Folic Acid, a water soluble B vitamin has an array of important functions in the body. The NHS recommends for women to supplement with Folic Acid whilst trying to conceive and then until the 12th week of pregnancy. The importance for Folic Acid in pregnancy lies in helping to prevent neural tube defects and to promote the growth of healthy maternal tissue during pregnancy. Together with B12, Folic Acid is essential to the formation of red blood cells and can aid in protein metabolism. Folic Acid is also essential in the formation of DNA within every cell in the body, which allows each cell to replicate perfectly which is ones of the reasons it is important to supplement with leading up to and during pregnancy. During both pregnancy and lactation, it is advisable to eat a diet rich in Folate (natural form of Folic Acid) as requirements for the vitamin are much higher during this time. These sources include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, spinach and legumes. However, getting a sufficient amount of Folate which is recommended for pregnancy is difficult from just food alone, which is the reason taking a Folic Acid supplement during this time is of high importance. As Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin (dissolves easily in water), it is lost from vegetables easily during cooking. B vitamins are water soluble which means they do not get stored by the body and are easily excreted, thus need to be replaced constantly. Fushi Whole Food Folic Acid Supplement has carefully incorporated whole food powders; Beetroot, Broccoli and Spinach which are naturally high in Folate. This aspect is what makes the supplement better recognised and absorbed by the body, reducing the need for high doses. The range is designed to improve the bioavailability and absorption of the supplements. Nature has created foods containing many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which all work in synergy. Folic Acid is important for: Folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Folic Acid promotes the growth of healthy maternal tissue during pregnancy. Contributes to normal blood formation and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Folic Acid contributes to the normal function of both immune and nervous systems. B Vitamins are essential for the energy metabolism and the transformation of food into energy.