FOLICID

What is FOLICID?


FOLICID is Vitamin B9, Folates as Folic Acid 400mcg. Folic Acid occurs naturally as Folates in pulses, green vegetables, some fruit, and yeast and beef extracts. Some foods, such as breads and breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid. Folic Acid helps the body make healthy new cells. “Folic acid” and “Folates” mean the same thing.

Who needs FOLICID?

FOLICID (Folic acid) is recommended in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of having a baby born with a spinal cord problem, such as spina bifida. This is because the early development of the baby's spinal cord requires a regular, good supply of folic acid. There is evidence that folic acid also reduces the risk of having a baby born with a cleft lip and palate, a heart defect (congenital heart disease), and the risk of a premature (preterm or early) labor.


It is recommended to start taking FOLICID tablets before becoming pregnant. The common advice is to start from the time you plan to become pregnant. If the pregnancy is unplanned then start taking FOLICID as soon as you know that you are pregnant.

During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy baby's brain and nerve system are forming and growing fast. That's why it's important to take FOLICID everyday. Once the second trimester starts, from week 13 of pregnancy, one can stop taking the supplement. Taking FOLICID throughout pregnancy is safe and won't harm the mother or baby.

Folic Acid supplementation is recommended during breastfeeding.

How much folic acid do women need?

Women that are able to get pregnant need 400 to 800 mcg or micrograms of Folic acid every day, even if they are not planning to get pregnant. (This is the same as 0.4 to 0.8 mg or milligrams.) That way, if they do become pregnant, their babies will be less likely to have birth defects. Breastfeeding women need 500 mcg. Talk with your doctor about how much folic acid you need.


I don’t plan on getting pregnant right now, and I am using birth control. Do I still need folic acid?

Yes! Birth defects of the brain and spine happen in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. By the time she finds out she is pregnant, it might be too late to prevent those birth defects. Also, half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned. For these reasons, all women who are able to get pregnant need 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid every day.


Are there any side effects or risks when taking FOLICID?

No. FOLICID contains Folic acid that is a naturally occurring vitamin, which your body needs. By taking these supplements you are just making sure that you get a good, regular amount of folic acid, which you need especially during pregnancy.