Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

I did a search and couldn't find the answer I was looking for, so I thought I'd try you ladies here.

We are preparing to TTC (I head to the gyn next week to see what happens as I do not ovulate so I don't think we'll be able to do it with out medical assistance ).

Anyway, I've been taking the plain OTC One a Day for women vitamins with 400 mcg of folic acid, which my doc said was fine for me at this point. I am nearing the end of the bottle, so I picked up the Genovese/Eckard brand of prenatal vitamins to continue with. Right on the package it says 'campare to Stuart Prenatals.' But as I read further, the package says it contains 800 mcg of folic acid and is specifically for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers (of which I am neither at this time).

Is this too much folic acid (is there such a thing as too much)? Will it make me sick? For those who are not pregnant yet, and are taking prenatals, how much folic acid is in your prenatal vitamin?

I am just concerned I am not thaking the right amount. We're not sure how long it'll take me to get preggo but I want to continue with my vitamins.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I hope I don't sound too ignorant! I will ask my doc, but the appt. is still a week away and I need to refill this weekend.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

ill go look now....

1MG
whatever that means, LOL
I think its alot
I use Nestabs

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

My prescription prenatals have 1mg of folic acid.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Mine also has 1mg

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Sorry the engineer in me is coming out ....

mg is milligram. 1 x 10-3 grams or 0.001 grams. With me?

mcg? microgram? That's usually ug, but I digress. That's 1 x 10-6 grams. So 800 mcg is 0.0008 grams.

0.0008 grams as compared to 0.001 grams.

Okay, I over analyze. I could be wrong. Geez, I'll just take them and hope they don't make me sick!! THe doc shoudl help me out next week anyway!!

Thanks ladies!!

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Trish, I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but I just have to say I'm pretty impressed with your math equation and conversions.

1+1=2 is MUCH more my speed.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Do a search on webmd.com
I dont know the exact webpage, but if you do a search, it tells you jow much of each vitamin you should intake.
That is a great site

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

JennRenee

Didn't you know I have a calculator built into my brain? Ah, like I said, it's just the engineer in me - over-analyze everything!!

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

I beleive if you were taking any more than you needed your body would get rid of it.
I'm sure folic acid is not harmful to you

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Trish, I didn't know about your calculator brain, but now that I do, I may ask to borrow it from time to time.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

I take the GNC Prenatal Vitamins with Iron. I have to check how much Folic acid is in there.

Folic acid is water soluble and your body will flush out any it doesn't use or need so do not worry..

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Just reading that math makes me dizzy
I would just take them and bring them with you to the doctor. That is what I did. She looked at the bottle (I use the GNC) and said it was a good formula.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

From Baby Center


How much do I need?
Before you conceive, it's best to take a daily multivitamin containing at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Even better, take an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin, which has 800 mcg. (Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so your body will flush out the excess if you take too much. For some women, there's an exception to this rule; getting too much folate may hide a B12 deficiency, sometimes a problem for vegetarians. Ask your healthcare provider if you think you may be at risk.)
Once you're pregnant, you'll need at least 600 mcg daily, although many doctors suggest 800 mcg. Because the fetus's neural tubes close during the first four weeks, you'll want to start taking supplements before then.

Women who have had one child with a neural tube defect have a higher risk of having a second with the same defect. Healthcare providers now advise these women to take five times as much folic acid — 4 milligrams (mg) — starting one month before conception, if possible, and continuing through the first three months of pregnancy.

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

The one I am currently taking is 400mcg

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Justa started taking mine today. I had the samples, and the prescription, but was just waiting to see that we definetly are going to try this summer, and its a go...so I took mine this morning

Re: Question about folic acid amt. in prenatal vitamins

Thanks for all the info ladies. I took my last One-A-Day with 400 mg, and tomorrow I will take my first prenatal horse pill - and it's pink!! 800 mcg of folic acid. And I will bring them to my doc when I visit next week!

Thanks again.

Baby dust to all!!