The American Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends 600 mcg of folate per day, starting at least one month prior to pregnancy, and continuing throughout the first trimester [1]. Let's figure out why this is so important.
Why am I advised to take folic acid?
This substance is absolutely essential for the normal development of the neural tube - the area from which the baby's brain and spinal cord are formed, which develops within the first 28 days after conception [2]. Neural tube defects lead to severe life-long illnesses in the child [3]. That is, it is very important that you have already accumulated some reserve of folic acid by the time of fertilization.
What if I started taking folic acid when I learned I was pregnant?
Most likely, if you had a high-quality balanced diet with a lot of green vegetables, then you still managed to gain some supply of this important vitamin. As soon as you learn you are pregnant you should not delay taking folic acid. The closure of the neural tube occurs in the fourth week after conception (that is, in the sixth week of the obstetric period) [3].
How much folic acid do I need?
Recommendations vary by country, ranging from 400 mcg to 5 mg. In regions where there is access to a healthy diet, doctors strongly advise eating foods high in folate. Most folate is found in green leafy vegetables: spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce, arugula. In some countries, staple foods are specifically fortified with folic acid. But in general, the WHO recommends taking an additional 400 mcg of folic acid per day in the form of supplements during pregnancy (subject to the rules of a healthy diet) [4].
What does folic acid give in later pregnancy?
Preventing neural tube defects is the primary goal of folate, but not the only one. Folic acid is also necessary for blood formation, therefore taking folate is considered a good prevention for anemia in pregnant women. Additionally, there is evidence supporting the importance of folate in the prevention of heart disease in children [5].
