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Folic Acid Recommendations

General Recommendation:

  • A daily dose of 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of synthetic folic acid.
  • This amount is available through a multivitamin in addition to a healthy diet of foods containing folic acid.

History of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) Recommendation:

Every day and when not planning a pregnancy:

  • A dose of 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of synthetic folic acid.

When planning a pregnancy:

  • A higher prescription dose of 4000 micrograms (4.0 mg) beginning one to three months before pregnancy and in the first trimester of pregnancy, reduces the risk of having another affected pregnancy by up to 70 percent.
  • This amount is available through prescription of four 1.0 mg tablets daily.

Daily dose:
400 micrograms (mcg) = 0.4 milligrams (mg)

Recurrence prevention dose:
4000 micrograms (mcg) = 4.0 milligrams (mg)

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