When should folic acid supplementation start in order to be effective in preventing neural tube defects?
As soon as pregnancy is diagnosed
Before the beginning of 2nd trimester
At least one month before conception
At least 1 week before conception
Ans. C. At least one month before conception* To be effective, folic acid supplementation should be started at least 1 month before conception, and continued through the first 2-3 months of pregnancy.* All women desirous of becoming pregnant should consume 400-800mg folic acid daily; the dose is 4mg/day in those having delivered a child with neural tube defect.
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