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Folic Acid Dosage
While the recommended dietary allowances for folic acid have been established, the best dosage for other uses is unclear. Pregnant women with a history of a neural tube defect are usually recommended to take a high dosage, such as 4 mg daily. For the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia, studies have used doses ranging from 500 mcg to 5000 mcg.
The recommended dosage of folic acid can vary depending on several factors. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher doses of folic acid, and higher doses are sometimes recommended for specific medical conditions.
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD