folic acid deficiency

I was on Topamax for a year and a half for migraines. When I told my neurologist that I wanted to wean off to get pregnant he told me that I should take some folic acid as the Topamax can decrease it. I did that religiously for about 5 months. For about 4 months after that I was not as good with my prenatals, I was taking them every so often and it would take me about 6 weeks to finish a bottle of 30 pills.
Does folic acid start to naturally rebound just from stopping the Topamax? Does your body naturally produce folic acid even if I wasn't so diligent with my prenatals? I am a pretty healthy eater, I eat a lot of vegetables, chicken, eggs and beans.

I am very nervous that I had low folic acid to start with. I had a CBC done a couple of months ago by one of my other doctors and they say that would show up on it however, I carry the trait for beta thalassemia so one of my doctors told me that would mask any anemia. They told me I can go to a lab tomorrow to do the test to check for it.

Thank you for listening and for all of your help.

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Pat Elliott Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi again Shamy - Folic acid (Vitamin B) is generally obtained through the food people eat, and for those who need additional amounts it is also obtained by taking supplements. Folate occurs naturally in the following foods:

* Beans and legumes
* Citrus fruits and juices
* Wheat bran and other whole grains
* Dark green leafy vegetables
* Poultry, pork, shellfish
* Liver

Folic acid is a man-made form of folate found in supplements. Here's some links to information that will help you understand this further.
Good luck with your lab tests!
Pat
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002408.htm
http://www.drugs.com/pro/folic-acid.html

January 12, 2011 - 5:16pm

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Tags:

• Migraine
• Reproductive System