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What Is The Difference Between 400 Mcg And 5 Mg Folic Acid?
what is the difference between 400 mcg and 5 mg folic acid, when i should take each, am planning to get pregnant, should i switch to the 5 mg formula during pregnancy? thanks :)
posted on
Sat, 15 May 2010
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 16 Aug 2010
Answered on
Mon, 31 Oct 2011
Last reviewed on
User's Response
shandilynne2's
Response
Most sites recommend taking 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid while trying to conceive, and then increasing to either 600 (0.6 mg) - 1000 (1.0 mg) once you are pregnant...hope that helps...
Hello, welcome to Healthcaremagic. 400 mcg is equivqlent to 4 mg. Folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube defects. The best way to prevent neural defects is to take the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy. However for pregnant women the dosage recommended is 600 to 800 mcg as the requirement is more. So your doctor would inform you about the dosage required and when to increase it. Wish you good health.
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