Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folate is a naturally occurring Vitamin B.
Many manufacturers add folic acid to supplements and fortified foods. Since 1998, it has been added to flour, cold cereals, cookies, bakery items, breads, crackers, etc.
Some foods are naturally high in folate, including okra, leafy vegetables, asparagus, beans, years, certain fruits, animal liver, mushrooms, orange juice, animal kidney, and tomato juice.
In this blog, we will closely look into the importance of folic acid, and its deficiency, and also highlight the best folic acid tablets in Pakistan to overcome the deficiency.
If you have any medical condition or have folate deficiency, then consult the best general physician in Pakistan via in-clinic or video consultation via Marham.
Importance of Folic Acid
Folate (folic acid) is important to perform a range of functions in the body.
It aids the body to make healthy and new red blood cells (RBCs). Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If the body is lacking folate, then a person can have anemia which causes weakness, fatigue, and pale complexion, and also affects the daily routine.
If folate is not present in the right quantity in the body, then a person can have a type of anemia known as folate deficiency anemia.
Moreover, folate is also important for DNA synthesis and repair. It also synthesizes and repairs other genetic material. It is also necessary for the cells to divide.
It is important to have enough folate during pregnancy. This is because folic acid is necessary for early fetal development, specifically the spinal cord.
It is so important that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to add folic acid to pasta, bread, cereals, rice, and other grain products in the US.
Why You Need Folic Acid During and After Conceiving?
Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic acid deficiency occurs when there is not enough folate present in the body. This can cause megaloblastic anemia. During pregnancy, folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of congenital irregularities;.
Some of the common symptoms of folic acid deficiency are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Heart palpitations
- A change in the color of the skin, hair, or fingernails
- Sores on the tongue and inside the mouth
- Shortness of breath
Recommended Intake of Folic Acid
The body absorbs folic acid from fortified foods and supplements better than folate from natural foods.
Foods High in Folate – How to Add Them to Your Diet?
The Office of Dietary Supplements recommended that people should get the following Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFEs) from vitamin or food sources:
| Age | Recommended amount |
| 0–6 months | 65 mcg Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE) |
| 7–12 months | 80 mcg DFE |
| 1–3 years | 150 mcg DFE |
| 4–8 years | 200 mcg DFE |
| 9–13 years | 300 mcg DFE |
| 14–18 years | 400 mcg DFE |
| 19+ years | 400 mcg DFE |
| During pregnancy | 400–800 mcg DFE |
| During lactation | 500 mcg DFE |
It is necessary to keep in mind that folic acid can interact with certain medicines and isn’t safe for everyone to consume. One should talk to the best general physician in Pakistan before taking or increasing their folic acid consumption.
Best Folic Acid Tablets in Pakistan
3. Nutrifactor Folic Acid 400mcg
Nutrifactor Folic Acid is a dietary supplement that supports to formation of healthy new red blood cells (RBCs), promotes healthy growth of the fetus, and also aids in lessening the risks of neural tube defects in babies.
It also supports healthy maternal tissue growth and boosts immunity during pregnancy. It also aids in decreasing the risks of miscarriage. Moreover, it also lessens the risk of anemia during menstruation and pregnancy.
Additionally, it reduces the homocysteine levels in the blood, as high levels of homocysteine can lead to serious heart complications.
The manufacturer of Nutrifactor Folic Acid in Pakistan is Nutrifactor.
Nutrifactor Folic Acid Uses
Some of the benefits and uses of Nutrifactor folic acid tablets are as follows:
- Aids in maintaining normal pregnancy
- Prevent and treat folic acid deficiency
- Reduces the risk of neural tube defects
- Supports the lowering of homocysteine levels in blood
- Supports maternal tissue growth
Nutrifactor Folic Acid Dosage
- It is recommended to take one Nutrifactor Folic Acid tablet with water at the same time every day.
- You can take the tablet with or without food.
4. Folicity Tablets 30s
Folicity Tablets are mainly used to prevent and treat folic acid deficiency. It has many important B vitamins, including Folic acid, pyridoxine (B6), L-Methylfolate (B9), Vitamin E, cobalamin (B12), and Vitamin E. Vitamin E and B vitamins are equally important as they improve immune functioning and protect the cells from damage.
