Folic Acid Tablets: What is the best time to take them in a day?

Folic acid supplementation is generally recommended to start at least three months before planning to become pregnant and continue through the first trimester of pregnancy. The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400-800 micrograms. Regarding the optimal time for taking folic acid tablets, theoretically speaking, folic acid absorption is not affected by food. However, considering its absorption efficiency and potential gastrointestinal irritation, the following suggestions are provided:

1. Take after meals: Folic acid may irritate the stomach. It is generally recommended to take it about half an hour to one hour after eating. Taking it after meals can reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and also aid in drug absorption.

2. Avoid taking on an empty stomach: Individuals with poor gastrointestinal function should avoid taking folic acid tablets on an empty stomach to prevent discomfort such as nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting.

3. Dosage and duration: Women planning to become pregnant should start taking 0.4 mg of folic acid daily three months before conception and continue until the third month of pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube defects.

Therefore, to ensure effective prevention of neural tube defects, it is best to take folic acid regularly either half an hour to one hour after a meal, in the morning or evening, choosing a time that is easiest to remember.