Folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.
Summary of Recommendation and Evidence
The USPSTF recommends that all women who are planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400-800 μg) of folic acid (A recommendation).
Clinical Considerations
Patient Population Under Consideration
This recommendation applies to women who are planning or capable of pregnancy (see Figure 2 in the original guideline document). It does not apply to women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by neural tube defects or who are at very high risk due to other factors (e.g., use of certain antiseizure medications or family history). These women may be advised to take higher doses of folic acid.
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