during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

BUT you are likely to need a larger dose (5mg) if you are in a higher risk category e.g. if you or your partner have a family history of NTD, or you have diabetes, epilepsy, coeliac disease or are very overweight.

If you think you may need the higher dose it is very important that you see your GP to discuss this BEFORE you get pregnant.

Where can I get Folic Acid?

Tablets containing the standard dose (400mcg) of folic acid are widely available in chemists and supermarkets. If you need the higher dose (5mg) you will need to ask your GP for a prescription.

Do I really need to take Folic Acid even if I have a healthy diet?

Yes! Although it is good to eat foods which are high in folates (the natural form of folic acid) and foods that have folic acid added to them (such as fortified cereals), you still need to take folic acid tablets as well to prevent neural tube defects.

Where can I find out more?

* Need to increase Folic Acid in the UK

* Folic Acid and the Prevention of Spina Bifida and other Neural Tube defects

* NHS Leaflet ‘Folic Acid what every woman should know’

* Folic Acid Factsheet – Kellogg’s kindly produced this factsheet in conjunction with ASBAH. Kellogg’s cereals are fortified with folic acid.