The ICMR-NIN 2020 RDA for folic acid (dietary folate equivalents) for an adult Indian male is 200 µg/day. During pregnancy, the additional requirement recommended to prevent neural tube defects is:

• A 100 µg/day additional (total 300 µg)
• B 200 µg/day additional (total 400 µg) ✓
• C 300 µg/day additional (total 500 µg)
• D 400 µg/day additional (total 600 µg)

Explanation

The RDA for folate in adults is 200 µg/day. During pregnancy, an additional 200 µg/day is recommended, making the total RDA 400 µg/day. Periconceptional folic acid of 400 µg/day in the first trimester reduces neural tube defect risk by up to 70 percent. The 400 µg total figure is often confused with the additional amount.

Reference: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2020 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.