Would it hurt to take more folic acid?

[fun1uk]

I visited my doctor (first visit too ever as its a new area) last week as soon as I found out I was pregnant. My mum had a spina bifida baby who passed away soon after birth. Mum sadly passed away nearly 5 years ago but she always said ill be a high risk so to visit the doctor for a higher dose of folic acid. I told him this and he gave me a prescription which I took to the chemist. They then said that he's given me the 400mg which I can buy much cheaper over the counter. I've been taking that and mum to be pills which also contain 400mg of folic acid. I'm worried I'm not getting enough though. Would taking a extra pill hurt?

 

[Pixel]

I really think you should speak to your doctor, you might need to have more but upping the dose yourself could be dangerous. There could be other factors at play that a doctor would know about x

However, if you are pregnant or thinking of trying to have a baby, take a 0.4mg (400 microgram) of folic acid supplement daily from the time you stop using contraception until the 12th week of pregnancy. This is to help prevent birth defects of the central nervous system, such as spina bifida, in your baby.
If you have a family history of conditions like spina bifida (known as neural tube defects), you may need to take 5mg of folic acid each day until the 12th week of pregnancy. This is available on prescription from your GP. Women with diabetes and those taking anti-epileptic medicines should speak to their GP for advice

Taking doses of folic acid higher than 1mg can disguise vitamin B12 deficiency.
An early symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is anaemia. However, taking large amounts of folic acid treats the anaemia without treating the B12 deficiency. If a vitamin B12 deficiency is not noticed, it can eventually damage the nervous system.
This is particularly a concern for older people because it becomes more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 as you get older.

Taken from here http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/Vitamin-B.aspx

 

[vicci77]

I'm on high dose folic acid Hun cos I'm a big girl 5 mgs im on and taking multi bit as my b12 is low to x

 

[Jojo84]

I took a higher dose of folic acid because I have a higher bmi. Doc said my folic acid from parental it and another extra dose wouldn't do any harm. Im now 18 weeks And fine

 

[fun1uk]

I rang the midwife line and she said to call up my doctors again and tell him she said I need the 5mg. Hoping he can do it without a appointment. On hold now.

 

[fun1uk]

On call doctor is calling me back. X

 

[fairycake]

I have to take the 5mg folic acid when pregnant as my DH cousin has Spina Bifida so there is a higher risk for me, they should be able to sort it fairly easily for you! good luck with the Dr x

 

[fun1uk]

Still waiting for the doctor to call me up ....

 

[jojo3972]

I take the 5 mg cos of previous losses I get it off the doc x

 

[fun1uk]

He's just called me up I can pick up a new prescription before work tomorrow xx

 

[Pixel]

Glad you got it sorted x

 

[willow76]

Glad you got it sorted. I was taking folic acid and I got vitamins from midwife which contained folic acid. She told me it was fine to take both together. Hope your worries are eased now u have prescription x

 

[Kitana]

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