Do I need to take folic acid if I'm planning to become pregnant

asks sporty:
A. Yes, you do. It is well known that an adequate supply of folic acid reduces the risk of some birth defects by up to 75%. You should ensure you're getting enough folic acid in your diet as soon as you plan for pregnancy, and for 12 weeks after you get pregnant.

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Q. Why is folic acid important
A. One of the B vitamins, folic acid is essential for making DNA and ensuring healthy growth and development. It is especially important because it maintains a healthy nervous system and is used in the formation of red blood cells.

In the developing baby, folic acid is vital for the development of the baby's spinal cord and nervous system and to prevents defects such as spina bifida or cleft palate.

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Q. How can I make sure I'm getting enough folic acid
A. Foods which are high in folic acid include green leafy vegetables (take care because overcooking destroys the vitamins), strawberries, oranges, raspberries, tomatoes, nuts and seeds. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid, too - check the label.

But no matter what you eat, you should also take a 400 micrograms (0.4 milligram) folic acid supplement every day. And it's essential that you buy a quality folic acid supplement.

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Q. Why
A. A recent study published in the Journal of Public Health and Medicine found that one in three off-the-shelf folic acid supplements don't supply enough to protect against birth defects. Researchers tested 11 brands and four of these failed to release 70% of the active ingredients within two hours.

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Q. Which ones were they
A. The names of these brands were not released, and the researchers have called for regulation for folic acid. In the meantime, however, you should play safe and pay extra for a quality product.

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Q. What if you get pregnant without planning ahead
A. Just start taking folic acid at once and keep on taking it until the 12th week of pregnancy.

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Q. Is there anyone who should not take folic acid supplements
A. Ask your doctor first if you have epilepsy (folic acid can affect the dosage of drugs for epilepsy) or have a folate-dependent tumour.

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Q. Does folic acid have any side effects
A. There are no known side effects at the recommended doses.

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By Sheena Miller