Overview

Folate (also called folic acid) is a B vitamin. Your body uses it to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

When you don't have enough folate, your body doesn't make enough red blood cells. This is called anemia.

Your doctor may have you take a folic acid supplement every day to treat this kind of anemia. In most cases, it gets better in 5 to 7 days. But if you have another health problem, your doctor may want you to keep taking folic acid after the anemia goes away.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Ask your doctor how much folate you need every day. Eat foods that are high in folate.
  • Foods high in folate include fortified breakfast cereals and breads. They also include liver, avocado, asparagus, spinach, strawberries, oranges and orange juice, and wheat germ. You can read food labels to see how much folate is in food.
  • Eat vegetables raw or lightly steamed. This is best way to prepare them if you want to get as much folate as possible.
• Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin that includes folic acid.