Folate requirements vary depending on age and pregnancy/breastfeeding status. Infants under 6 months require 65 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE) and 80 mcg DFE for infants 7-12 months. The recommended dietary allowance for 1-3 years is 150 mcg DFE, with gradually increasing recommendations until the adult value of 400 mcg DFE by 14 years of age.
Pregnant women should obtain 600 mcg DFE each day, while breastfeeding women should obtain 500 mcg DFE each day. It is recommended that this added requirement be obtained from dietary supplements as folic acid alone or as part of a prenatal vitamin.