Folic acid is a component of the vitamin B complex that promotes the maturation of young cells in the bone marrow. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to macrocytic anemia and leukopenia, and it is especially important for pregnant women. Women who are planning to become pregnant can prevent the majority of neural tube defects in infants by supplementing with adequate amounts of folic acid daily. Therefore, women who are preparing for pregnancy will increase their intake of folic acid. So, how much folic acid should be consumed daily before pregnancy?
The daily requirement for folic acid is 0.6-0.8 mg, with 0.4 mg from folic acid tablets and an additional 0.2-0.4 mg from food. Taking 0.4 mg of folic acid tablets daily is optimal, and it should not exceed 1 mg. It is important to take it regularly during the preparation for pregnancy. Try not to take it at night as it is not easily absorbed. Additionally, during the preparation stage, avoid eating processed foods such as canned goods. Pay attention to the nutrition and variety of your diet, and avoid being too monotonous. Both men and women should quit smoking and drinking, avoid stimulating beverages, and not engage in intercourse too frequently; every other day is best. Try to maintain a good mood and a natural mindset, which can make it easier to conceive. Before preparing for pregnancy, you can purchase folic acid tablets under the guidance of a doctor. However, if during a pre-pregnancy check-up, the doctor indicates that you are severely deficient in folic acid, or if your first child had a neural tube defect, then the dosage of folic acid supplementation needs to be increased. After becoming pregnant, it is also important to continue taking folic acid regularly until three months into the pregnancy. Besides folic acid, it is also important to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients, avoiding picky eating and supplementing nutrition from various sources, which helps improve the quality of eggs. Men should also stay away from alcohol and tobacco to prepare for high-quality sperm and improve the quality of the fetus.
