Question 1

why is folate (folic acid) is essential to the embryo or fetus?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid: Folic acid is a co-factor needed for cellular division. Lack of Folic Acid impairs normal cellular division which occurs during embryonic and fetal development. Less Folic Acid = fewer cells. Taking Folic Acid before pregnancy decreases the risk of having a fetus with either a neural tube defect or a  cardiac defects.

Question 2

when is the fetus most vulnerable to folic acid teratogens?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid: Fetus is most vulnerable during the earliest times right after conception and first trimester when the neural tube is forming.

Question 3

can you please explain why folate (folic acid) is essential to the developing fetus?

Accepted Answer

Brain and spine: Folate (folic acid) is needed both before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in your baby's brain and spinal cord.

Question 4

why is fetus at risk if folate (folic acid) deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Folate (folic acid): Folate is a co-factor used in cellular division. If there is a deficiency of folic acid, cells won't be able to divide properly. The net result is fewer cells. In a developing human this is associated with neural tube defects and cardiac defects.

Question 5

would it be fine to take a higher dosage of folic acid without a doctor's prescription?

Accepted Answer

YES: Higher doses of Folic Acid  have been found to be improve sperm quality, reduce birth defects, lower risk of macular degeneration, and reduce homocysteine level associated with cardiac disease. It's also essential for the production of red blood cells and preventing anemia. It's generally safe because it's water soluble. So, toxicity risk is low. Nevertheless, it's best to take b-complex with it.

Question 6

does 'well woman 50+' daily dosage have same amount of iron & folic acid as of once a week dosage of 'orofer xt' ?

Accepted Answer

Iron: I suggest that you look at the labeling as that is the best and most exact  way to determine that

Question 7

i am trying to get pregnant. can i take 5 mg of folic acid tablets daily? i cannot find a lower dosage at the pharmacy. thanks.

Accepted Answer

Sure: Most prenatal vitamins have abut 1 mg of Folic acid. You could get your folic acid just by taking a prenatal vitamin. It is ok to take 5 mg tablets. I am not sure what doses are available in Singapore but 1 mg tablets are more common in the US.

Question 8

is it ok to use the 5mg folic acid dosage instead of the normal suggest 4mg dosage when trying for a baby?

Accepted Answer

You can: there is no known toxicity with folic acid, although it is unlikely that more is going to help.  The normal daily requirement for folate is less than 1 mg, and 4 mg is probably overkill as well.  Prenatal vitamins generally contain 0.8 to 1 mg (800 to 1000 micrograms), so 4 mg is NOT a normal dosage.  It can't hurt but will be unlikely to help more than the usual 1 mg amount.

Question 9

hi, i would like to confirm whether i shd start taking folic acid tablets and what's the dosage. i am 6 weeks pregnant.

Accepted Answer

Congrats!: Congrats on your pregnancy! general recs are about 400 micrograms (mcg) per day for females of childbearing age. When pregnant, that jumps up to 600-800 mcg/day. Since Folic Acid is very important in the development of the nervous system, if you have a history in you or your family of a neural tube (early nervous system in early pregnancy) problems, it increases to 4000 mcg/day. Ask your ob.

Question 10

goodmorning, i have spina bifida occulta and i might be pregnant this month, i have 6 days to test. i didn't take folic acid and i wanted to ask if is it too late to take it from this moment? last february i tested on folic acid(max was 20 i had 18?

Accepted Answer

:  Good morning. No it is not too late. Good luck with your pregnancy

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Doctor answers about:

Max dosage of folic acid for developing embryo

A member asked:

Why is folate (folic acid) is essential to the embryo or fetus?

A member asked:

When is the fetus most vulnerable to folic acid teratogens?

A member asked:

Can you please explain why folate (folic acid) is essential to the developing fetus?

A member asked:

Why is fetus at risk if folate (folic acid) deficiency?

A member asked:

Would it be fine to take a higher dosage of folic acid without a doctor's prescription?

A member asked:

Does 'well woman 50+' daily dosage have same amount of iron & folic acid as of once a week dosage of 'orofer xt' ?

A member asked:

I am trying to get pregnant. can i take 5 mg of folic acid tablets daily? i cannot find a lower dosage at the pharmacy. thanks.

A member asked:

Is it ok to use the 5mg folic acid dosage instead of the normal suggest 4mg dosage when trying for a baby?

A member asked:

Hi, i would like to confirm whether i shd start taking folic acid tablets and what's the dosage. i am 6 weeks pregnant.

A member asked:

Goodmorning, i have spina bifida occulta and i might be pregnant this month, i have 6 days to test. i didn't take folic acid and i wanted to ask if is it too late to take it from this moment? last february i tested on folic acid(max was 20 i had 18?

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