Folic acid

Folic acid is a vitamin. More specifically, it’s a synthetic version of vitamin B9. When you don’t get enough vitamin B9, or have problems absorbing it, it can cause anaemia. People with anaemia often struggle with symptoms like tiredness, weakness and headaches.^[1]

When you supplement with folic acid, it raises the levels of B9 in your system. This helps your body to make enough red blood cells to tackle your anaemia. Folic acid is sometimes also used alongside other medicines that can lower your folate levels, or to prevent complications during pregnancy.

How do Folic acid tablets work?

When you have a folate deficiency, there isn’t enough folic acid in your blood. This means you can’t produce enough red blood cells, which causes anaemia. When you have anaemia, it’s important to get it treated as soon as you can so it doesn’t cause complications.

Folic acid is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective forms of treatment for folate deficiency anaemia. It raises the folic acid in your blood to treat your anaemia. This helps reverse your symptoms, so you have the health and energy you need to enjoy life fully.

What doses of Folic acid tablets are there?

Folic acid comes in 5mg tablets. How often you need to take folic acid will often depend on the levels in your blood. When you’re treating folate deficiency anaemia, you’ll usually need to take one 5mg tablet once a day.

If your anaemia improves, or you’re preventing the development of anaemia, you can usually lower your dose to one tablet per week. Folic acid treatment is sometimes prescribed alongside other medications to treat anaemia. These are often iron supplements, like ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate.

Always follow your clinician’s advice on how you should take folic acid. If you have any questions, just log into your account and message us. You’ll usually take a tablet per day. Swallowing it whole without water unless you’re advised otherwise.

You can take folic acid with or without food. It’s not necessary, but taking folic acid with a source rich in vitamin C can help boost your absorption. Some foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, kale, broccoli and strawberries.

Folic acid tablets are absorbed quickly, usually within a few hours. But the folate will take some time to build up in your bloodstream and rise to normal levels. If you have folate deficiency anaemia, it can take a few weeks to feel the full effects of the medication. However, you’ll often feel a little better within a few days.

What should I do if I make a mistake while taking Folic acid tablets?

If you forget to take folic acid at your usual time, just take it when you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next folic acid tablet, you can just skip the missed dose and then keep taking it on your normal schedule.

Folic acid isn’t likely to harm you if you take too much. If you’re worried, you can always talk to your clinician. We’re always available to help if you have questions or concerns. Just log into your Treated account and message us.