Folate supplement dosage for pregnant people with epilepsy: Survey of international experts recommendation and...

Folic acid supplementation is recommended by WHO for all pregnancies to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. No study to date directly compares the effects on children's outcomes for different folic acid dosages taken by pregnant people with epilepsy. Thus, the optimal folic acid dosing remains unclear, with current guidelines recommending a wide range of doses (.4-5 mg/day). The optimal folic acid dosage is influenced by multiple factors, including dietary intake, food fortification, genetic background, interactions with antiseizure medications, and comorbidities such as anemia or obesity. This study aimed to survey experts on their current clinical practices and recommendations regarding folic acid supplementation dosage for pregnant people with epilepsy.

A survey was distributed to expert providers in the international Epilepsy in Childbearing Age through Menopause consortium. The survey collected open-ended responses regarding recommendations and practices for folic acid supplementation in pregnant people with epilepsy, categorizing responses by dosage ranges and clinical scenarios.

Fifty-two experts responded to the survey: 42 adult epileptologists, 3 pediatric neurologists, 2 obstetrician/maternal-fetal medicine specialists, 1 epilepsy pharmacist, and 4 unspecified. Geographically, respondents were primarily from North America, a region with mandatory folate fortification, as well as from Northern Europe and Asia, where such practices vary. The majority of the respondents (73.1%, n = 38) recommended folic acid supplementation doses of 1-2 mg/day, with a recommendation of either 1 mg folic acid alone (24/52) or 1 mg folic acid plus prenatal vitamins (12/52). Lower doses (.4-.8 mg/day) were recommended by 15.4% (n = 8). Additionally, 42.3% (n = 22) of respondents recommended individualized dosing strategies, particularly higher doses for patients on valproate (36.5%, n = 19) or enzyme-inducing ASMs (17.3%, n = 9). A small proportion (1.9%, n = 1) recommended routine folate serum level testing to guide supplementation.

This international expert survey revealed that folate supplementation was favored at doses of 1-2 mg/day for pregnant people with epilepsy, reflecting a shift away from previously higher-dose practices. Many experts advocated individualized dosing strategies.