I would like to know the effect of Folic Acid 1mg Vs 5mg. Away from Native country. Two Dr. Gives differntly.?

Question

I am away from my country. Consulted the Dr. in new country they suggested 1 mg. When checked my own country Dr. they suggested 5 mg. So I would like to know the difference and If we take excessively is there any side effect/any problem. Kindly clarify.

Answer 1

Folic acid is importent to your babys growth and development. He may have made his suggestion based on blood work. If it was low he may have prescribed more to make sure your baby gets what he/she needs.

Answer 2

The recommended daily intake of folic acid for all women of childbearing age is at least 400 micrograms (mcg), or 0.4 milligrams (mg). During pregnancy, the recommended dose jumps to 600 to 800 mcg, or 0.6 to 0.8 mg. Of course, some women's needs are different.

If you have a family history of neural-tube defects, you should probably get 4,000 mcg (4 mg) of folic acid a day. Talk to your doctor about how much you need before and after you conceive.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so your body will flush out the excess if you consume too much.

www.babycenter.com is a great site.
Here is a link with more information.
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/preconception/preconnutrition/2232.html

Answer 3

Folic Acid is one of the B-Complex chain of vitamins. It is actually, part of our digestive stomach acids. In my experience, the B-Vitamins are water soluble, and any excess is thrown off in the urine. They need to be taken as a B-Complex chain for optimum absorption.
It is best to take a B-Complex made out of rice bran (more tolerable). They are very important in fetal development. When I was pregnant, my East Coast doctor prescribed Neo-Natal vitamins, Natalins. Ask about them.

Answer 4

1 mg for Folic Acid. More is not better.

Answer 5

400 mcg is daily dose so 1mg over more than needed.

Answer 6

I would say quality over quantity. Take what they suggest until further notice.