Folic Acid Side Effects

Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family and is important for carrying out different processes in the body. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid like other vitamins is not found naturally in the body, which is why it is necessary to provide it to the body from outside sources. Folic acid is present naturally in food items like beans, legumes, citrus fruits, juices, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, whole grains, liver, pork, shellfish and poultry in the form of folate. Besides these natural sources, folic acid is also available in the form of folate present in supplements. When we don't follow a healthy diet, our bodies become vitamin deficient, thereby making the body vulnerable to various medical problems. To counter this deficiency, folic acid supplements are taken. However, supplements taken above the recommended dose can result in side effects.

How Does Folic Acid Work?

Folic acid along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, helps the body to create, use and breakdown new proteins. The human body uses folic acid for cell formation and multiplication, formation of red blood cells and white blood cells and DNA replication. Moreover, intake of the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida. Folic acid is also used to treat conditions like megaloblastic anemia, heart conditions and depression. It is even heard that some people take folic acid to prevent conditions associated with folic acid deficiency such as liver disease, ulcerative colitis, kidney dialysis, etc. from arising.

Proper Folic Acid Dosage

Folic acid supplements can be used to treat deficiency, leg ulcers and menstrual problems. However, chronic alcoholics, people with liver diseases, people undergoing kidney dialysis, people with digestive tract problems and other such factors can conduce to folic acid deficiency. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need a higher percentage of folic acid. So how much does the body actually need?

The amount of folic acid dose depends on the different factors mentioned above. Around 400 mcg per day is the recommended dietary allowance for healthy adults. The dietary allowance for children between 1-13 years of age will range from 150 mcg per day to 300 mcg per day. Folic acid deficiency is not a common phenomenon in healthy people. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher doses of folic acid, about 600 mcg per day. For people with deficiencies, the recommended dose can vary from 400 mcg to 1000 mcg. The exact amount will depend on the severity of the deficiency and health condition.

What are the Side Effects of Folic Acid?

It is true that folic acid helps the normal body functions, however, like in the case of all other supplements, taking too much can cause side effects. When one takes high doses of folic acid, that is more than 1000 mcg a day, then there is the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency being masked. This is detrimental because, folic acid from the supplement can correct anemia conduced by vitamin B12 deficiency, however, the nerve damage also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency cannot be detected. The side effects are as follows:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Gas and bloating
• Rash
• Insomnia
• Zinc deficiency
• Psychotic behavior
• Seizures
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Hyperactivity, irritability or excitability

Side effects from folic acid are not seen when a normal dosage is taken. High doses are also seen to increase the risk of cancer, age-related cognitive problems and cardiovascular disease.

Before taking folic acid supplements, you should consult your health care provider beforehand. If you feel you are having folic acid side effects, contact your health care provider immediately. The health care provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem immediately. The best way to prevent side effects from folic acid is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.