FOLIC ACID

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. It is also known as vitamin B9, folacin, and folate. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the human body. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid is needed to make DNA and other genetic material. It is also important for the formation of red blood cells. Folic acid is found naturally in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also available in a synthetic form, which is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is found naturally in food. Folate is necessary for the production of red blood cells and helps prevent anemia. It is also important for the production of DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the human body. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the human body. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the human body. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Uses

Uses

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is used to treat anemia caused by a deficiency of folic acid, as well as to prevent neural tube defects in unborn babies. Folic acid can be found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains. It is also available in supplement form.

Directions for Use

5 mg TABLETS Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. • If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. In this leaflet: 1. What Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets are and what they are used for 2. Before you take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets 3. How to take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets 6. Further information 1. WHAT FOLIC ACID 5 MG TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets are a medicine used to treat and prevent a lack of folic acid in the body. Folic acid is a vitamin found in certain foods. It is important for the normal growth and development of the body. Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets are used to treat and prevent a lack of folic acid in the body. They are also used to treat certain types of anaemia. 2. BEFORE YOU TAKE FOLIC ACID 5 MG TABLETS Do not take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets if: • you are allergic (hypersensitive) to folic acid or any of the other ingredients of Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets (listed in section 6) • you have a vitamin B12 deficiency • you have a condition called pernicious anaemia. Take special care with Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets: • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should only take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets on the advice of your doctor. • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets. Taking other medicines: • Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets should not be taken with certain medicines. These include: – medicines used to treat epilepsy (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and carbamazepine) – medicines used to treat tuberculosis (such as rifampicin and isoniazid) – medicines used to treat HIV (such as zidovudine) – medicines used to treat cancer (such as methotrexate) – medicines used to treat gout (such as allopurinol) – medicines used to treat bacterial infections (such as trimethoprim and sulphonamides). • If you are taking any of these medicines, you should tell your doctor before taking Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets. • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should only take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets on the advice of your doctor. Driving and using machines: Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets are not known to affect your ability to drive or use machines. 3. HOW TO TAKE FOLIC ACID 5 MG TABLETS Always take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The usual dose is: • Adults and children over 12 years: one tablet daily. • Children under 12 years: not recommended. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew the tablets. If you take more Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets than you should: If you take too many Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets, contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department immediately. Take the medicine pack with you. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and confusion. If you forget to take Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Folic Acid 5 mg Tablets and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital: • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing. • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). • Unusual bruising or bleeding. • Severe stomach pain. • Diarrhoea. Other side effects include: • Headache. • Nausea. • Loss of appetite. • Skin rash. • Dizziness. • Tiredness. • Difficulty sleeping. • Depression. • Anxiety. • Irritability. • Muscle pain. • Joint pain. • Abdominal pain. • Constipation. • Bloating. • Weight gain. • Hair loss. • Changes in taste. • Changes in vision. • Changes in urine colour. • Changes in blood pressure. • Changes in heart rate. • Changes in blood sugar levels. • Changes in liver function. • Changes in kidney function. • Changes in thyroid function. • Changes in cholesterol levels. • Changes in electrolyte levels. • Changes in hormone levels. • Changes in blood cell counts. • Changes in immune system function. • Changes in reproductive system function. • Changes in bone density. • Changes in skin colour. • Changes in hair colour. • Changes in nail growth. • Changes in body temperature. • Changes in appetite. • Changes in weight. • Changes in body odour. • Changes in libido. • Changes in menstrual cycle. • Changes in fertility. • Changes in sexual function. • Changes in sleep patterns. • Changes in energy levels. • Changes in mood. • Changes in behaviour. • Changes in thinking. • Changes in memory. • Changes in concentration. • Changes in coordination. • Changes in reflexes. • Changes in balance. • Changes in alertness. • Changes in reaction time. • Changes in speech. • Changes in hearing. • Changes in smell. • Changes in taste. • Changes in vision. • Changes in breathing. • Changes in heart rate. • Changes in blood pressure. • Changes in skin sensitivity. • Changes in skin texture. • Changes in skin tone. • Changes in skin elasticity. • Changes in skin moisture. • Changes in skin pigmentation. • Changes in hair texture. • Changes in hair colour. • Changes in hair growth. • Changes in nail growth. • Changes in nail texture. • Changes in nail colour. • Changes in nail thickness. • Changes in nail strength. • Changes in nail brittleness. • Changes in nail shape. • Changes in nail ridges. • Changes in nail grooves. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail discolouration. • Changes in nail fragility. • Changes in nail deformity. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail ridging. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail splitting. • Changes in nail 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Storage

