Daily dose folic acid
Folic Acid | CDC
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
About folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These–and other parts of the body – make new cells each day. Folic acid is the synthetic (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals
Why folic acid is important before and during pregnancy
When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). The neural tube forms the early brain and spine.
Women of reproductive age need 400 mcg of folic acid every day
- All women of reproductive age should get 400 mcg of folic acid every day to get enough folic acid to help prevent some birth defects because
- About half of U.S. pregnancies are unplanned, and
- Major birth defects of the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy (3-4 weeks after conception), before most women know they are pregnant.
- When taking folic acid, a higher dose than 400 mcg of folic acid each day is not necessarily better to prevent neural tube defects, unless a doctor recommends taking more due to other health conditions.
- When planning to become pregnant, women who have already had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect should consult with their healthcare provider. CDC recommends that these women consume 4,000 mcg of folic acid each day one month before becoming pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy.
- When planning to become pregnant, women who have already had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect should consult with their healthcare provider. CDC recommends that these women consume 4,000 mcg of folic acid each day one month before becoming pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Learn more about CDC’s folic acid recommendations here.
Learn more about the recommended intake level of folic acid here.
When to start taking folic acid
Every woman of reproductive age needs to get folic acid every day, whether she is planning to get pregnant or not, to help make new cells.
Are folate and folic acid the same thing?
The terms “folate” and “folic acid” are often used interchangeably, even though they are different. Folate is a general term to describe many different types of vitamin B9.
Types of folate can include
- Dihydrofolate (DHF)
- Tetrahydrofolate (THF)
- 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5, 10-Methylene-THF)
- 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-Methyl-THF or 5-MTHF)
Food fortification is a way to add vitamins or minerals, or both, to foods. Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. These foods are labeled “enriched.” Folic acid is a specific type of folate that does not generally occur naturally.
Folic acid is the ideal form of folate to use for food fortification. It is more stable than types of natural food folate, which can easily be broken down by heat and light. Folic acid is better suited for food fortification because many fortified products, such as bread and pasta, are cooked.6
CDC recommends that women of reproductive age who could become pregnant consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. However, it’s difficult to get 400 mcg of folic acid through diet alone. You can get 400 mcg of folic acid each day by taking a vitamin with folic acid in it, eating fortified foods, or a combination of the two, in addition to consuming a balanced diet rich in natural food folate.
How to get enough folic acid to prevent neural tube defects
In addition to eating foods with folate from a varied diet, women can get folic acid from
- Taking a vitamin that has folic acid in it:
- Most vitamins sold in the United States have the recommended daily amount of folic acid (400 mcg) that women need for the prevention of neural tube defects.
Vitamins can be found at most local pharmacy, grocery, or discount stores.
- Most vitamins sold in the United States have the recommended daily amount of folic acid (400 mcg) that women need for the prevention of neural tube defects.
- Eating fortified foods:
- You can find folic acid in some breads, breakfast cereals, and corn masa flour.
- Getting a combination of the two: taking a vitamin that has folic acid in it and eating fortified foods.
If taking folic acid for reasons other than neural tube defect prevention, talk to your healthcare provider.
Learn more about where to find folic acid in the United States here.
More Information
For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
You can also contact CDC-INFO in English or Spanish:
- 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
- TTY: 1-888-232-6348
- In English
- en español
Uses, Dosage, Effects, Food Sources, and More
Written by R. Morgan Griffin
In this Article
- Why do people take folic acid?
- How much folic acid should you take?
- Can you get folate naturally from foods?
- What are the risks of taking folic acid?
Folate, formerly known as folacin, is the generic term for both naturally occurring food folate and folic acid, the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
It is a B vitamin that's important for cell growth and metabolism. Studies show that many people in the U.S. don't get enough folic acid.
Don't be confused by the terms folate and folic acid. They have the same effects. Folate is the natural version found in foods. Folic acid is the man-made version in supplements and added to foods.
Why do people take folic acid?
Folic acid supplements are standard for pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant. Folic acid reduces the risk for birth defects of a baby’s brain and spine -- spina bifida and anencephaly -- by 50% or more. Folic acid may also lower the risk of preeclampsia and early labor. Many doctors recommend that women of childbearing age take either a multivitamin or a folic acid supplement. Folic acid can protect against birth defects that may form before a woman knows they are pregnant.
Folic acid is used to treat deficiencies, which can cause certain types of anemia and other problems. Folate deficiencies are more common in people who have digestive problems, kidney or liver disease, or who abuse alcohol.
Folic acid is also used to reduce the toxicity of the drug methotrexate in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Folic acid supplements have been studied as treatments for many other conditions. So far, the results of these studies have been inconclusive.
How much folic acid should you take?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes the folate you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take.
