Folic acid and constipation

[Plum3]

When I was ttc and pregnant with both my girls I had to take Metamucil and coloxyl daily as the folic acid in my prenatals alone made me constipated. So, assuming that this will be the case again is it ok to take Metamucil or coloxyl? Do they sway?

[TTC5]

I get bad constipated from fefol which had added iron in it, but just the folic acid alone doesn't :)

[Plum3]

Oh it probably wasn't the folic acid then but the iron. Either way, I will most likely still need to take Metamucil or something to help.

[TTC5]

Probably not! I could not take iron for that reason even metamucil did not help! I found the cheapest folic acid that does not contain anything else (such as iron) is the ones they keep behind the counter must be a generic brand, 100tablets for under $4.00 ;) The ones on the shelf like blackmores are heaps more!

[Plum3]

I have found a cheap one too, $3 for 100 tabs. I am getting most of my supps from Chemist Warehouse. So much cheaper than anywhere else.

[Kris217]

So do the natures own FA have iron added?
I'm having constipation issues too and i'm wondering if it's because i upped my dose of AF?

[TTC5]

I have no idea sorry as I only buy the ones from the chemist (MegaFol)these ones:

http://terrywhitewynnum.pharmacy4u.com.au/product/101286

[Kris217]

Thanks for the link, we drop the amount of FA we take once we get pregnant right? I have Elevit here which I will start back up on probably after the 2WW if I'm pregnant that is. Maybe that lower dose won't effect me too much.

[TTC5]

I will drop my dose, yes prob down to just what my bottle says :)

I took Elevit with my girls and that constipated me too.

[atomic sagebrush]

Thanks for the link, we drop the amount of FA we take once we get pregnant right? I have Elevit here which I will start back up on probably after the 2WW if I'm pregnant that is. Maybe that lower dose won't effect me too much.

NONONONONONO!!!!! You must not quit OR dial back your folic acid when you're pregnant! Continue taking the elevated 2000 mcg dosage throughout the first trimester and then SLOWLY reduce your dosage over several weeks until you're taking the normal amount in your prenatals.

I think it's somewhat unlikely that FA is making people constipated, it may be something else you're taking/eating. Iron will FOR SURE upset your stomach.

[TTC5]

Oohhh I better go back up then!!

[Plum3]

NONONONONONO!!!!! You must not quit OR dial back your folic acid when you're pregnant! Continue taking the elevated 2000 mcg dosage throughout the first trimester and then SLOWLY reduce your dosage over several weeks until you're taking the normal amount in your prenatals.

I think it's somewhat unlikely that FA is making people constipated, it may be something else you're taking/eating. Iron will FOR SURE upset your stomach.

Just wondering why we have to take the increased dose of folic acid in the first trimester? Is it because we would have been on the boy diet pre conceiving and the body is still affected by it? I'm happy to take it, just wondering what the indication is?

[TTC5]

I am guessing it may be why?

I started on Elevit today and will also take an extra fa tablet for good measure.

[atomic sagebrush]

Just wondering why we have to take the increased dose of folic acid in the first trimester? Is it because we would have been on the boy diet pre conceiving and the body is still affected by it? I'm happy to take it, just wondering what the indication is?

No, it's because once you are taking a higher dose of folic acid (which you should be because the TTC boy diet is so harsh on FA), any reduction in folic acid when the baby still needs it is just not a good idea. If you were taking a lot of FA and suddenly stop, your body was used to the FA intake where it was and might not function in the same way after the supply goes away.

[Plum3]

Oh ok, gotcha. Thanks atomic!