Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins and Additional Folic Acid - Pregnancy Nutrition at Baby Corner

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Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins and Additional Folic Acid

Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins and Additional Folic Acid
by Jerri Colonero

Q. Is it o.k. to take folic acid vitamins in addition to the prenatal vitamin? I'm 16 weeks pregnant and have been taking both.

A. You have not harmed your baby by taking folic acid in addition to your prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and therefore does not build up in your body as a fat-soluble vitamin would.

However, it is best to not take anything extra, without your obstetrician or midwife's permission. Most prenatal vitamins contain 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid. It is not necessary to take extra. Women who have had a previous child with Spina Bifida are given a larger dose. Because too much folic acid can interfere with zinc absorption, don't take extra from now on, unless advised to do so by your care provider.

Jerri Colonero RN

Click here to Ask Jerri your questions.

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