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At what stage should folic acid be supplemented?

Asked by:Barrett

Asked on:Apr 01, 2026 06:26 AM

Answers:1 Views:372
  • Raina Raina

    Apr 01, 2026

      In addition to the well-known pre-pregnancy preparations such as reducing radiation and quitting smoking, those who are preparing for pregnancy female There is one more task that needs to be completed - folic acid supplementation.

      Now more and more women and organizations are paying attention to the role of folic acid. Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, or a woman who has successfully conceived and is already pregnant, supplementing folic acid is of great significance to both mother and baby. But how to supplement folic acid? When is the best time to take folic acid? fetus development? Will there be any side effects if taken improperly?

      In fact, it is a better idea for women to start taking extra folic acid one month before conception. Folic acid, a basic nutrient that is a type of vitamin B complex, can reduce the risk of spina bifida in your baby. nerve risk of tube defects. If women take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before conception, and take it at least one month in advance, they can reduce the risk of their baby developing spina bifida and other birth defects by 70%. Because your baby's neural tube develops in the first few weeks of pregnancy, and you don't even know you're pregnant at that stage, your best bet is to schedule a birth by taking folic acid supplements before you prepare to conceive. healthy baby.

      As early as 2007, the Chinese Nutrition Society pointed out in the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" that women of childbearing age should supplement 400 micrograms of folic acid daily starting 3 months before pregnancy and continue throughout pregnancy. However, it should be noted that different people have different needs for folic acid. Therefore, if you are preparing to become pregnant, you must ask your doctor how much folic acid tablets you need to take, or whether the folic acid supplement you are currently taking is suitable for you.

      Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so if you take too much, your body will flush out the excess. However, too much folic acid supplementation will mask your vitamin deficiency, and some vegetarians sometimes suffer from B12 deficiency. So if you think you're at risk, be sure to talk to your doctor.

      Another point to note is that when you go to the drugstore to buy folic acid tablets, pregnancy vitamins or ordinary multivitamins, be sure to note that the multivitamins you buy must not contain more than the daily allowance of 0.77 mg of retinol equivalents (RAE), unless it is entirely in the form of beta carotene. Because when your intake of vitamin A exceeds the standard amount, it will also cause defects in your baby.