Vitamin
Folic Acid
Tablet
Quick Summary
Folic acid helps make healthy red blood cells and supports the baby's developing spine.
Before and during pregnancy
Folate deficiency anaemia
Sickle cell disease
Medical Uses
Before and during pregnancy: Preventing neural tube defects.
Folate deficiency anaemia: Treatment.
Sickle cell disease: Ongoing use.
How it's taken
Take once a day; start before trying for a baby if possible.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Few side effects
Usually well tolerated.
Nausea
Rarely.
Bloating
Rarely.
Interactions
Some epilepsy medicines
Interact.
Critical Warnings
B12 deficiency
Folic acid shouldn't hide B12 deficiency; get tested if anaemic.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Folic Acid: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Folic acid: medicine used to keep your baby healthy in pregnancy and to treat folate deficiency anaemia.(opens in a new tab) · NHS