• Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is a naturally occurring B vitamin. Folate helps make DNA and other genetic material. It is especially important in prenatal health.
• Folate, also called vitamin B-9, is a B vitamin that naturally occurs in certain foods. Folic acid is the form of folate that manufacturers add to vitamin supplements and fortified foods.

• It helps the body make healthy new red blood cells.
• In its deficiency a person can develop anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion.
• It leads to folate deficiency anemia.
• Folate is also important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material.
• It is particularly important to get during pregnancy. Folate deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube irregularities, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
• Folic acid is crucial for early fetal development.
• Neural tube irregularities - Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy will help prevent neural tube irregularities in the fetus.
• It may also reduce the risks of preterm birth, heart irregularities, and cleft palate, among other things.
• Depression - Taking folic acid supplements could make depression medications more effective.
• The Office on Women’s Health recommend that women who are or might become pregnant take 400–800 mcg of folic acid per day, and that people with spina bifida or a family history of neural tube irregularities take 4,000 mcg per day. Those who are breastfeeding should aim to take around 500 mcg per day.
• The body absorbs folic acid from supplements and fortified foods better than the folate from naturally occurring foods.

Skin reactions, seizures, gases problem, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, stomach upset, loss of appetite, and hypersensitivity

It is important to note that folic acid can interact with certain medications.

A person should speak to a doctor before taking folic acid if they have any of the following:

• Epilepsy
• Type 2 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ibd)
• Celiac disease

People undergoing kidney dialysis may also wish to avoid taking folic acid.