How much folic acid should you consume every day during pregnancy preparation?
Preparing for pregnancy is an important stage. For couples preparing to have children, folic acid is an essential nutrient. Folic acid supplementation before pregnancy is very important for the development and health of the embryo. So, how much folic acid should you consume every day during pregnancy preparation?
1. The role of folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays a vital role in embryonic development. Folic acid aids in DNA synthesis and repair and is essential for fetal neural tube development, especially in the first trimester. Proper folic acid intake can prevent problems such as neural tube defects in the fetus.
2. Recommended intake of folic acid before pregnancy
According to the recommendations of professional organizations, women preparing for pregnancy should consume 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day. This intake can be met through food and supplements. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, rape, lettuce), beans, eggs, beef, pork liver, etc. If your intake of folic acid through food is insufficient, consider choosing an appropriate folic acid supplement.
3. Precautions for supplementing folic acid
When choosing a folic acid supplement, you should choose a single supplement that contains folic acid and avoid excessive intake of other vitamins and minerals. In addition, the dosage of supplements should be adjusted according to the doctor\’s advice and should not be increased at will. If you are already taking other pre-pregnancy supplements, you should talk to your doctor about whether you need additional folic acid supplements.
4. Folic acid intake time
Women who are preparing for pregnancy should start supplementing with folic acid from the time they stop using contraceptive measures. This can ensure that there are sufficient folic acid reserves in the early stages of pregnancy. Folic acid intake should continue until about 12 weeks of pregnancy, which is the most critical period for fetal neural tube development.
To sum up, women preparing for pregnancy should consume 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day, which can be satisfied through food and supplements. When choosing a folic acid supplement, pay attention to dosage and ingredients, and it is best to seek advice from your doctor. Folic acid intake should begin when contraceptive measures are stopped and continue until about 12 weeks of pregnancy. While preparing for pregnancy, it is also very important to maintain good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle, which can lay a good foundation for your baby\’s health.
