Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin folate (also known as vitamin B9), usually found in dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
Folic acid is available in both an over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription form.
Uses:
- It helps to produce and maintain new cells in the Human body which can prevent any changes in DNA that may lead to cancer.
- Red blood cell formation is dependent upon adequate levels of this vitamin.
- It is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by its deficiency. It is indicated to: treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia, (megaloblastic anaemia).
- It is also helpful in the prophylaxis in chronic hemolytic states, in renal dialysis, and in drug induced folate deficiency.
- It will prevent the recurrence of neural tube defects.
- A synthetic form of folic acid is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
- Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid used alone will not treat pernicious anemia and other anemia not related to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- For women who may get pregnant, it is really important. Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain or spine.
Dosage
For Megaloblastic Anemia: 1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day.
Women of childbearing age, pregnant, and lactating women: 800 mcg orally, intramuscularly, subcuta neously or IV once a day.
Pediatric Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency: Infant: 0.1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day.
Child: Initial dose: 1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day.
Side effects:
Signs of an allergic reaction to folic acid: hives, rash, itching, skin redness; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other side effects may include:
- Nausea, loss of appetite;
- Bloating, gas, stomach pain;
- Bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- Confusion, trouble concentrating;
- . Sleep problems;
- Depression; or
- Feeling excited or irritable.
Store folic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
