What is the recommended folic acid dosage for an adult?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily dosage of folic acid, or folate, is 400 micrograms for males over the age of 13. Females older than 13 and those who are pregnant should consume between 400 to 600 micrograms a day and 500 micrograms per day if breastfeeding.

The Mayo Clinic further states that the maximum daily intake of folic acid should not exceed 1,000 micrograms for people 19 years of age and older. Pre-existing conditions, such as anemia caused by a lack of folate, can be remedied with the proper dosage, which may exceed that of the normal daily requirements. In the case of anemia, 1 to 5 milligrams of folate daily until recovery has been demonstrated to work.