Table 1 Recommendations for folic acid supplementation by different guidelines
From: Managing reproductive problems in women with epilepsy of childbearing age
Guideline | Recommendation for dosage | Recommendation for adding time |
|---|---|---|
SIGN 2015 [34] | 400 μg/day: not on ASMs 5 mg/day: on ASMs or not on ASMs, but high risk (with a family history of neural tube defects or a BMI > 30 kg/m2) | From preconception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy |
RCOG 2016 [35] | 5 mg | prior to conception and to continue the intake until at least the end of the first trimester |
AAN/AES 2009 [36] | At least 0.4 mg/day | Prior to conception and during pregnancy |
ETDP-EFA 2007 [37] | 0.4 mg/day for nonpregnant women, 0.6 mg/day for pregnant women and those contemplating pregnancy, and 0.5 mg/day for lactating women. Many epileptologists recommend higher doses (0.8–4 mg/day) for women with epilepsy. However, for women with a family history of a neural tube defect, 4 mg/day is the recommended dosage. | Before conception and throughout pregnancy |
NICE 2012 (update 2016) [38] | 5 mg/day | Before any possibility of pregnancy |