Category | Folate (Folic Acid) For children under 1, only an adequate intake (AI) is available |
0-6 months | 65 micrograms/day |
7-12 months | 80 micrograms/day |
1-3 years | 150 micrograms/day |
4-8 years | 200 micrograms/day |
9-13 years | 300 micrograms/day |
14 years and up | 400 micrograms/day |
Pregnant women | 600 micrograms/day |
Breastfeeding | 500 micrograms/day |
The tolerable upper intake levels (UL) of a supplement are the highest amount that most people can take safely.
Higher doses might be used to treat folate deficiencies. But don't take more unless a doctor says so.
Category | Folate (Folic Acid) |
| 1-3 years | 300 micrograms/day |
| 4-8 years | 400 micrograms/day |
| 9-13 years | 600 micrograms/day |
| 14-18 years | 800 micrograms/day |
| 19 years and up | 1,000 micrograms/day |
Can you get folate naturally from foods?
Good sources of folate are:
- Leafy green vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, and lettuce
- Beans, peas, and lentils
- Fruits like lemons, bananas, and melons
- Fortified and enriched products, like some breads, juices, and cereals
What are the risks of taking folic acid?
- Side effects.
Folic acid is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare. High doses of folic acid can cause nausea, bloating, gas, and insomnia. - Interactions. High doses of folic acid can block the effects of some seizure medicines. If you take any regular medicines, ask how they will affect your intake of folic acid.
- Risks. Folic acid supplementation can sometimes mask the neurologic symptoms of serious and dangerous deficiencies of vitamin B12.
Arpimed
What is Folic Acid and what it is used for
Folic Acid is a B vitamin. (for example, with celiac disease or a digestive disorder called sprue) or when the body has an increased need for this vitamin (for example, during pregnancy).
for the prevention of:
- folic acid deficiency caused by certain drugs (such as those used to treat epilepsy, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone).
- folic acid deficiency caused by prolonged destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) or kidney dialysis.
- development of neural tube defects of the fetus (for example, spina bifida) in women with an increased risk of its development in the fetus.
What you need to know before taking Folic Acid
Do not take Folic Acid and tell your doctor if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to folic acid packaging and additional information),
- untreated vitamin B deficiency 12 eg in certain types of anemia and in vegetarians.
- pernicious anemia (a form of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency) or other conditions caused by vitamin B deficiency 12 .
- malignant tumor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Folic Acid if:
- you have a folate dependent tumor
- You are pregnant,
- you have a disease that is accompanied by a decrease in the level of vitamin B 12 in the body.
Other medicines and Folic acid
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular:
- antiepileptic drugs (for the treatment of epilepsy), such as phenytoin, phenobarbital or primidone,
- antibiotics (to treat infections), such as chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole,
- sulfasalazine (for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis),
- methotrexate (to treat Crohn's disease, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines.
Sugar intolerance
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine because it contains lactose.
How to Take Folic Acid
Always take Folic Acid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow the tablets with water.
Dosage
Adults (including the elderly):
- for the treatment of folic -deficiency anemia: 5 mg per day (5 tablets of 1 mg) for 4 months, which may be increased to a maximum of 15 mg per day.
- To prevent folic acid deficiency caused by certain drugs: 5 mg daily (5 x 1 mg tablets) for 4 months, which may be increased to a maximum of 15 mg daily.
- To prevent folic acid deficiency caused by prolonged destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) or kidney dialysis: 5 mg (5 x 1 mg tablets) every 1 to 7 days.
- To prevent the development of fetal neural tube defects (eg, spina bifida) in women with an increased risk of fetal development: 5 mg (5 x 1 mg tablets) the day before the expected pregnancy, continue through the first trimester pregnancy.
- For the treatment of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy: 5 mg (5 x 1 mg tablets) per day to continue until the baby is born.
Children:
For young children, it is recommended to use a more convenient dosage form of the drug.
- For the treatment of folate deficiency anemia: Children 1-18 years: 5 mg daily (5 x 1 mg tablets) for 4 months. The maintenance dose is 5 mg every 1-7 days.
- For the treatment of hemolytic anemia and metabolic disorders: Children 1-12 years: 2.5 mg - 5 mg once a day (2.5 - 5 tablets of 1 mg).
Children 12-18 years: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day (5 - 10 tablets of 1 mg).
- To prevent folic acid deficiency in renal dialysis: Children 1-12 years: 250 mcg/kg body weight (up to a maximum of 10 mg) (up to 10 1 mg tablets) per day.
Children 12-18 years: 5-10 mg (5-10 1 mg tablets) daily.
If you have taken more Folic Acid than recommended
If you (or someone else) has taken too many pills at the same time, or if you think your child has accidentally swallowed a pill, call emergency services immediately nearest hospital or tell your doctor.
If you forget to take Folic Acid
If you forget to take your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next dose at the usual recommended time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, folic acid can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following side effects, if they get worse, or if any of the following side effects are not listed in this package insert:
Rare in 10,000 but less than 1 in 1,000 people):
- Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) eg skin itching/redness, rash.
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction): swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing, shock (cold, wet skin, weak pulse, dry mouth, dilated pupils).
- From the gastrointestinal tract : loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, flatulence.
Reporting side effects:
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice any side effects. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this package insert. You can also report side effects to Arpimed LLC by going to the website www.arpimed.com and filling out the appropriate form “Report a side effect or ineffectiveness of a drug” and to the Scientific Center for Expertise of Drugs and Medical Technologies named after. Academician E.Gabrielyan by going to the website www.pharm.am in the section "Report a side effect of a drug" and fill out the form "Map of reporting a side effect of a drug".
Scientific center hotline: +37410200505; +37496220505
How to store Folic acid
Keep out of the reach of children, protected from moisture and light at a temperature of 15 0 C -25 0 C.
Shelf life - 3 years. Do not take Folic Acid after the expiry date which is stated on the package. When specifying the expiration date, the last day of the specified month is meant.
Do not dispose of medicines in wastewater or sewers. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of a medicine you no longer need. These measures are aimed at protecting the environment.
Contents of the pack and additional information
What Folic acid contains
One tablet contains:
active ingredient: 1 mg.
excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, ethyl cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate.
What Folic acid looks like and contents of the pack
Yellow, round, flat tablets with occasional small patches of a darker color, scored on one side and chamfered on both sides.
Packaging description
24 tablets in a blister pack (PVC/aluminium). 2 blister packs (48 tablets), together with the leaflet, are placed in a carton box.
Dispensing conditions
Available on prescription.
How much folic acid should be consumed per day and from what foods can it be obtained?
June 16, 2019
July 8, 2020
4 minutes
10526
ProWellness
Contents
- How does the body get folate?
- Benefits of folic acid
- Intakes and dosages B 9
- How much folate is in foods?
Disclaimer
Please note that all information posted on the site Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure.
Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product. This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The Site Owner is not liable to any party who has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of misuse of materials posted on this resource.
How much folic acid should be consumed per day and from what foods can it be obtained?
Folic acid, folate is a water-soluble vitamin B 9 . It is necessary for the full flow of processes such as protein formation and hematopoiesis. With a deficiency of a substance in the human body, anemia arises, similar in symptoms to the one that develops with a lack of B 12 .
In addition to folic acid itself, to B 9 also includes folate substances. All of them have the same activity and are easily absorbed by the body, therefore they are combined into one group, and their names are often used as synonyms.
How does the body get folate?
Folic acid enters the body with food, artificial tablets (BAA) or absorbed into the blood from the small intestine, where it is synthesized by beneficial microbiota. After entering the bloodstream, the vitamin is delivered to the liver, as well as other tissues and organs.
Benefits of folic acid
B 9 activates enzymes necessary for the implementation of processes that ensure the formation of mature red blood cells. With its deficiency, anemia rapidly develops. Although it is worth noting that its signs may not appear for a very long time or never at all, since the body may have enough of the substance synthesized in it. But still it is better to start using supplements with its lack.
Folic acid is involved in the formation of proteins and DNA synthesis, which means it is needed for replication, cell regeneration and maintaining tissue health.
Attention! The most important is its sufficient presence in the body during pregnancy. B 9 ensures the correct development of the fetus. Especially in the first trimester, when there is a peak in the activity of cell division, from which the internal organs of the child are formed.
Vitamin contributes to the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Its deficiency can result in dementia, nervous exhaustion, depression, impaired brain function.
Consumption and dosage B
9The daily intake of B 9 depends on the age, sex of the person and some other factors. Newborns should receive 65 mcg of the substance per day, children under one year old - 85, from 1 to 3 years old - up to 300, from 4 to 8 years old - up to 400, up to 13 years old - 400-500, up to 18 years old - 500 mcg.
Attention! Adult men and women need 400–600 micrograms of the vitamin.And pregnant and lactating mothers - in 600-1000 mcg. Therefore, they often have to drink supplements according to the instructions prescribed by the doctor. Moreover, it is better to start a prophylactic course of taking the drug during pregnancy planning.
How much folate is in the food?
Leading food for folate content - leafy green vegetables. There is a lot of vitamin in spinach, lettuce, lettuce, onions, greens, cabbage, avocados, citrus fruits and some other fruits, kefir, pumpkin, seeds, beans, egg yolk, cottage cheese, beef liver. More information about the content of B 9 in products can be found using the table:
| Product | The amount of folic acid in 100 g, mg |
| Peanut | 0.240 |
| Liver | 0.240 |
| sunflower seeds | 0. |
| Soya | 0.200 |
| Parsley | 0.110 |
| Beans | 0.090 |
| Flax-seed | 0.088 |
| Avocado | 0.082 |
| Spinach | 0.079 |
| Hazelnut | 0.069 |
| Chinese cabbage | 0.080 |
| walnut | 0.078 |
230
Disclaimer
Please note that all information posted on the site Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure.
