Understanding what vitamins and supplements you should take before getting pregnant is a key part of your journey to conception. Read on to discover the vital role folic acid plays before and during pregnancy, and how and when you should start taking folic acid.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to make new cells. It supports the formation of DNA and RNA and is especially important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as pregnancy. Folic acid supports the development of the neural tube in early pregnancy, helping to prevent serious birth defects. Because our bodies don’t naturally produce or store folic acid in large amounts, it’s essential to consume it regularly through diet or supplements. Leafy greens, beans, and fortified foods contain folate, but many people don’t get enough from food alone. This is why folic acid is commonly recommended as a supplement before and during pregnancy.
Folic acid vs methylfolate
Folic acid and methylfolate are both forms of folate, a vital B vitamin for cell growth and fetal development. However, folic acid is a synthetic version that must be converted by the body into its active form. In contrast, methylfolate is the bioactive form, meaning it’s ready for the body to use without conversion. This is particularly beneficial for those with MTHFR gene mutations that affect folate metabolism; using methylated folate instead of synthetic folic acid bypasses this block to ensure effective uptake. Research shows that taking 400mcg of methylfolate ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness of folic acid, with supplements like Impryl containing bioactive folate for maximum support, unlike some other fertility supplements.
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Is folic acid beneficial when trying to conceive?
Folic acid is highly beneficial when trying to conceive. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell growth, and is also essential for early fetal development. Studies show that early introduction of folic acid supplements can help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which affect the baby’s brain and spine. These conditions often develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant, which is why early supplementation is so important. Taking folic acid when trying to conceive also supports healthy egg development and increases the chances of a successful conception, with research showing that consistent supplementation can improve fertility outcomes.
How long should you take folic acid before pregnancy?
Studies emphasise the importance of starting taking folic acid a minimum of 3 months before stopping contraception and trying for a baby (and ideally 3-6 months). This gives your body time to build up healthy folate levels. Since these critical developments for both mother and baby happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, early supplementation is key. If it takes longer than 2–3 months to conceive, it’s perfectly safe and beneficial to continue taking folic acid for a longer period while trying.
What are the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy?
Taking folic acid during pregnancy offers several vital benefits to support you and your pregnancy. Beyond neural tube protection, folic acid has been shown to aid in the healthy development of the placenta while lowering the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and low birth weight. In fact, research shows that women who take folic acid are 50% less likely to have a baby with neural tube defects compared to those who don’t supplement.
When should you take folic acid during pregnancy?
Folic acid should be taken daily during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The recommended dose is 400 micrograms per day, ideally taken at the same time each day with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. NHS guidance confirms that taking folic acid beyond 12 weeks is safe, and in some cases, necessary.
How much folic acid should you take?
The recommended daily dose of folic acid when trying to conceive and during early pregnancy is 400 micrograms. However, some individuals may require a higher dose (typically an extra 5mg) under medical guidance. This includes people who have a family history of neural tube defects, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, are on anti-retroviral medication (HIV), or have a BMI over 30. In these cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a higher-strength folic acid supplement. Products like Impryl provide safe and effective folate support, staying well within the safe upper limits, making it a trusted option for preconception health during both preconception and pregnancy.
“Folic acid is often the first supplement we hear about when trying to conceive, and it really does matter. It helps support your baby’s brain, spine, and cell development right from those earliest weeks, often before you even know you’re pregnant. But something I’ve learned, both as a doctor and through my own fertility journey, is that not everyone’s body processes folic acid in the same way. Some people have a common MTHFR gene variant that makes it harder to convert folic acid into its active form, methylfolate. For those people, switching to a supplement that includes methylfolate can offer gentler, more reliable support. It’s a small change, but in such a precious time, it can make a real difference.”
Dr Divpreet Sacha, GP and Founder of Her Holistic Health
Find out more about fertility supplements with Fertility Family.
References:
Carboni L. (2022). Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 21(3), 36–41.
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, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD007950.
McNulty, H., Rollins, M., Cassidy, T. et al. Effect of continued folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester of pregnancy on cognitive performance in the child: a follow-up study from a randomized controlled trial (FASSTT Offspring Trial). BMC Med 17, 196 (2019).
