Folic Acid

Question 1

Folic acid is important in the prevention of…

Answer 1

Neural tube defects

Question 2

What is the standard dose that all women should take?

Answer 2

0.4mg a day pre conception to 13 weeks

Question 3

Why should folic acid be taken pre conception?

Answer 3

The neural tube is formed within the first 28 days of development, any defect may be present if a woman waits until missed period

Question 4

Certain women are at an increased risk of neural tube defects such as..

Answer 4

Previous child with NTD, FH of NTDs
DM
AEDs
Obese
HIV positive taking co-trimoxazole 
Sickle cell, thalassaemia trait 
Coeliac disease

Question 5

What can cause folic acid deficiency?

Answer 5

Phenytoin
Methotrexate
Pregnancy
Alcohol excess

Question 6

A woman with risk factors for NTDs should take an increased dose of…

Answer 6

5mg from before conception until 12th week

Question 7

What is folic acid converted to?

Answer 7

Tetrahydrofolate - plays a key role in the transfer of 1-carbon units to the essential substrates involved in DNA and RNA synthesis