Folic acid

Weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and problems concentrating can be indicative of having too much folic acid in your bloodstream.

The symptoms of a folic acid deficiency include pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, numbness, constipation or diarrhoea, etc.

Everyone needs folic acid, either in the form of natural foods as part of their diet or in the form of supplements, in consultation with a healthcare professional. However, pregnant women, lactating women, and other women who plan to get pregnant need a little more folic acid than others to promote the healthy functioning of their child’s brain and spine, especially at birth and during the breastfeeding period.

Folic acid is absorbed through the presence of Vitamin B12. Whether or not folic acid (or folate) can do its part in maintaining your overall health depends on the level of Vitamin B12 in your body. However, in case of an ongoing folic acid deficiency, if you are already taking supplements often, they will provide relief from deficiency-related symptoms within 24 hours.

If you have been prescribed folic acid supplements by your doctor, you should consult with them to know the best time to take them. However, in most cases, the morning and (or) evening are usually the best times.

Although no consequences have been observed by taking Vitamin B12 and folic acid together, it is still best to consult your healthcare professional to be safe.