This year, National Folic Acid Awareness Week is January 5-11.

Sponsored by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, observance of this week is especially important for women of childbearing age. When it comes to spreading awareness, community pharmacists have a significant role due to their accessibility and their focus on expanding patient centered care.

But first, let’s explore why folic acid needs its own week of awareness.

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What is Folic Acid and Why is it Important?

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that is vital for development of new cells, as well as supporting cardiovascular and neural health.

A healthy, folate-rich diet is a great way to boost your intake, but most people need to take a multivitamin or additional supplement to get their full daily recommended amount of 400 mcg.

While folic acid aids both men and women’s general growth and development, it is especially crucial for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. It is known to help prevent complications resulting in children being born with Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and other birth defects.

These birth defects tend to form within the first month of pregnancy – usually before the mother is even aware she is pregnant – and about 50% of pregnancies in the US are not even planned.

Due to these factors, health care professionals should be instilling the habit of taking folic acid early on. A simple supplement added to a daily routine can provide protection against devastating complications – but only when taken effectively.

In Your Community Pharmacy

As a community pharmacist, you have the opportunity to incorporate this awareness into your patient care with some actionable tips listed below.

• Use PioneerRx to set up reminders on patient profiles for women in childbearing age. Stress the importance of taking an additional multivitamin or supplement with folic acid. Suggest some foods that are naturally rich folate that can be incorporated into their diet.

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• Be aware that some medications can negatively interact with folic acid. Make sure to monitor your patients’ health and Rx profiles to prevent negative side effects. Try setting up alerts in PioneerRx for patients who may potentially be affected by this, so you can make informed recommendations.

Pre-Made, Shareable Infographics:

These are a great resource to print and hand out in your pharmacy, in addition to posting on your website and social media. Make it a year-round habit to counsel your patients on additional factors of their health.

Folic Acid Fact Sheet

Your Healthy Pregnancy: Quick Tips