Folic acid Vitamin B11 - Finger prick

Folic acid is necessary for the creation and repair of cells and tissues. It is not produced by the body itself and must be absorbed through diet.

Folic acid is mainly present in animal products such as (red) meat, fish, poultry, milk and eggs, and in cereal products such as bread and cereal flakes. Folic acid is also found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and legumes.

Sufficient vitamin B12 and folic acid are especially necessary for the production of red blood cells. Folic acid plays a major role in cell division and is therefore very important during pregnancy in connection with the growth of the fetus.

Folate or vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by:

• Reduced absorption from food, because someone eats too few products containing vitamin B12 or folic acid, or because the intestines cannot absorb the vitamin B12 and folic acid properly.
• an increased excretion of vitamin B12 or folic acid via the kidneys. This can be caused by some medicines or by excessive alcohol consumption.
• increased need of vitamin B12 or folic acid such as during pregnancy. In this situation, the growth of the fetus requires additional vitamin B12 and folic acid.