Should folic acid be taken in the morning or at night?

Women who plan to get pregnant can go to the hospital for a physical examination and receive folic acid at the same time. For this reason, folic acid is familiar to everyone. However, there are still many people who do not know about folic acid and are not clear about the time to use it. They will ask whether folic acid should be taken in the morning or at night. In fact, there is no specified time for taking folic acid, but it is best to take it after a meal. Patients need to understand the role of folic acid. Let’s learn about it in detail below.

The main functions of folic acid tablets:

1. Prevent fetal neural tube defects (anencephaly, spina bifida) by 85%.

2. Prevent fetal cleft lip and palate with a rate of 50%.

3. Prevent birth defects such as congenital heart disease and other body surface malformations.

4. Prevent anemia in pregnant women, nursing mothers and fetuses.

5. Promote the development of the fetal nervous system.

6. Reduce infant mortality rate.

7. Reduce pregnancy reactions.

[Other functions]

1. It can prevent chronic cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease.

2. It can prevent Alzheimer's disease and other cancers and reduce their incidence.

3. Reduce and prevent the incidence of breast cancer and cervical cancer in women.

4. Prevent and treat drug-induced megaloblastic anemia.

0.4 mg low-dose folic acid tablets are clearly defined as "preventive medication" in the 2000 edition of the Pharmacopoeia. They are mainly used to prevent the initial and recurrence of neural tube defects. They can also prevent anemia, severe pregnancy reactions, and spontaneous abortion in pregnant women, promote the normal development of the fetal central nervous system, and prevent intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus. 5 mg folic acid tablets are "therapeutic drugs" and are mainly used for megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. However, 5 mg folic acid tablets cannot replace 0.4 mg low-dose folic acid tablets.

The best effect of preventing neural tube defects is for women to take folic acid supplements from one month before pregnancy to the end of three months after pregnancy, as this is the period of development of the fetal central nervous system. Since the folic acid levels in women of childbearing age in my country are generally low, and the folic acid levels in women's bodies will gradually decrease as the pregnancy progresses, it is more appropriate for women to start taking it when they get married or plan to become pregnant and continue until the end of three months after pregnancy. Starting earlier and extending the taking time is also beneficial to the women themselves. When a multiparous woman becomes pregnant again, she should also start taking the medicine 1-3 months before pregnancy to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects. Pregnant women who have the conditions can continue taking it throughout the pregnancy and lactation period to benefit the health of the mother and the growth and development of the fetus and newborn.

When patients understand the role of folic acid, they should make preparations before pregnancy and go to the hospital to collect it in time. Due to different manufacturers of folic acid, there are many types of folic acid. Patients can buy it at local hospitals or regular pharmacies. However, they must pay attention to the amount when taking it. It cannot be used casually. Excessive consumption can also cause harm.