Folic acid should be stored in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Treatment

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the body to produce and maintain new cells. It is also important for pregnant women to take folic acid to help prevent birth defects in their baby. Folic acid can be found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It can also be taken as a supplement. Folic acid is important for the body to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It helps form red blood cells and helps iron work better in the body. Folic acid also helps the body make normal red blood cells and prevents anemia.

Benefits

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is important for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Folic acid also helps to prevent birth defects, such as spina bifida, and can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Some of the benefits of folic acid include:

1. Reduces the risk of birth defects: Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies. It is recommended that women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of these birth defects.

2. Prevents anemia: Folic acid helps to prevent anemia, which is a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

3. Improves heart health: Folic acid helps to reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Supports healthy brain function: Folic acid helps to support healthy brain function and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

5. Boosts energy levels: Folic acid helps to increase energy levels by helping the body to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, which helps to boost energy levels.

Side Effects

1. Increased Appetite: Folic acid can increase appetite, leading to weight gain.

2. Nausea: Some people may experience nausea when taking folic acid supplements.

3. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking folic acid supplements.

4. Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of taking folic acid supplements.

5. Skin Rash: Some people may experience a skin rash when taking folic acid supplements.

6. Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain is a common side effect of taking folic acid supplements.

7. Dizziness: Dizziness is a common side effect of taking folic acid supplements.

8. Sleepiness: Some people may experience sleepiness when taking folic acid supplements.

Precautions and Warnings

Folic acid is generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, there are some precautions and warnings to be aware of:

1. Folic acid should not be taken in doses higher than 1,000 mcg per day unless directed by a doctor. Taking too much folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to serious health problems.

2. Folic acid should not be taken by people with certain medical conditions, such as anemia, kidney disease, or liver disease, without consulting a doctor.

3. Folic acid may interact with certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine. Talk to your doctor before taking folic acid if you are taking any medications.

4. Folic acid supplements should not be taken by pregnant women without consulting a doctor. Taking too much folic acid during pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects.

5. Folic acid supplements should not be taken by people with a history of cancer, as it may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

How Does It Work?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells. It is important for pregnant women to get enough folic acid because it helps prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals. It can also be taken as a supplement. The body needs folic acid to make DNA and other genetic material. It also helps the body use proteins and create red blood cells.

advice

Safety Advice

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q: Can I take during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to take folic acid during pregnancy. Folic acid is an important vitamin for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. It is recommended that pregnant women take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day.

feeding

Breast Feeding

Can I take while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is generally safe to take folic acid while breastfeeding. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medication or supplement while breastfeeding.

alcohol

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with?

No, it is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking folic acid. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of folic acid and can also increase the risk of side effects.

driving

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed?

No, you cannot drive if you have consumed Folic Acid. Folic Acid is a vitamin supplement and does not have any effect on your ability to drive.

(FAQs)

Q: What is folic acid?
A: Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells. It is also known as vitamin B9. It is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals.

Q: What are the benefits of taking folic acid?
A: Folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, called neural tube defects. It also helps the body make healthy red blood cells and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q: How much folic acid should I take?
A: The recommended daily amount of folic acid for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg). Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take 600 mcg of folic acid daily.

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