What is the recommended daily supplementation of folic acid for women planning to conceive?

The recommended daily supplementation of folic acid for women planning to conceive is 0.4 mg. This dosage is well-established in guidelines to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is crucial during the early stages of pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when the neural tube is forming.

The aim of this recommendation is to ensure that women have adequate folate levels prior to conception, as neural tube defects occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. This daily supplementation is advised starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

While higher dosages, such as 0.6 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg may be indicated for specific high-risk populations (such as those with a history of neural tube defects), the standard recommendation for the general population is 0.4 mg. Thus, for women planning to conceive who do not have other risk factors, 0.4 mg is sufficient to ensure appropriate folate status for fetal health.