Can you take too much Folic Acid?

[Mervs Mum]

I'm going shopping today and was thinking about picking up some Pregnacare or similar prenatal vits. I already have tonnes of regular folic acid as it was on 2 for 1 at Sainsburys!! Should I take both or just one as the prenatal multi vits have folic acid included in them ???

 

[Tishimouse]

Hi there,

I asked my local health nurse this question and she advised me to stick to 400 micrograms of folic acid and not to double up with the pregnancy vitamins. In other words take one OR the other, not both.

I had lots of folic acid too at home (and still do in my cupboard) but wanted to take a suitable vitamin instead.

I've swopped to Boots own brand called Pregnancy Mum to Be Plus which is a one a day supplement containing all the vital ingredients I was looking for. In my case I wanted Omega-3 and Calcium (which aren't in them all). The one's I bought also have Iron and Ginger Root (which are both added bonuses) and of course contain 400 micrograms of folic acid. They were on a 3 for 2 offer which made them very competitively priced. Can't remember how much now sorry, but although they were a little more expensive than some cheaper brands, they had more in them, so I felt they were perfect for me.

 

[Mervs Mum]

Thanks Tish - I looked at the various prenatal vits today and Boots still have the 3 for 2 offer. I'm going to take the prenatal ones so does anyone want a free suply of regular folic acid?? I have 120+ regular RDA of folic acid and I'm happy to post them anywhere in the world.
PM me if you want them.

 

[m_t_rose]

Here is what I have found
"Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so your body will flush out the excess if you consume too much. For some women, however, getting too much folate may hide a B-12 deficiency, which is sometimes a problem for vegetarians. Ask your doctor or midwife if you think you may be at risk."

"During pregnancy, the recommended dose jumps to 600 to 800 mcg, or 0.6 to 0.8 mg. Of course, some women's needs are different. If you have a family history of neural-tube defects, you should probably get 4,000 mcg (4 mg) of folic acid a day. Talk to your doctor about how much you need before and after you conceive."
So no you can't take too much folic acid because your body will just pee out the excess.

 

[Phexia]

400 micrograms is the average dose but it's ok to take more. My doctor recommended I take 800 micrograms because with my GD there's a greater risk of birth-defects.

I think your body uses what it can and you pee the rest Thanks for reminding me by the way, I haven't taken mine today.

 

[Mervs Mum]

Here is what I have found
"Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so your body will flush out the excess if you consume too much. For some women, however, getting too much folate may hide a B-12 deficiency, which is sometimes a problem for vegetarians. Ask your doctor or midwife if you think you may be at risk."

Interesting as I'm a veggie....

 

[**angel**]

i have cheated n gone for pregnacare as one they were on offer and 2 they have loads of diff vitamins in them xxxx