Folic acid is recognized as important before and during pregnancy because of its preventive properties against neural tube defects. All women, including adolescents, who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 400 mg/day folic acid from fortified foods and/or dietary supplements, in addition to eating food sources of folate.
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Pregnant women are advised to
consume 600mg dietary folate equivalents daily from all food sources. Dietary
folate equivalents adjust for the difference in bioavailability of food folate
compared with synthetic folic acid. One
dietary folate equivalent is equal to 1mg
food folate, which is equal to 0.6mg folic
acid derived from supplements and
fortified foods taken with meals.
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Women who have had an infant with a
neural tube defect should consult with
their health care provider regarding
the recommendation to take 4,000 mg
folic acid daily before and throughout
the first trimester of pregnancy.
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An
association between the lack of periconceptual use of vitamins or supplements containing folic acid with an
excess risk for birth defects due to diabetes mellitus
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highlights ongoing
research..