Hi.
I’m about 8-9 weeks pregnant and I’ve been taking folic acid regularly. I also find myself no appetite to eat sometimes so I bought Similac formula for pregnant/lactating mothers for the extra nutrients. I’ve noted that there’s folic acid inside the formula as well and it’s advised to drink twice daily.
My question is: will there be folic acid overdose if I were to also eat the folic acid pill prescribed to me on top of drinking the Similac milk as prescribed twice daily? Or I can just proceed with eating the tablet and drinking the milk to avoid overdosage?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s great that you’re being proactive about your nutrition during this important time. Let’s address your question regarding folic acid intake.
Recommended Folic Acid Intake During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for folic acid is typically 600 micrograms (mcg). This is to support fetal development, particularly in the early stages when the neural tube is forming. If you have specific risk factors (such as a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect), your healthcare provider may recommend a higher dose, often up to 4 mg daily.
Sources of Folic Acid
Potential for Overdose
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that excess amounts are usually excreted in urine rather than stored in the body. However, excessive intake can still lead to potential issues:
Similac formula (2 servings): 200 mcg x 2 = 400 mcg
Total intake: 400 mcg + 400 mcg = 800 mcg
Recommendations
In summary, as long as your total folic acid intake remains below the upper limit and is within the recommended range for pregnancy, you should be fine taking both the supplement and the formula. However, always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
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