Folic Acid Tablets for Pregnancy in India: Essential Guide for Mothers

Folic acid and folate supplements are vital for a healthy pregnancy, especially for Indian women, to prevent birth defects, support maternal health, and ensure baby’s development.

Why Do Pregnant Women Need Folic Acid and Folate?

Folic acid (a synthetic form of Vitamin B9) and folate (its natural counterpart) are crucial for DNA synthesis, creation of new cells, and healthy brain, spinal cord, and organ development in the fetus. Meeting these requirements before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.

Folate Also:

• Supports development of the placenta and maternal tissues.
• Plays a role in red blood cell formation and reduces the risk of maternal anemia and fatigue.
• Lowers chances of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Why Is Folate Deficiency Common in India?

Many Indian women face folate deficiency due to:

• Low intake of green leafy vegetables, legumes, lentils, and fortified foods.
• Cooking practices like overcooking which destroy natural folate content.
• Genetic variations (like MTHFR mutations) that impair conversion of folic acid to its active form, making L-methylfolate supplements a better choice for some.

Risks of Folate Deficiency:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies.
• Premature delivery, low birth weight.
• Maternal anemia, severe tiredness, and frequent infections.

Folic Acid, Folate, and L-Methylfolate: What’s the Difference?

Form	Description	Best For
Folic Acid	Synthetic, needs conversion by the body	General use; check suitability for genetics
Folate	Natural form, found in foods	Dietary intake
L-Methylfolate	Active, bioavailable, directly usable by body	Women with MTHFR variations or poor conversion

L-methylfolate supplements are 7x more bioavailable and ideal for those unable to efficiently process regular folic acid.

Recommended Daily Intake & Food Sources

• Daily need (ICMR & WHO): 400–500 mcg folic acid or equivalent folate per day.
• Best dietary sources: Spinach, beans, peanuts, fortified cereals, citrus fruits, lentils (“dal”) and whole grains.
• Challenge: Most Indian diets and cooking practices do not reliably provide enough absorbable folate.

Solution: Prenatal and pregnancy supplements with folic acid or L-methylfolate are strongly recommended for Indian women to bridge these gaps.

Trimacare: Indian Pregnancy Supplement Addressing All Needs

Trimacare is specially designed for Indian women and provides:

• 100% RDA of folate in L-methylfolate form (active, vegetarian, and 7x more bioavailable).
• 20+ essential nutrients, including iron, Vitamin D, calcium, and vegetarian Omega-3 (from algae).
• Single, trimester-specific tablet replaces multiple pregnancy supplements.
• Vegetarian-friendly, with no fishy smell or taste, and suitable for Indian dietary patterns.

Unique Benefits:

• Reduces the risk of anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor.
• Contains Vitamin B6 for morning sickness relief.
• Effective during pregnancy and safe for breastfeeding/postpartum recovery (check dosage with your doctor).

How and When to Take Folic Acid Tablets:

• Start supplementation at least 3 months before trying to conceive and continue throughout pregnancy for best neural tube defect prevention.
• Usually taken once daily, preferably after meals.
• Always consult your gynecologist for guidance on dosage and brand selection, especially if on blood thinners or other medicines.

Safety and Precautions

• Folic acid and folate pregnancy tablets are considered safe.
• Some women may experience mild digestive discomfort—taking them after meals usually helps.
• Always follow doctor’s instructions for prenatal nutrition and for combining with other medications.

FAQs: Folic Acid Tablets for Pregnancy in India

Q1: Why is folic acid important during pregnancy?

Folic acid reduces neural tube defects (like spina bifida), helps cell growth, and lowers anemia risk.

Q2: Can food sources alone meet pregnancy folate requirements?

Not reliably, due to low intake and destroyed folate content through cooking; supplementation is recommended.

Q3: When should supplementation begin?

Preferably 3 months before conception and continued throughout pregnancy.

Q4: Is L-methylfolate better than folic acid?

Yes, especially for women with MTHFR gene variations; it is more bioavailable.

Q5: What makes Trimacare different from regular folic acid tablets?

Contains L-methylfolate, 20+ essential nutrients, and vegetarian Omega-3, all in one tablet.

Q6: Is Trimacare safe for vegetarians?

Yes, 100% vegetarian and plant-based.

Q7: Can I use Trimacare while breastfeeding?

Yes, it aids postpartum recovery and lactation, but always ask your doctor.