Folic acid (folate) is a vitamin and is needed to make new cells in the body. The body does not store very much folic acid. You need a regular fresh supply to keep healthy. Pregnant women in particular need a good supply of folic acid, which is used by the developing baby. The very early stages of pregnancy are crucial in the need for folic acid. This is why folic acid supplements are recommended for women planning a pregnancy.

Many foods contain folic acid, including vegetables such as spinach, sprouts, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes. Some bread and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. However, the intake for each individual can vary.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It occurs naturally in foods such as beans and pulses (e.g. chickpeas, lentils), green vegetables, and yeast and beef extracts. Some foods are also fortified with folic acid (this means they have folic acid added to them), such as certain breads and breakfast cereals. Check the labels on the packaging. Products with extra folic acid should display a round symbol with the letter F in the centre.

The recommended dose if you are trying to conceive or are already in the early months of pregnancy is also 400mcg per day. Deficiency of Folic Acid manifests itself as low energy levels and fatigue, irritability and confusion which can lead if not treated to megaloblastic anaemia.

Natural Ingredients is particularly concerned that pregnant women be aware of the risks of not taking Folic Acid which helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (spina bifida). Folic Acid should be taken either before or very early on in pregnancy. It has even been suggested that Folic Acid may also protect women and men from strokes, colon cancer and breast cancer.

In a study of a variety of nutrients, Folic Acid proved to have the biggest effect in lowering the risk of mental deterioration. It is not clear how folate works but it may help to aid cognitive function by improving blood flow and reducing levels of the naturally- occurring amino acid 'homocysteine', which can damage arterial blood vessels and possibly brain cells.

Folic Acid is the synthetic form of ‘folate’ a B vitamin found in dark green vegetables, cereals and fruit and which is often destroyed by cooking or even long term storage.

With this in mind, and the fact that the body cannot actually store this vital nutrient, Natural-Ingredients.co.uk recommend a daily supplement of at least 400mcg to maintain a healthy heart.

Folic Acid prep 400mcg(200%RDA), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium stearate.