Reading about nutrition during pregnancy can sometimes feel overwhelming; what you should and should not take, and what is important and what is not. This can be particularly true when advice seems conflicting or it changes. However, there is one area where there is pretty much universal agreement: the importance of taking a folate or folic acid supplement during pregnancy. Research (see further reading) has shown that taking a supplement which has natural folate, as opposed to synthetic folic acid, may be easier to absorb and may therefore be preferable.
Why are folic acid and folate important in pregnancy?
Folate is crucial for your overall health and particularly important when it comes to having babies. This is because it significantly improves fertility and plays a vital role in supporting the healthy development of your baby’s brain, spine and neural tube in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Taking a folate supplement, containing the naturally occurring L-Methylfolate (5-MTFH), before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the chances of the unborn baby’s neural tube – which forms during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy - not developing optimally (which could lead to malformations such as spina bifida).
The body doesn’t store folate particularly well, meaning folate deficiency is common. As half of all pregnancies are unplanned, taking a folic acid or folate supplement daily throughout your childbearing years - from adolescence to menopause - ensures that you have sufficient folate to meet the body’s needs if and when pregnancy occurs.
However, fear not if you are one of the many women who discover they are pregnant and have not been taking any supplementation!
If you start as soon as you are pregnant and continue to take it, you can still reap many benefits, such as:
- Significantly reducing the risk of your baby’s neural tube not developing optimally
- Helping your reproductive cell health, which can aid fertility
- Helping your baby grow and develop a healthy nervous system
What is the difference between folic acid and folate?
Folate and folic are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there are significant differences to bear in mind:
- Folate, in the form of L-Methylfolate, is found naturally in food
- Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate found in most supplements, plus some fortified foods
Folate is part of the essential B group of vitamins – vitamin B9, to be precise. It is vital as it makes our DNA and other genetic components, and it helps maintain overall health. It helps the body with cell division and, in pregnancy, it is vital for your baby to grow a healthy nervous system (including the brain, stem and spinal cord).
Should I take folate or folic acid supplements?
Folic acid needs to be broken down, in a complex digestive process, in order for it to be rendered usable for your body and, thus, for your growing baby. In recent years, scientists have discovered that many people may lack, or have a slight genetic variation which means they do not have a specific enzyme that allows this metabolic process to occur. Because of this, many people (even with supplementation) might not be getting the required amount of folate.
Research also suggests that folate, in its naturally occurring form of L-Methylfolate, has greater absorption and is easily metabolised by all, regardless of any genetic difference.
Our expert midwives therefore recommend taking a supplement that contains 100% of natural L-Methylfolate, such as My Expert Midwife pre-conception + pregnancy WOMEN, rather than one containing synthetic folic acid, or folate that’s been ‘fortified’ with folic acid.
When should I start taking folic acid or folate?
If you are planning for a baby, a good rule of thumb is to take a pre-conception and pregnancy supplement about 3 months before trying to conceive, as folate or folic acid can also help you get pregnant.
It is very important to take folate (or, if you choose to, folic acid) during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as this is when your baby’s spine, brain and neural tube develop. After this, it is advisable to continue daily supplementation, as folate contributes towards healthy maternal tissue growth throughout pregnancy.
You can find other tips and advice on fertility here. We have also created our not-for-profit Trying To Conceive Fertility + Ovulation Kit and a free and downloadable Your Guide to Trying to Conceive to support you in your journey to becoming pregnant.
How much folate or folic acid should I take during pregnancy?
The Department of Health recommends a daily supplement containing 400mcg of folate (or folic acid). This recommended daily allowance (RDA) meets the needs of your growing baby and those of your own health and wellbeing from preconception, throughout pregnancy and into your postnatal period.
Getting into the habit of taking your folate/folic acid supplement daily is easier if you try and take it at the same time every day. A good aide-memoire is to have your supplements by the kettle, if you prefer to take them in the morning, or on your bedside table if you rather take them at night.
Some women may require a higher dose of folate or folic acid during pregnancy. Your midwife or GP may prescribe this after taking your medical and family history.
You may need a higher dose of folic acid or folate if you:
- Have a history of malabsorption
- Have diabetes Are considered to be obese
- Have had a previous baby with neural tube defects
- Take certain medication
Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
What are good sources of folic acid or folate?
Folic acid is a man-made compound and is not found naturally in foods. However, certain foods such as dairy products, cereals and flour are fortified with folic acid in some countries. In the UK, foods fortified with folic acid will state so clearly on the label.
Folate occurs naturally in foods. The word comes from the Latin word for leaf, ‘folium’.
Good sources of natural folate include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (like broccoli, Brussel sprouts and kale)
- Edamame beans
- Asparagus
- Avocadoes
- Citrus fruits
- Peanuts
- Legumes (such as lentils and kidney beans
During pregnancy, your need for folate or folic acid increases so much that it is impossible to get enough from diet alone. So, we recommend all women of childbearing age take a folate supplement.
Can you take too much folic acid or folate?
If synthetic folic acid is taken in very high doses and remains unmetabolised (not absorbed), it may impact your health. This is unlikely to happen if you take folate in its natural form, as it is considered easier to metabolise by most people.
Still, it is always best and safest to take the recommended dose and, if you are concerned or are in a group that might need to take a higher dose, then speak with your doctor, midwife or health visitor.
Lay The Groundwork For A Healthier Pregnancy Today With Our Folate Supplement
At My Expert Midwife, we have developed a perfectly balanced nutritional supplement that contains the recommended daily allowance of folate in a highly absorbable form, alongside a host of other essential vitamins and minerals for pregnancy and pre-conception. As with all supplements, this should be taken alongside a well-balanced diet.
You can lay the groundwork for a healthier pregnancy by taking a supplement specifically developed for your and your baby’s needs, from pre-conception through to the post-birth period. Find out more about our supplements here and about the additional nutritional needs in pregnancy.
