What is the RDA for folic acid during pregnancy?

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Multiple Choice

What is the RDA for folic acid during pregnancy?

Explanation:
Folate needs rise in pregnancy to support rapid cell division and neural tube development, so the daily intake is increased to 600 mcg of folate equivalents. This value reflects the total amount of folate available from both diet and supplements, accounting for differences in bioavailability between natural food folate and folic acid in fortified foods or supplements. Therefore, 600 mcg/day is the best answer. The other options are not correct: 200 mcg is too low for pregnancy, 800 mcg isn’t the standard recommended daily amount, and 1000 mcg/day is the upper limit (UL) to avoid masking vitamin B12 deficiency, not the RDA.

Folate needs rise in pregnancy to support rapid cell division and neural tube development, so the daily intake is increased to 600 mcg of folate equivalents. This value reflects the total amount of folate available from both diet and supplements, accounting for differences in bioavailability between natural food folate and folic acid in fortified foods or supplements. Therefore, 600 mcg/day is the best answer. The other options are not correct: 200 mcg is too low for pregnancy, 800 mcg isn’t the standard recommended daily amount, and 1000 mcg/day is the upper limit (UL) to avoid masking vitamin B12 deficiency, not the RDA.

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