Folic Acid
- December 18, 2020
- Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
- 0 Comment(s)
Folic Acid (active ingredient) is a synthetic version of folate. It is a type of vitamin B9 that is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, beets, egg yolk, potatoes, milk, etc. It is consumed when a patient has megaloblastic anemia, folic acid. Suffers from deficiency, supplementation, etc. during pregnancy.
Folic acid is necessary to create healthy new cells and to maintain some other important functions of the body. This drug is mainly taken in the case of folate deficiency. It helps in the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine which are essential for the production of blood and its components.
In addition, folic acid is also prescribed to cure anemia, kidney dialysis, alcoholism, liver disease and improper absorption of nutrients by the bowel. It is advisable to discuss your medical history with a doctor before using this medicine.
The information given here is based on the salt content of the drug. The use and effects of folic acid may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult an oncologist before using this medicine.
The information given here is based on salt. Its uses and side effects may vary from person to person. Oncologist must be consulted before using the drug.
Table of Contents
What is Folic Acid Tablet used for?
Folic acid tablet is a type of vitamin B that is found naturally in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach.
Folic acid tablet helps in building new cells in the body and maintaining them. Apart from this, it is also helpful in preventing any kind of change in DNA which can lead to terrible disease like cancer.
Folic acid tablets are used as a medicine to overcome folic acid deficiency. Folic acid tablet is also used in the treatment of some types of anemia (deficiency of red blood cells).
Folic acid tablets are sometimes given along with other medications for the treatment of pernicious anemia. However, its use neither removes vitamin B12 deficiency nor can it avoid the potential damage to the spinal cord. Take all your medicines as per doctor’s instructions.
How should one use Folic Acid Tablet?.
- Take folic acid tablet with a full glass of water.
- Doctors may sometimes change the dose of the medicine for greater benefit.
How do store Folic Acid Tablet?
Always store folic acid tablets at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight or moisture. There may be different brands of folic acid tablets which may also have different guidelines on how to store them. To store, read the necessary instructions written on the medicine package or ask your doctor about it. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
If the medicine is not used or it expires, do not flush it in the toilet nor drain it without doctor’s instructions. Consult your pharmacist about destroying the medicine safely.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Folic Acid Tablet or had it before.
If you have any of these health conditions, special tests may be needed to safely use folic acid tablets:
- Have kidney disease or dialysis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Pernicious Anemia
- Anemia confirmed by lab test
- Any kind of infection
- If you consume alcohol.
Is Folic Acid Tablet safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Always consult your doctor about the benefits and side effects of this medicine before taking it. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this drug falls under the risk category ‘A’. Pregnancy Risk Category as determined by FDA-
- A = no risk
- B = no risk in some studiesC = There may be some risk
- D = positive evidence of risk
- X = contradictory
- N = unknown.
What are the side effects of Folic Acid Tablet?
Severe allergic reactions are rarely seen with the use of this medicine. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching / swelling (especially on the face, tongue, throat), dizziness, shortness of breath, etc., consult a doctor immediately. .
How can eating folic acid tablet affect health?
Use of Folic Acid Tablet can be dangerous in some cases of health. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your current health conditions before consuming it.
If folic acid is present in the body in sufficient quantity then it helps the person to stay healthy. Especially when a woman is trying to conceive or is pregnant. So women are advised to consume plenty of folic acid-rich foods. Because folic acid helps in better physical and mental development of the fetus. Also, folic acid helps you in avoiding many health related problems with the formation of cells not in the body.
Green leafy vegetables
- Green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid.
- Along with folic acid, nutrients like iron, magnesium are also rich in green leafy vegetables.
- In such a situation, you are rich in spinach, broccoli and other green vegetables for folic acid.
Dry fruits are rich in folic acid
- Folic acid is present in plenty in nuts like walnuts, almonds etc.
- Along with folic acid, calcium, protein etc. are also present in dry fruits.
Avocado
Avocado is a fruit that is rich in folic acid.
In this case, you can also take avocado for folic acid.
Pulses
Pulses are rich in nutrients, with nutrients like iron, protein, calcium, and folic acid is also present in plenty in pulses.
Chole along with pulses, cowpea, kidney beans etc. are also excellent sources of folic acid.
Semolina is rich in folic acid
Semolina is also an excellent source of folic acid.
In such a situation, by making semolina halwa, uttam, idli etc. in breakfast, semolina must be included in your diet.
Egg
Folic acid is present in plenty in eggs along with protein, calcium.
In such a situation, two well-cooked eggs should be included in your diet.
Whole grains
Whole grains also contain folic acid content.
In such a situation, bread and other foods made from whole grains must be included in your diet. If a sufficient amount of folic acid is present in the body, then it helps the person to be healthy. Especially when a woman is trying to conceive or is pregnant. So women are advised to consume plenty of folic acid-rich foods. Because folic acid helps in better physical and mental development of the fetus. Also, folic acid helps you in avoiding many health related problems with the formation of cells not in the body. So, today in this article we are going to tell about some foods which contain folic acid.
Fruits are rich in folic acid
Folic acid is present in papaya, pomegranate, apple, citrus fruit such as oranges, mausambi, etc.
In such a situation, you can also include these fruits in your diet for folic acid.
The vegetables
Beet, tomatoes, carrots, green peas, etc. are some vegetables in which folic acid is present in plenty.
In such a situation, these vegetables can also be consumed for folic acid.
So these are the foods you get folic acid from. In such a situation, to be healthy, you must include these foods in your diet. Also, foods which are rich in folic acid benefit the pregnant woman. Those foods should be taken by the pregnant woman.
Fruits are rich in folic acid
Folic acid is present in papaya, pomegranate, apple, citrus fruit such as oranges, mausambi, etc.
In such a situation, you can also include these fruits in your diet for folic acid.
The vegetables
Beet, tomatoes, carrots, green peas, etc. are some vegetables in which folic acid is present in plenty.
In such a situation, these vegetables can also be consumed for folic acid.
So these are the foods that you should consume
Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh is the younger Vaidya in Chandigarh Ayurved & Panchakarma Centre. He is the fourth generation in his family who is practicing as a general consultant in Ayurved & Panchakarma treatment at Chandigarh. In his practice, he had treated more than 1 Lakh Plus patients worldwide.