What is the recommended daily dosage of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy?

The recommended daily dosage of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy is 400 micrograms (mcg). This dosage is essential for women of childbearing age, as it is known to effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Folic acid plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and repair, making it vital in the early stages of fetal development when the neural tube is forming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend that women should begin taking folic acid before conception and continue through the first trimester, as this is when the neural tube develops.

While higher doses of folic acid, like 800 mcg or 1000 mcg, may be recommended for women with a history of neural tube defects or other specific medical conditions, the standard guideline for the general population is indeed 400 mcg. This level is considered both effective and safe for the prevention of such defects during early pregnancy.