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Folic acid supplements are available on prescription from your GP or midwife. NHS prescriptions are free to pregnant women. If you are not pregnant, you may have to pay for your prescription. In this case, it is cheaper to buy a folic acid supplement from a chemist or supermarket. Ask the pharmacist for advice.

Most folic acid supplements are small, white tablets. The recommended dose is 0.4mg each day. (This is sometimes written as 400μg, 400mcg or 400 microgrammes.) Much higher doses are given to women who have already had a baby with an NTD – ask your GP for guidance.

As well as taking a folic acid supplement, increase the amount of folic acid in your diet. This is good advice for all women – pregnant or not! Remember that folic acid, like most vitamins, is easily destroyed by cooking. It is therefore best to steam, microwave or stir-fry vegetables rich in folic acid – or cook in the minimum of water. Don’t overcook!