What is Numark Folic Acid?
Numark Folic Acid tablets each contain 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid, a form of vitamin B9. There are 90 tablets in a pack, which is 3 months' supply at 1 a day.
400mcg a day is the amount the NHS recommends from before you get pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant.1
It's a food supplement, not a licensed medicine.
Why folic acid matters before and during early pregnancy
Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.2
Neural tube defects affect how a baby's spine or brain forms in early pregnancy. Spina bifida is one example.2
The benefit comes from taking 400mcg a day for at least 1 month before conception and up to 3 months after. Neural tube defects have several risk factors, and changing one of them may or may not have a beneficial effect.
How to take Numark Folic Acid
Take 1 tablet a day. You can take it with or without food. Swallow it whole with a drink of water.3
Start while you're trying for a baby and keep going until you're 12 weeks pregnant. If you didn't take folic acid before you got pregnant, start as soon as you find out.1
Don't take more than the pack says. Food supplements shouldn't be used instead of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Who needs a higher dose of folic acid
Some people need a higher dose of 5mg a day until they're 12 weeks pregnant. Talk to your GP before you start if:1
- you or the baby's biological father have a neural tube defect
- you or the baby's biological father have a family history of neural tube defects
- you've had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
- you have diabetes
- you take anti-epilepsy medicine
- you take anti-retroviral medicine for HIV
Your GP can prescribe the higher dose.1
Folic acid side effects
Possible side effects of folic acid tablets include:4
- feeling sick (nausea)
- loss of appetite
- bloating
- wind
Many people have no side effects, or only minor ones. If it makes you feel sick, try taking it with or just after a meal or snack.5
In rare cases, folic acid can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).5 Call 999 if your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, or you have trouble breathing.
How to store Numark Folic Acid
Store in a cool, dry place, out of the reach and sight of children. Don't use after the best before date.
Sources and further information
- NHS. Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy. nhs.uk
- De-Regil LM, Peña-Rosas JP, Fernández-Gaxiola AC, Rayco-Solon P. Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(12):CD007950. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007950.pub3. PMID: 26662928.
- NHS. How and when to take folic acid. nhs.uk
- NHS. Folic acid. nhs.uk
- NHS. Side effects of folic acid. nhs.uk
- NHS. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking folic acid. nhs.uk
Frequently asked questions
Does folic acid help you get pregnant?
No. Folic acid doesn't help you get pregnant, but it's recommended while you're trying and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.6
Can I take folic acid while breastfeeding?
Yes. Folic acid is a normal part of breast milk, and the amount that passes into it from a supplement is too small to harm your baby.6
Can I get enough folate from food instead?
It's hard to get the amount recommended for a healthy pregnancy from food alone, which is why a supplement is recommended. Green leafy vegetables, and breakfast cereals and fat spreads with added folic acid, still help.1
Can I take a pregnancy multivitamin instead?
Yes, as long as it gives you 400mcg of folic acid. Check it doesn't contain vitamin A (retinol), as too much vitamin A could harm your baby.1
Can I get folic acid for free?
You may be able to get free vitamins if you qualify for the Healthy Start scheme, and a GP may be able to prescribe folic acid.1