The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of folic acid (calculated in so-called folate equivalents) for

• Adult and Children from 13 years: 300 micrograms
• For Pregnant women : 550 micrograms
• For Breastfeeding women : 450 micrograms

In addition to a diet rich in folate, women who are trying to become pregnant or who may become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid per day in the form of a supplement to prevent neural tube defects. Additional use of a folic acid supplement should begin at least four weeks before pregnancy and be continued throughout the first three months of pregnancy. Women who begin taking a folic acid supplement less than four weeks before conception should use higher-dose supplements.