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Folic Acid

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What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is used to treat or prevent folic acid deficiency. It is a B-complex vitamin needed by the body to manufacture red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin causes certain types of anemia (low red blood cell count).



Brand Name

Folvit



Other Names



What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is used to treat or prevent folic acid deficiency. It is a B-complex vitamin needed by the body to manufacture red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin causes certain types of anemia (low red blood cell count).

How

If you are taking folic acid to treat a deficiency, you probably will feel better quickly, often within 24 hours. However, do not stop taking this drug until your doctor tells you to do so.

Side Effects

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • redness
  • difficulty breathing
  • http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html

    • Precautions

    Before taking folic acid,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to folic acid or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially phenytoin (Dilantin) and vitamins.

    • Overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    What If I Forget

    Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

    Storage

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

    Dietary Restrictions

    Your doctor may tell you to eat more liver, foods prepared from dried yeast, fruit, and fresh leafy green vegetables to increase the folic acid in your diet.

    Miscellaneous

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

    Other Uses

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

    Content provided by:

    The AHFS MedMaster Consumer Medication Information CMI® database is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. © 2008, ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. All Rights Reserved. Duplication must be expressly authorized by ASHP, unless such duplication consists of printing or downloading portions of the data inherent in the program for non-commercial use. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the database provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such database and specifically disclaims all such warranties and representations. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the database is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug in the database. The information contained in the database is not a substitute for medical care.

    Folic Acid Videos

    Folic Acid Articles

    • What Is Folic Acid Used For?

      Folic Acid is a member of the B-Vitamin family. It is a water-soluble vitamin and gets flushed from your system on a regular basis, so your body cannot store very much of it and it needs to be tak...

    • What Is Folic Acid Used For?

      Folic Acid is a member of the B-Vitamin family. It is a water-soluble vitamin and gets flushed from your system on a regular basis, so your body cannot store very much of it and it needs to be tak...

    • How Much Folic Acid Is Needed Daily?

    • Can Folic Acid Help Memory?

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    Images provided by Google

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    Food for Thought

    Nabisco Fig Newtons (snack pack)

    ... [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), FIGS PRESERVED WITH SULFUR DIOXIDE, SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, HIGH F...

    Calories: 200     Fat: 4g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 230mg     Total Carbohydrates: 39g     Fiber: 3g     Sugars: 22g     Protein: 2g     Vitamin C:    

    Ritz Snack Crackers, Whole Wheat

    ... [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, PARTIALLY HYDROG...

    Calories: 70     Fat: 2.5g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 120mg     Total Carbohydrates: 11g     Fiber: >1g     Sugars: 2g     Protein: 1g     Vitamin C:    

    Coco Wheats Hot Cereal

    ...icial flavors, vitamin C, niacin, iron, folic acid, vitamins B12, B6, B2 and B1

    Calories: 190     Fat: 1g     Cholesterol:     Sodium: 0mg     Total Carbohydrates: 39g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 1g     Protein: 6g     Vitamin C: 10%    

    Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet

    ...iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic Acid), Modified Corn Starch, Bleached Wheat Flour, Ascorbic Acid (do...

    Calories: 450     Fat: 22g     Cholesterol: 45mg     Sodium: 1020mg     Total Carbohydrates: 47g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 5g     Protein: 16g     Vitamin C:    

    Nabisco Nilla Wafers

    ... Note: ingredients list B1, B2, and folic acid but no quantities specified

    Calories: 140     Fat: 6     Cholesterol: 5mg     Sodium: 115mg     Total Carbohydrates: 21g     Fiber: 0g     Sugars: 11g     Protein: 1g     Vitamin C: 0%    

    Panera Bread Sourdough XL Loaf

    ...iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, salt, yeast, dough conditioners (ascorbic acid, microc...

    Calories: 140     Fat: 0.5g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 290mg     Total Carbohydrates: 28g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 0g     Protein: 5g     Vitamin C:    

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    Vitamins

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      Folate and folic acid are forms of a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food and folic acid is the s...

