How many mcg folic acid should i take when trying to conceive?

800mcg - 1000mcg: Longer answer is 400 - 1000 mcg but many obstetricians prescribe 1000mcg. The goal is to prevent a specific type of birth defect involving the spinal cord and nervous system. The United States dept. Of health and services has a website with more information. They recommend 400 - 800 mcg. Check it out: http://womenshealth.Gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/folic-acid.Cfm.

800 mcg: While the absolute minimum i would recommend is 400 mcg, many standard prenatal vitamins contain 800 mcg or even 1 mg. All of these doses are acceptable. The important thing is to start taking your folate (folic acid) when you contemplating conception. If you wait until you are 2-3 weeks after your period is missed to start a prenatal vitamin it may be to late to prevent a neural tube defect.