Experts Recommend 1-2 mg Folic Acid for Pregnant People with Epilepsy
⚠️ Pregnancy-related topic: medication, diet, and testing decisions must be made with your obstetrician and neurology team.
Source: Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape
Summary
A recent study surveyed international experts to understand their recommendations for folic acid supplementation in pregnant people with epilepsy. Folic acid is important during pregnancy as it helps prevent serious birth defects in the baby's brain and spine. The study involved 52 experts, including neurologists and obstetricians, who shared their current practices and advice on how much folic acid should be taken during pregnancy.
The key findings showed that most experts (73.1%) recommended a daily dose of 1-2 mg of folic acid for pregnant individuals with epilepsy. Some suggested taking 1 mg of folic acid alone, while others recommended combining it with prenatal vitamins. A smaller group of experts (15.4%) suggested lower doses, and many emphasized the importance of tailoring the dosage to individual needs, especially for those taking certain epilepsy medications like valproate.
These findings are important because they highlight a shift towards lower folic acid doses for pregnant people with epilepsy, which may help reduce potential risks associated with higher doses. However, the study has limitations, such as the fact that it only reflects the opinions of a specific group of experts and does not provide direct evidence on the outcomes for children based on different folic acid dosages. More research is needed to determine the best practices for folic acid supplementation in this population.
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