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    Conversations On Folic Acid

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      • Posted On October 22, 2007 01:28:00 PM

        ...! ***Healthy coffee?! The world's first folic-acid-fortified coffee is on the way, peeps! SPAVA, a gourmet coffee line sold in select markets across the U.S., will be adding folic acid to their ... Read More

      • Posted On October 22, 2007 01:29:54 PM

        ...! ***Healthy coffee?! The world's first folic-acid-fortified coffee is on the way, peeps! SPAVA, a gourmet coffee line sold in select markets across the U.S., will be adding folic acid to their ... Read More

    • Increase Alkaline Food in Your Diet


      • Posted On June 11, 2008 08:03:35 AM

        ... in the body caused by our increasingly acidic diets. I'd love to hears others opinions on the subject. A couple articles on the subject: http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfood... Read More

      • Posted On June 11, 2008 10:19:28 AM

        ..., but "almond milk" is on the acidifying list. Seems odd Just glancing at the two lists, I'd say i've got a pretty good balance, I guess. I am eating low carb (so no acidifying pas... Read More

    • vitamin content of foods eaten


      • Posted On November 7, 2008 01:27:17 PM

        ...n (B3)23.75 * Vitamin B616.25 * Folic Acid (Folate)20.75 * Vitamin B1237.5 * Magnesium5 * Zinc8 * Copper5 Est. Percent of Calories from: Fat 10.2% Carbs 83.2% Protein 16.5% Read More

      • Posted On November 7, 2008 01:41:16 PM

        ...(B3)3.0786 * Vitamin B621.184 * Folic Acid (Folate)5 * Phosphorus3.5 * Magnesium10 * Panthothenic Acid3.024 * Zinc1.426666666 * Copper4.429 * Manganese16.5836 Es... Read More

    • Its been a while


      • Posted On February 18, 2008 07:55:08 PM

        ... sure you take your prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is key for you right now! Read More

      • Posted On February 17, 2008 04:55:12 PM

        I haven't been on here for almost a month nearly. But I thought I would check in. The reason I haven't been on is that I found out I was pregnant. So I have been eating like a pig. (well not really... Read More

    • Hair, skin and nails supplements? (Perfectil, in particular)


      • Posted On January 12, 2009 05:53:27 AM

        ...ending on how long it is!). What about folic acid? Read More

      • Posted On January 12, 2009 06:48:04 AM

        ...ending on how long it is!). What about Folic acid? Folic acid is an important supplement, especially for pregnant women as it can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the ba... Read More

    • Just curious...


      • Posted On April 2, 2008 05:43:10 PM

        ...he help I can get. Essential amino acids (Quinoa is amazing!) No hot tubs or baths, boxer shorts only, no tight pants. If the boys are too hot (only a few degrees) sperm count drops drastic... Read More

      • Posted On April 2, 2008 04:54:27 AM

        Is there a diet or list of foods that can make a woman/man more fertile? I'm trying to have a baby and being over 40 I need all the help I can get. Read More

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    Folic Acid Blogs

    Hispanic Babies at Greater Risk for Severe Birth Defects

    National Folic Acid Awareness Week Emphasizes Education January 8, 2007 Via Hispanic PR Wire Hispanic babies are 1.5 to 2 times more likely than others in the U.S. to be born with a neural tube defect (NTD), according to national statistics. The National...

    China Provides Folic Acid For Pregnant Women In Rural Areas

    China will provide folic acid free of charge to women in the rural areas of the country who are planning to have a baby to prevent neural tube defect among new born babies. The program "Supplementing Folic Acid to Prevent NTD" is said to be one of the...

    Folic Acid & Depression

    Research covered by the BBC has suggested that folic acid may be a possible way to reduce depression. A variety of studies were reviewed that indicate a possible benefit of folic acid and are encouraging larger-scale studies to determine if this is the...

    Supplemental Folic Acid in Late Pregnancy Associated with Childhood Asthma

    In yet another study assessing the impact of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, Australian researchers have found an association between use of folic acid supplements in late pregnancy and the risk for asthma in childhood. The risk was not found...

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    tracker411: While you are pregnant you should aim to take at least 600mcg of folic acid a day. http://cli.gs/8vPQaT

    bostontrials: pralatrex8 & gemcitabine w/ b12 & folic acid 2 treat relapsed/refractory lymphoproliferative malignancies http://bit.ly/5Omjbv

    TeaHub: RT @greenteaexpert: Dr. Besser Explains Folic Acid and Your Health - GMA Mentioned on Air: The natural form of folic acid found in .. ht ...

    MBHolistic: Treatment With Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Associated With Increased Risk Of Cancer, Death http://bit.ly/4KY2De #Alternative #Health

    canadiangoddess: RT @theteaavenue: Health News: Dr. Besser Explains Folic Acid and Your Health - GMA Mentioned on Air: The natural for.. http://bit.ly/5s8jet

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