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idiannajames · Apr 2, 2007, 08:44 AM

Hello to you, and thank you for taking the time to review and answer my question – This is really an amazing site!!

I just found out that I’m pregnant; and have been taking 800mcg of Folic Acid for about two weeks now. I read somewhere that it helps with the development of the fetus (brain) – true or false I really don’t know….. Should I continue taking them? Is the dosage too high?

Thanks again!

Krs · Apr 3, 2007, 03:35 AM

I have heard the same, but don't take my word for it.

Capuchin · Apr 3, 2007, 03:42 AM

I think 800 mcg is a bit too much:

Folic acid is very important for all women who may become pregnant. Adequate folate intake during the periconceptional period, the time just before and just after a woman becomes pregnant, helps protect against a number of congenital malformations including neural tube defects. Neural tube defects result in malformations of the spine (spina bifida), skull, and brain (anencephaly). The risk of neural tube defects is significantly reduced when supplemental folic acid is consumed in addition to a healthy diet prior to and during the first month following conception. Women who could become pregnant are advised to eat foods fortified with folic acid or take supplements in addition to eating folate-rich foods to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects. Taking 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid daily from fortified foods and/or supplements has been suggested. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folate equivalents for pregnant women is 600 micrograms.

You shouldn't take more than 800mcg a day as a pregnant woman, and you probably get some from your diet so you're probably taking over 800mcg a day! The same applies when you are breast feeding. After that then the recommended allowance is 1000mcg.

J_9 · Apr 3, 2007, 03:53 AM

Yes, 800mcg is too much. Are you taking prenatal vitamins? That should be enough for you. Actually 400 - 600mcg is the recommended amount I believe. But check with your doctor on that.

Now, every woman of childbearing years, pregnant or not, should take folic acid. It aides in preventing neural tube defects, one such defect is spina bifida.

tickle · Apr 5, 2007, 07:39 PM

Folic acid actually prevents brain defects, it doesn't strengthen the fetus' brain per se. Yes, 400 mcg is enough, 800 is far too high. Cereals and grains provide folic acid too and if you are having cereal in the morning, then you are ingesting what you need as well. Start reading the labels of foods you regularly buy to see which has folic acid in it. Our bodies don't overload with vitamins anyway, we only take what we need, and the rest are eliminated.
Enjoy your pregnancy and look forward to her new baby!

J_9 · Apr 5, 2007, 07:55 PM

Folic acid also aids in preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

JoeCanada76 · Apr 5, 2007, 08:48 PM

Most prenatel vitamins have a 100 mcg in it. You can get prescription form of folic acid. It all depends on your history and risk factors. Are you on any kind of medication, do you have any kind of conditions. Is there any history of any problems in your family.

Yes, I too believe that 800 mcg is too much. It all depends on the doctors recommendations and pharamacists. I also believe it is a matter of opinion as well.

My wife while pregnant was taking 600 mcg of folic acid, but she was on medication because of epilepsy.

Hope you find your answers here.

Joe