The manufacturer of Folicity Tablets in Pakistan is Alchemy Health Care.
Folicity Tablets Uses
Some of the uses of folicity tablets are as follows:
- Prevent folic acid deficiency
- Treat folic acid deficiency
- Prevents complications and birth defects during pregnancy
- Improve immune function
Folicity Tablets Price in Pakistan
The Folicity Tablets Price in Pakistan is Rs 161-170/pack.
Folicity Tablets Dosage
You can take 1 tablet per day or follow the dosage given by the doctor.
5. Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg
Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg is a dietary supplement to prevent and treat low red blood cell folate and low plasma in patients.
Generic Name: L-methyl folate
The manufacturer of Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg in Pakistan is ATCO Laboratories.
Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg Uses
Some of the common uses of Mom Folic tablets are as follows:
- Dietary management of low red blood cell folate or low plasma in certain patients.
Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Mom Folic tablets are as follows:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Sleep disorders
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Gas
- Excitability
- Seizures
Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg Price in Pakistan
The Mom Folic Tablets 400mcg Price in Pakistan is Rs 152-160/strip.
6. Folineo Tablets 30s 600mcg
Folineo Tablets is a multivitamin supplement. It is a combination of folic acid (Vitamin B9), methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12), and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6). It is used to prevent and treat vitamin B6, B9, and B12 deficiency.
It also supports neurological functions and supports the healthy functioning of nerves and blood.
The manufacturer of Folineo Tablets in Pakistan is Martin Dow.
Generic name: L-Methyl Foliate
Folineo Tablets Uses
Some of the uses of Folineo tablets are as follows:
- Prevent and treat folic acid deficiency anemia
- Improve nerve health
- Support neurological functions
- Address weakness
- Boost energy levels
Folineo Tablets Price in Pakistan
The Folineo tablet price in Pakistan is Rs 172/strip.
7. Nutra Folate Tablets 30s 1000mcg
Nutra Folate Tablets are a great alternative to folic acid as it is a safe, stable, and highly biologically active form of Folate (vitamin B9). It contains L-methyl folate as an active ingredient. Unlike folic acid, L-methyl folate does not require any enzyme for its conversion.
The manufacturer of Nutra Folate Tablets in Pakistan is Nutrazone Health Care.
Nutra Folate Tablets Uses
Some of the uses of Folate tablets are as follows:
- Supports the Normal function of the brain, nervous, and immune systems
- Rapid cell division during pregnancy
- Helps to protect against anemia
- Promotes the formation of red blood cells
- Supports normal fetal development
- Involved in the synthesis; repair and functioning of DNA
- Maintain normal homocysteine levels (high homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of strokes and heart attacks)
Nutra Folate Tablets Price in Pakistan
The Nutra Folate tablet price in Pakistan is Rs 1230.
Nutra Folate Tablets Dosage
You can also watch this video by 1 in which she talks about folic acid benefits in Urdu, folic acid deficiency, folic acid natural sources, and the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy.
Final Words
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folate is a naturally occurring Vitamin B. It is added to foods and supplements to ensure folic acid intake in people.
Some foods are naturally high in folate, including okra, leafy vegetables, asparagus, beans, years, certain fruits, animal liver, mushrooms, orange juice, animal kidney, and tomato juice.
If the body is lacking folate, then a person can have anemia as it helps in the production of red blood cells which causes weakness, fatigue, and pale complexion, and also affects the daily routine.
If you want to prevent or overcome folic acid deficiency then, you should take the best folic acid tablets in Pakistan only on the recommendation of the best general physician in Pakistan via Marham. You can also take folic acid syrup or a folic acid sachet like Myofolic as recommended by the doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can we take folic acid tablets daily?
Yes. You can take folic acid tablets daily. However, it is important to talk to your doctor first as you might have an underlying condition that can worsen the condition if you take the folic acid tablets on your own.
2. Which folic acid is good for pregnancy?
Folic acid tablets are good to take in pregnancy. For pregnancy, it is suggested to take 600 mcg of folic acid tablet daily.