Is 5mg of folic acid too much when pregnant

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a form of vitamin B9, also known as folate. When the nutrient comes directly from food sources, it's called folate. When it's manufactured for use as a supplement or to fortify foods, it's called folic acid.

This vitamin helps prevent certain birth defects.

Essential for the production, repair, and functioning of DNA – our genetic map and a basic building block of cells – it's crucial to the rapid cell growth of the placenta and your developing baby. Your body also needs folic acid to make normal red blood cells and prevent a type of anemia (folate-deficiency anemia).

Why do I need folic acid during pregnancy?

If you're pregnant or might become pregnant, it's critically important to get enough folic acid because it helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida (which affects the spinal cord) and anencephaly (which affects the brain).

Your baby's spine and brain develop from the neural tube.

Neural tube defe

why is folic acid good before pregnancy

why is folic acid important for pregnancy