Folic Acid Dosage

While the recommended dietary allowances for folic acid have been established, the best folic acid dosage for other uses is unclear. Pregnant women with a history of a neural tube defect are usually recommended to take a high dose, such as 4 mg daily. For the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia, studies have used folic acid doses ranging from 500 mcg to 5000 mcg.

 

An Introduction to Folic Acid Dosage

The recommended folic acid dose can vary depending on several factors. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher doses of folic acid, and higher folic acid doses are sometimes recommended for specific medical conditions.
 

Folic Acid Recommended Dietary Allowances

Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for folic acid have been established, according to the following table:
 
 
 
Age
Folic Acid RDA
1-3 years
150 mcg/day
4-8 years
200 mcg/day
9-13 years
300 mcg/day
14 and over
400 mcg/day
Pregnant women
600 mcg/day
Breastfeeding women
500 mcg/day
 
Many people may be able to meet their RDA for folic acid through food, since many foods naturally contain folate. Also, in the United States, folic acid is added to cereal, flour, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and other grain products. Most multivitamins contain 400 mcg of folic acid per dose.
(Folic Acid Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;