Frequently asked questions for Folic Acid Test
Folic Acid Test
Q. Is it ok to take Folic Acid Test when not pregnant?
Usually, folic acid requirements are met from the diet and therefore additional supplements are not required. In general, Folic Acid Test is recommended only when you have a deficiency of folic acid. However, Folic Acid Test is advised to women who are pregnant and who want to conceive. The medicine should be taken at least 4 weeks before pregnancy and should continue its use up to 3 months of pregnancy. Consult your doctor if not sure.Q. Can Folic Acid Test cause weight gain?
Animal studies on Folic Acid Test suggest that taking the medicine in excess along with a high-fat diet may lead to weight gain and fat accumulation. But this weight gain was not evident when taken along with a normal or low-fat diet, even with excess Folic Acid Test. In humans, similar studies have not been conducted and therefore knowledge regarding weight gain is lacking. Therefore, if you are on Folic Acid Test eat a low-fat meal to be on the safer side.Q. How long does Folic Acid Test take to work?
Folic Acid Test usually starts working within a few hours of taking it. If you are taking it for iron deficiency anemia, you may start feeling better after a few weeks of taking it. In case you are taking it during pregnancy, you may not notice any difference but this does not mean that the dose is not working. Continue taking Folic Acid Test for the duration recommended by your doctor.Q. Why should women start taking Folic Acid Test before they become pregnant?
Maintaining the right level of folic acid in the body before getting pregnant reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects in the baby. The neural tube defect, in most cases, is caused if the structure (neural tube) from which the central nervous system develops (brain and spinal cord) in a baby does not form or is only partially closed. full closure of the neural tube occurs during the end of the fourth week of pregnancy. Folic acid helps in the formation of neural tubes. Therefore, to prevent this defect women should start Folic Acid Test before four weeks of pregnancy.Q. Can I breastfeed while taking Folic Acid Test?
Yes, you can breastfeed while taking Folic Acid Test as it is not harmful to the baby. Folic Acid Test contains folic acid which is naturally found in breast milk. Though its initial levels in breast milk are low, it rises eventually. Since it is actively secreted in breast milk, the mother may take Folic Acid Test every day to maintain the required levels. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions related to nutrient supplementation in breastfeeding.Q. When should I take Folic Acid Test, in the morning or at night?
You can take Folic Acid Test any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day. This will help you remember to take it. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medicine should be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, cut or crush the medicine.Q. Can Folic Acid Test make you sick?
Generally, Folic Acid Test is well tolerated. However, some people may experience nausea (feeling sick), loss of appetite, bloating, and excessive passing of gas. The medicine may also worsen the symptoms of any coexisting vitamin B12 deficiency. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor but do not stop taking Folic Acid Test.Q. How long do I need to take Folic Acid Test?
The duration of treatment with Folic Acid Test depends on the reason you are taking it for. If you are planning your pregnancy, you may start taking it 4 weeks before pregnancy and continue up to the first 3 months of pregnancy. If you are taking it for folic acid deficiency then you may have to take it for 4 months or longer (if your deficiency does not subside). If you are taking it to reduce the side effects of methotrexate then you may need to take it for as long as you are taking methotrexate. Consult your prescribing physician to know the exact duration of your therapy.