From the Guidelines
The recommended daily dose of folic acid for prenatal vitamins is 400-800 micrograms (0.4-0.8 milligrams) for most pregnant women. This dose is supported by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement, which suggests that all women planning pregnancy take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid at a dose of 0.4 to 0.8 mg beginning at least 1 month before conception and continuing through the first trimester, to reduce the risk for neural tube defects 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The USPSTF recommends a daily multivitamin containing 0.4 mg of folic acid for all women capable of pregnancy, to reduce the risk for neural tube defects in unplanned pregnancies 1.
- A study published in 2004 found that supplementation with 0.8 mg (800 μg) of folic acid in the periconceptional period reduces the risk for neural tube defects in offspring 1.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that women of childbearing age take 0.4 mg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects 1.
- It is essential for women to start taking folic acid at least one month before conception and continue throughout pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, as neural tube defects occur during the first 28 days after conception.
In terms of specific dosage, the standard recommended dose of 400-800 micrograms (0.4-0.8 milligrams) is sufficient for most pregnant women, but higher doses of 4 milligrams daily may be recommended for women with certain risk factors, such as a history of neural tube defects or taking certain medications like anti-seizure drugs. Most over-the-counter prenatal vitamins contain the standard recommended dose, but prescription options are available for those needing higher amounts.
From the FDA Drug Label
The usual therapeutic dosage in adults and children (regardless of age) is up to 1 mg daily... 0.8 mg for pregnant and lactating women The recommended daily dose of folic acid (folate) for prenatal vitamins is 0.8 mg 2.
From the Research
Recommended Daily Dose of Folic Acid for Prenatal Vitamins
The recommended daily dose of folic acid for prenatal vitamins is:
- 400 microgram (µg) per day for women who are planning or capable of pregnancy, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3 and the US Preventive Services Task Force 4
- 400-800 µg per day, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force 4
- 0.4-0.8 mg (400-800 µg) per day, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force 4
Special Considerations
- For women who have previously had an NTD-affected pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends increasing the intake of folic acid to 4000 microgram per day beginning at least 1 month before conception and continuing through the first trimester 3
- The Government of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommend a daily multivitamin supplement containing 400 µg folic acid for the primary prevention of neural tube defects among low-risk women from before conception and throughout lactation 5
Importance of Folic Acid Supplementation
- Folic acid deficiency in very early pregnancy significantly increases the risk for neural tube defects in the developing fetus 6
- Daily folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can prevent neural tube defects 4
- Most women do not receive the recommended daily intake of folate from diet alone, making supplementation necessary 4, 5