Folic acid is one of the B Vitamins. Folic acid is necessary for the metabolic processes in our body. It is also necessary for the production of nucleic acids and the development of hemoglobin in red blood cells. During pregnancy, folic acid is a crucial nutrient and is essential for efficient neural tube development, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women with an insufficient intake of folic acid are more likely to give birth prematurely or to deliver babies with low birth weight or with neural tube defects.

»More recent studies recommend that folic acid also may help avoid heart disease and stroke. It appears that individuals, who have a high level of homocysteine in their blood, have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking folic acid with vitamin B-12 decreases the level of homocysteine in blood, possibly reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

»An estimated 20% of the US population suffers from some form of folic acid deficiency. And as one of the most difficult water-soluble vitamins to absorb, quality plays an integral role when choosing this essential B vitamin. NOW’s Folic Acid 800 mcg is a state of the art blend that includes 25 mcg of Vitamin B-12 for synergistic effect and quick absorption. When used in combination with vitamin B-12, folic acid may help facilitate the production of cellular energy.

»From the FDA's website: "0.8 mg folic acid in a dietary supplement is more effective in reducing the risk of neural tube defects than a lower amount in foods in common form. FDA does not endorse this claim. Public health authorities recommend that women consume 0.4 mg folic acid daily from fortified foods or dietary supplements or both to reduce the risk of neural tube defects."