What is the right amount of folic acid to get each day?
If you are planning to get pregnant, you are encouraged to take daily multivitamin containing at lease 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. When you become pregnant, you’ll need at least 600 mcg daily, although many doctors recommend 800 mcg. Most doctors will recommend taking a suppliment, as well as, eating plenty of folate-rich foods. Some of the richest foods are orange juice, cantaloupe, broccoli, liver, dried beans, greens, romaine lettuce and wheat germ. It is recommended that all women of childbearing age – and especially those who are planning a pregnancy – consume about 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid every day. Adequate folic acid intake is very important 1 month before conception and at least 3 months afterwards to potentially reduce the risk of having a fetus with a neural tube defect. Is it okay to just take a regular multivitamin instead of a prenatal vitamin if you can’t afford it or don’t tolerate it ? It is probably fine. It may be a little lower in folic
