Is 1mg of folic acid appropriate for a possible pregnancy?

Question

In preparation for a possible pregnancy, I knew I had to take folic acid. I just read that the recommended dose is 0.4mg, but I'm taking 1mg capsules since that's what I found on the shelves at the pharmacy? Is this serious?

Pierre-Luc Tremblay · Accepted Answer

Hello, Don't worry, although the minimum recommended dose is indeed 0.4mg for most women, this dose is no longer available and it is 1mg tablets that are available in pharmacies. There is no risk in having a slightly higher dose! Be aware that some women may also require higher doses depending on their condition, such as those who have had neural tube defects in a previous pregnancy, who have a family history of other birth defects related to folic acid or who have a family history of neural tube defects (or whose partner has a family history of neural tube defects). If in doubt, consult your pharmacist! I hope I have answered your question correctly, Pierre-Luc Tremblay, pharmacist