Folic acid may make the Methotrexate less
effective. Consuming any of the following foods by accident should not significantly
interfere with the medication. To fully maximize the Methotrexate, try to avoid
the following foods until you insert the Misoprostol.
Folic acid will be listed on the nutritional label. If you are unsure of a food,
check the label. If folic acid, folacin, or folate is NOT listed on the nutritional
label, the food should be considered acceptable. It is best to stick with prepackaged
foods so that you can check the ingredients.
Foods to Avoid During Medical Abortion
DO NOT TAKE ANY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING FOLIC ACID
Dark green leafy vegetables- Romaine, endive, or other dark
green leafy lettuces (iceberg is permitted), spinach, Swiss chard, kale, collard
greens, alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, mustard greens, beet greens, okra, and parsnips.
Vegetables- Broccoli, peas, beets, asparagus, corn, sweet potatoes,
artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and chickpeas.
Most canned or frozen vegetables DO NOT contain folic acid due to processing.
Fruits- Oranges, orange juice, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, bananas,
strawberries, cantaloupe, and pineapple.
Beans-ESPECIALLY kidney, lima, black, soy and lentils. Check the label on canned beans.
Wheat germ, peanuts/peanut butter.
Brewers yeast-found in alcohol.
NO ALCOHOL SHOULD BE CONSUMED DURING A MEDICAL ABORTION.
Whole grains-Folic acid may be found in enriched breads, pasta, and rice mixes.
Plain white rice or brown rice should NOT contain folic acid. Check the label.
Liver- any organ meats.
Most pre-packaged breakfast foods (i.e. cereal, Pop Tarts, oatmeal)
have had folic acid added by the manufacturer. Pre-packaged diet and nutrition mixes,
drinks, and bars (e.g. Slim Fast products, protein bars) are usually supplemented with
folic acid, as well.
Suggested Food List for Medical Abortion Patients
Acceptable vegetables: Canned or frozen vegetables (any type),
carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, iceberg lettuce, leeks,
mushrooms (any variety), olives, onions, parsnips, peppers, potatoes, radishes, squash,
tomatoes, and turnips.
Acceptable fruits: Apples, blueberries, cranberries, grapes,
honeydew melons, kiwi, kumquats, lemons, limes, mangos, peaches, pears, plums, prunes,
raisins, raspberries, and watermelon.
Acceptable beverages: Water, milk, coffee, tea, soda, diet soda,
iced tea, grape juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, and V8. (NO ALCOHOL SHOULD BE
CONSUMED DURING A MEDICAL ABORTION)
Acceptable Meat/Protein- Chicken, pork, beef, eggs, and seafood.
Acceptable Dairy Products- milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Many baked products such as rolls or cakes may include small
amounts of folic acid. The amount of folic acid in these foods is not enough to
interfere with the Methotrexate, so you should not worry about eating these.
Snack foods and candy generally do not contain folic acid, although pretzels
and snack mixes made with cereal (e.g. Chex Mix) may be supplemented with it.
If you are unsure, please check the label.
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