Folic acid tablets for pregnant women

[ghworker2010]

For a lady who is 6 weeks pregnant how much folic acid should she take?

There are so many opinions on the internet. Some say 400 to 500 ug and other sites say 0.4 to 0.5mg

We purchased a multi vitamin where the pharmacist said its for pregnant women called 'FBC'. It has a lot of B vitamins and also Folic acid 100mg

Is this 100mg too much? I dont actually understand the above 400 ug and 0.4mg..... Does 0.4mg mean 4mg? If this is the case is it wrong for this multi vitamin to have 100mg?

thanks for clearing this one up if your able to!

[thepool]

Take a look at the link

Take http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant.aspx#close

for info

1 milligram = 1ooo micrograms

1 Gram = 1000 milligrams

[Sheryl]

400 mcg = 0.4 mg

50 mcg = 0.5 mg

The recommendation during pregnancy is 400mcg (0.4mg)

FBC contains 100 mcg not 100 mg. Not enough. Suggest instead "FBC Plus"which has the recommended 400 mcg.

[ghworker2010]

Thanks for the replies.

I could not find the FBC plus here up country.

Blackmores brand have a 'folic acid' 500 micrograms pill. Does anyone know if taking this is dangerous if its 100 micrograms above the 400 recommended dosage? Its strange that a company like blackmores would make it too strong.

Also, do you think its ok for her to take 'Haemo-Vit, red vitamin and mineral tablets'. It has iron 135mg and some of the B vitamins (2, 0.5 and 5mg) and no folic acid. In the 'Indication' narrative it says 'for the treatment of secondary anemia especially when the diet is low in Vit B 1 - 6 - 12. and iron. It also improves the appetite. it says take 1 to 3 tablets 3 times a day but my gf would never take that. Maybe one a day or every second day could not hurt surely??

[thepool]

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Thanks for the replies.

I could not find the FBC plus here up country.

Blackmores brand have a 'folic acid' 500 micrograms pill. Does anyone know if taking this is dangerous if its 100 micrograms above the 400 recommended dosage? Its strange that a company like blackmores would make it too strong.

Also, do you think its ok for her to take 'Haemo-Vit, red vitamin and mineral tablets'. It has iron 135mg and some of the B vitamins (2, 0.5 and 5mg) and no folic acid. In the 'Indication' narrative it says 'for the treatment of secondary anemia especially when the diet is low in Vit B 1 - 6 - 12. and iron. It also improves the appetite. it says take 1 to 3 tablets 3 times a day but my gf would never take that. Maybe one a day or every second day could not hurt surely??

If you ask a Pharmacist (make sure the person is a Pharmacist and not a shop girl/boy) he/she will be able to provide the the folic acid that is required as a single item very cheaply.

You should also be able to acquire the recommended vit D from the Pharmacist .

Check the link I gave earlier .

It sometimes easier for the Pharmacist to be able to read what is required -----just write on a piece of paper your requirements , in block capitals and present the paper.

edit

spelling

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks for the replies.

I could not find the FBC plus here up country.

Blackmores brand have a 'folic acid' 500 micrograms pill. Does anyone know if taking this is dangerous if its 100 micrograms above the 400 recommended dosage? Its strange that a company like blackmores would make it too strong.

Also, do you think its ok for her to take 'Haemo-Vit, red vitamin and mineral tablets'. It has iron 135mg and some of the B vitamins (2, 0.5 and 5mg) and no folic acid. In the 'Indication' narrative it says 'for the treatment of secondary anemia especially when the diet is low in Vit B 1 - 6 - 12. and iron. It also improves the appetite. it says take 1 to 3 tablets 3 times a day but my gf would never take that. Maybe one a day or every second day could not hurt surely??

If you ask a Pharmacist (make sure the person is a Pharmacist and not a shop girl/boy) he/she will be able to provide the the folic acid that is required as a single item very cheaply.

You should also be able to acquire the recommended Vit D from the Pharmacist .

Check the link I gave earlier .

It sometimes easier for the Pharmacist to be able to read what is required -----just write on a piece of paper your requirements , in block capitals and present the paper.

Providing the lady is a normally healthy person who eats a normal diet, there is no indication for any further supplementation.

Ensure the lady attends all her prenatal appointments !

edit

spelling

Edited March 23, 2014 by thepool

[Sheryl]

Not only folic acid but also iron supplementation is recommended in pregnancy.

In Thais and other nationalities whose diet is low in calcium, calcium supplementation is also a good idea.

No need for other vits/minerals if she has a healthy diet.

500 mcg of folic acid is not a problem, and indeed this is what most of the formulations in Thailand have (including the brand produced by the Govt Pharmaceutical Organization).

If the lady is Thai, BTW, she could get the correct supplement and other antenatal care free of charge at her government health center or hospital.