phenobarbital, and antiepileptic drugs such as Dilantin and Mysoline. Consumption of more than 2,000 mg. of vitamin C per day also increases the need for folic acid. Anyone in these situations needs supplements of folic acid.

Most vitamin formulas contain 400 mcg. of folic acid. Higher amounts, such as 1 mg. (1,000 mcg.), 1.5 mg., or even 10 mg., are available only by prescription because of the concern of masking vitamin B12 deficiency. Injectable folate, in doses nutritional medicine. Some doctors describe impressive results in many patients, especially the elderly, with injections of 1,000 mcg. of B12 and 10 mg. of folic acid. The suggested therapeutic dosages for most uses of folic acid or treating deficiency problems is about 1 mg. twice daily; it may take several months for this vitamin therapy to correct the deficiency and replenish stores of folic acid. Some studies are researching folic acid doses of 5–15 mg., and even up to 60 mg. daily.

The elderly, the pregnant, and women on birth control pills should definitely take additional folic acid. And the alcoholic also needs extra folic acid supplementation.