When should you take folic acid before pregnancy?
Folic acid is an indispensable nutrient for pregnancy preparation and pregnancy. Proper supplementation of folic acid can effectively prevent fetal neural tube defects. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide detailed answers to the time, dosage and precautions for folic acid supplementation, and provide structured data for reference.
1. The best time to supplement folic acid
According to medical guidelines, folic acid should be3 months before pregnancyStart supplementing and continue until 3 months before pregnancy (i.e. 12 weeks of pregnancy). If you have not prepared for pregnancy in advance, you should start supplementing as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
| stage | replenishment time | daily dose |
|---|---|---|
| pregnancy preparation period | 3 months before pregnancy | 400-800μg |
| first trimester | After pregnancy to 12 weeks | 400-800μg |
| second and third trimester | After 12 weeks (optional) | 200-400μg |
2. Precautions for folic acid supplementation
1.High-risk groups need to increase dosage: Women with a history of childbearing or family history of neural tube defects need to supplement 5 mg of folic acid daily under the guidance of a doctor.
2.Natural folic acid and synthetic folic acid: Animal liver and green leafy vegetables contain natural folic acid, but the utilization rate is low; synthetic folic acid (such as supplements) has a higher absorption rate.
3.Avoid taking with medications: Some anti-epileptic drugs and antibiotics may affect folic acid absorption and need to be taken 2 hours apart.
| food source | Folic acid content (μg/100g) |
|---|---|
| spinach | 194 |
| chicken liver | 1172 |
| Broccoli | 63 |
3. Recent hot discussions
1.Do men need to take folic acid supplements?The latest research shows that supplementing folic acid for men during pregnancy preparation can improve sperm quality, and 400 μg per day is recommended.
2.Folic acid metabolism gene testing: About 30% of the Asian population has folic acid metabolism disorders, and the dosage needs to be adjusted based on genetic testing results.
3.Multivitamins vs folic acid alone: Doctors recommend giving priority to multivitamins containing folic acid, which can simultaneously supplement nutrients such as iron and iodine.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there risks associated with excessive folic acid supplementation?
A: Exceeding 1000μg per day for a long time may mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, so you need to follow your doctor’s advice.
Q: What should I do if I forget to take folic acid?
A: If you occasionally miss a dose, you don’t need to take double the dose. Just take it as planned the next day.
Summary: Scientific folic acid supplementation is an important measure for eugenics and postnatal care. It is recommended that couples preparing for pregnancy plan in advance, supplement through diet and supplements, and conduct regular pre-pregnancy check-ups.
check the details
check the details
en
