Folic acid

Folic acid is important for a range of bodily functions. For example, folic acid helps the body produce healthy, new red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If the body doesn’t produce enough, a person may develop anemia, which leads to fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion. Without enough folic acid, a person can also develop a form of anemia called folic acid deficiency anemia. Folic acid is also important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material, and it’s necessary for cell division. Getting enough folic acid during pregnancy is especially important. This is because folic acid is crucial for the early development of the fetus, especially the spinal cord.