- For most adults, 100% DV for folate is 400 micrograms of dietary folate equivalents (DFE) or 400 mcg DFE. Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding should consume 100% DV (400 mcg DFE per day) of folate to prevent anemia (low number of red blood cells). To prevent anemia, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should consume 600 mcg DFE and 500 mcg DFE, respectively, each day. Please see below for the recommended daily amount of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects.