folic acid supplementation for possible neural tube defects – 4 mg or 400 mcg?

[kotlParticipant]

I believe that Folic acid 0.4mg (or 400 mcg) is recommended to prevent neural tube defects, not 4 mg (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/recommendations.html). The PBR says 4 mg (4000 mcg). Anyone have any thoughts?

[ashishMember]

I can see how that article might be confusing, but the dosage is 4 MILLIGRAMS, though there is no good data to prove it. Basically the article is saying that when a woman becomes of reproductive age, she should start taking 0.4 mg of folic acid per day (400 mcg). If a woman is trying to conceive but has NEVER had a child with a neural tube defect, the optimal dose is unclear, but most OBs will still give 4 mg (4000 mcg) and recommend that it be started before conception. For any woman who has HAD a child with a neural tube defect, they must absolutely take 4 mg (4000 mcg) starting at least 1 mo prior to conception. So basically… for a woman not trying to get pregnant, 0.4 mg (400 mcg), and for a woman trying to get pregnant, 4 mg (4000 mcg) of folic acid is recommended.

Hope that helps!

Here’s the revised version:

FOLIC ACID

For any woman who is trying to conceive, 4 mg of folic acid per day is recommended to prevent neural tube defects. For any woman NOT trying to get pregnant, 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid per day is recommended.

MNEMONIC: FOUR mg of FOURlic acid (not 0.4 mg)

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