Your doctor has probably prescribed you a little yellow pill at some point, right? This is something that is often indispensable for pregnant mothers. This is folic acid. But many people think that its importance is limited to pregnancy. But that is not actually the case. Today, let's talk about what folic acid is, why it is so important for our body, and what things to be careful about when using it.
What is folic acid?
Simply put, folic acid is a synthetic form of
vitamin B9 . This is a vitamin that performs many important functions in our body. Think of our body as a big factory. This factory needs many different workers to keep it running smoothly. That's what vitamins are. Folic acid is one such essential worker. Some of its main functions are:
- Red blood cell production: Folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our bodies. A deficiency in this can lead to anemia .
- Brain health: This is also very important for our brain function.
- For a healthy pregnancy: During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the baby's brain and spinal cord are developing. Getting enough folic acid during this time helps prevent serious birth defects (Neural Tube Defects) in the baby's brain and spinal cord. That's why doctors definitely recommend it for women who are expecting and during the early months of pregnancy.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start taking folic acid, you should definitely inform your doctor about the following conditions, as they may affect the effectiveness of this medication.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|
| Alcohol addiction or cirrhosis of the liver | Alcohol reduces the body's absorption of folic acid. |
| Pernicious Anemia or Vitamin B12 Deficiency | (Very important) Taking folic acid can help to reduce the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, B12 deficiency can cause permanent damage to the nervous system. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is very important. |
| Allergies to folic acid, other B vitamins, other medications, foods, or preservatives | To prevent allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is essential for the doctor to know this to determine the correct dosage for you and your child. |
How to take folic acid pills correctly?
- Drink this medicine with a glass of water.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed, and at the right time. It's best to get into the habit of taking it at the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
- If given to children, it should be done only under medical advice. The dosage varies depending on age and need.
Overdosage
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, that is, if you overdose, do not panic and immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Imagine you take a pill at 8 am. If you forget to take it and remember at 12 noon, take the missed pill at that time and then take it again at 8 am the next day. But if you remember at 7 pm, which means it's close to your 8 am time, skip the missed dose and take the pill at 8 am the next day.
Never take two pills at once. Possible Side Effects
Folic acid is generally a safe vitamin. Side effects are rare. However, it's good to be aware of the occasional side effect.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|
| When to seek immediate medical advice |
|---|
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat. | Stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor. |
| Difficulty breathing. | Go to the nearest hospital immediately. |
| Pain, numbness, or loss of sensation in the limbs. | Notify the doctor. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist |
|---|
| Changes in taste, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, general discomfort, and fatigue. | These usually go away in a few days, but if they persist or are bothersome, talk to your doctor. |
A few other important points
Drug interactions
Folic acid can interact with some other medications. For example, some seizure medications, methotrexate, and nitrofurantoin.
So it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). The importance of diet
Keep in mind, taking this vitamin pill is not a substitute for eating a good, nutritious diet.
Eating a balanced diet is also very important. Foods like green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), beans, lentils, and oranges naturally contain folate.
Medicine storage
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- This medicine will quickly deteriorate and become inactive if exposed to light and heat. Therefore, keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Discard after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Folic acid (vitamin B9) is an essential vitamin not only for pregnant mothers, but also for the formation of red blood cells and brain health.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. If you miss a dose, never take two doses at once.
- Remember that taking folic acid pills is not a substitute for a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, throat , or difficulty breathing.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) or contact the National Poisons Information Centre .
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