Almus Folic Acid Tablets 400mcg – 90 Tablets

Folic acid is essential for the normal closure of the neural tube — the embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord — which occurs in the first 28 days after conception, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Inadequate folic acid during this critical window is a major preventable cause of neural tube defects including spina bifida and anencephaly. The NHS recommends taking 400mcg folic acid daily from the moment a woman decides to try for a baby through to the end of the first trimester (12 weeks), specifically because the neural tube closes so early in development.

The NHS advises starting folic acid supplementation as soon as you begin trying to conceive — ideally at least one month before, and preferably up to three months before. Because the neural tube closes in the first four weeks of pregnancy (often before a positive test), building adequate folate tissue stores before conception is important. The 90-tablet pack — providing three months of supplementation — is ideally sized for the preconception period.

Women in the following groups should not rely on 400mcg OTC folic acid and should consult their GP for a higher prescribed dose of 5mg folic acid daily: those with a personal or family history of neural tube defects, those with a partner with a family history of NTDs, those taking antiepileptic medications (particularly valproate or carbamazepine), those with coeliac disease or other conditions impairing folate absorption, those with sickle cell disease or other haemolytic conditions, and those with a BMI above 30. The 400mcg dose is appropriate for women without these specific risk factors.

Folate is the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9, found in foods including leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods. Folic acid is the synthetic, oxidised form used in supplements and food fortification — it is more stable and has higher bioavailability than naturally occurring food folate, meaning the body absorbs and uses it more efficiently. This is why the NHS recommendation specifically refers to folic acid supplementation rather than dietary folate alone.

The NHS specifically recommends folic acid through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to protect against neural tube defects. After 12 weeks, the neural tube has closed and the principal reason for folic acid supplementation at this stage is fulfilled. Many pregnancy multivitamins contain folic acid and can be continued throughout pregnancy — the NHS also recommends Vitamin D 10 micrograms throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Consult your midwife about appropriate supplementation for the second and third trimesters.

Diet alone is not considered sufficient to meet the folate requirements for NTD prevention in early pregnancy. Even a diet rich in folate-containing foods provides natural folate at variable bioavailability — the precision and reliability of synthetic folic acid supplementation is what makes it the NHS-recommended approach. In the UK, folic acid is added to some foods (fortified cereals, some breads), but dietary sources alone cannot be relied upon to provide consistently adequate levels for neural tube protection. The NHS recommendation is explicit: supplement with 400mcg folic acid daily.

The 90-tablet pack provides three months of daily supplementation — covering both the recommended preconception period and the first trimester of pregnancy within a single purchase. For women who begin taking folic acid when they decide to try for a baby, the 90-tablet pack is an excellent starting format. It is also the most economical per-tablet format for folic acid supplementation. At the standard once-daily dose, 90 tablets provides exactly three months of use.

Yes — beyond pregnancy, folic acid contributes to normal amino acid synthesis, normal blood formation, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal psychological function, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue — EU/UK approved claims relevant to the broader adult population. Some research has explored the relationship between folate status and cardiovascular risk (via homocysteine metabolism) and cognitive health. Folic acid is a beneficial B-vitamin for general health in both men and women, not solely a pregnancy supplement.