What is the typical folic acid dose for preconception and early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects?

• A. 0 mcg
• B. 50 mcg
• C. 400-800 mcg
• D. 4 mg

Answer: (C)

Folic acid helps the neural tube develop properly very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Because the tube closes by about 28 days after conception, starting supplementation preconception and continuing into early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects. The typical preventive dose is 400–800 micrograms per day, which can be taken as a vitamin supplement or as part of a fortified multivitamin. Zero intake obviously provides no protection, and 50 micrograms is below the standard preventive level. Four milligrams (4000 micrograms) daily is not the usual dose for most women; it’s reserved for those at high risk (such as a prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancy or certain medical conditions) where a higher dose may be indicated.