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Applies the life-stage folate reference intakes and flags the separate 400 microgram folic acid supplement advised before and during early pregnancy.
Folate reference intakes
400 microg DFE for adults, 600 in pregnancy and 500 while breastfeeding; a 400 microg folic acid supplement is advised preconception and in the first trimester
Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
A unit adjusting for the higher bioavailability of folic acid: 1 microgram of folic acid taken with food counts as 1.7 microg DFE.
Neural tube closure completes by week four, often before pregnancy is recognised, so supplementation must start beforehand.