Precautions
Your body uses folate for many important functions, including ( 1, 2 ):
- making and repairing DNA
- assisting cell division and healthy cell growth
- producing and maturing red blood cells
- converting homocysteine to methionine
What are the benefits of taking folic acid?
What Are The Effects Of Taking Too Much Folic Acid? It is possible to be unsafe to take doses higher than 1 mg daily. There are a number of side effects associated with these doses, including stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, and seizures.
Can you take too much folic acid?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach. Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.
What does folic acid do for the body?
What to do about:
- feeling sick - take folic acid with, or just after, a meal or snack to ease feelings of sickness. ...
- loss of appetite - eat when you'd usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. ...
- bloating or wind - it might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. ...
When to take folic acid?
What are 3 benefits of folic acid?
Common uses for folic acid supplements Folic acid supplements are used for: Preventing neural tube defects in babies. Preventing and treating anemia. Preventing side effects from taking methotrexate.
Why would a patient get folic acid?
It helps the body make healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid. For women who may get pregnant, it is really important. Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.
What are the symptoms of low folic acid?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiencyextreme tiredness.a lack of energy.pins and needles (paraesthesia)a sore and red tongue.mouth ulcers.muscle weakness.disturbed vision.psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.More items...
Who needs folic acid?
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need...
How Should I Take Folic acid?
Take folic acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on you...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dos...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, mouth or...
Folic Acid Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Megaloblastic Anemia:1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day. May continue until clinical symptoms of fo...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Folic acid?
The dosages of other medications you take may need to be changed while you are taking folic acid.Tell your doctor about all other medications you u...
What are the symptoms of folic acid?
Nausea. Loss of appetite. Confusion. Irritability. Sleep pattern disturbance. People with allergies might have a reaction to folic acid supplements. Warning signs of an allergic reaction include: Skin rash. Itching.
Why is folic acid important for pregnancy?
The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.
What is the recommended daily amount of folate for adults?
The recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg).
What drugs interact with folic acid?
Possible interactions include: Anticonvulsants. Taking folic acid with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) or primidone (Mysoline) might decrease the drug's concentration in your blood. Barbiturates.
What fruits are rich in folate?
Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, melons and strawberries. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. It's in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency.
Is it safe to take folate?
Generally safe. For most people, it's best to get folate from food. A balanced diet usually provides all you need. However, folic acid supplements are recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant, could become pregnant, are pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Does folic acid interfere with a drug?
Taking folic acid with a drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant (barbiturate) might decrease the drug's effectiveness. Methotrexate (Trexall). Taking folic acid with this medication used to treat cancer could interfere with its effectiveness. Pyrimethamine (Daraprim).
What is folic acid?
Folate and folic acidare forms of vitamin B9 used for deficiency and to prevent pregnancy complications. Many foods contain folate or have folic acid added. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law.
Why is folic acid used in pregnancy?
People who are pregnantor might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
What foods contain folic acid?
Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in folate include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney ), orange juice, and tomato juice.
Can you take folic acid with methotrexate?
Taking folic acid pills along with methotrexate might decrease the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex). Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with FOLIC ACID . Phenobarbital (Luminal) is used for seizures. Taking folic acid can decrease how well phenobarbital (Luminal) works for preventing seizures.
Is folic acid safe for children?
Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe in children. Procedures to widen narrowed arteries (angioplasty): Using folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 might worsen narrowed arteries.
Can you take folate while pregnant?
Taking folate by mouth during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of this type of cancer in children. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). In elderly individuals with osteoporosis, taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6 does not seem to prevent broken bones.
Does folic acid help with nausea?
Taking folic acid by mouthseems to reduce nausea and vomitingfrom methotrexate treatment. Birth defects of the brainand spine (neural tube birth defects). Consuming folic acid 600-800 mcg by mouth daily during pregnancy reduces the risk of these birth defects. Folic acid can come from the diet or supplements.
What are the benefits of folic acid?
Supplementing with folic acid has also been associated with the following benefits: 1 Diabetes. Folate-based supplements may help improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and enhance cardiovascular function in those with diabetes. These supplements may also help reduce diabetic complications, including neuropathy ( 22#N#Trusted Source#N#, 23#N#Trusted Source#N#, 24#N#Trusted Source#N#). 2 Fertility. Higher intake of supplemental folate (more than 800 mcg per day) is associated with higher rates of live births in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Adequate folate is also essential for oocyte (egg) quality, implantation, and maturation ( 25#N#Trusted Source#N#). 3 Inflammation. Folic acid and folate supplements have been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), in different populations, including women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and children with epilepsy ( 26#N#Trusted Source#N#, 27#N#Trusted Source#N#). 4 Reduction of medication side effects. Folate-based supplements may help reduce the incidence of side effects related to the use of certain medications, including methotrexate, an immunosuppressant drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain cancers ( 28#N#Trusted Source#N#). 5 Kidney disease. Due to impaired kidney function, hyperhomocysteinemia occurs in over 80% of people with chronic kidney disease. Supplementing with folic acid may help reduce homocysteine levels and heart disease risk in this population ( 29#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What is the purpose of folate?
Folic acid is also sold in concentrated form in dietary supplements. Your body uses folate for a wide array of critical functions, including ( 1. Trusted Source.
What are some alternatives to folate?
Alternatives. There are many derivatives of folate. However, folinic acid, folic acid, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are the most widely used in dietary supplements. Folinic acid is a naturally occurring folate that’s found in foods and commonly known as leucovorin in the clinical setting.
What is the difference between folic acid and folate?
Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFEs) is a unit of measure that accounts for the differences in absorbability of folic acid and folate. Synthetic folic acid is thought to have 100% absorbability when consumed on an empty stomach, while folic acid found in fortified foods is thought to have only 85% absorbability.
What diseases affect folate absorption?
diseases or surgeries that affect folate absorption in the digestive system, including celiac disease, gastric bypass, and short bowel syndrome. achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria (absent or low stomach acid) drugs that affect folate absorption, including methotrexate and sulfasalazine. alcoholism. pregnancy.
Does folic acid affect autism?
However, other studies have concluded that high folic acid intake and high levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the bloodstream may have a negative effect on neurocognitive development and increase autism risk , which will be discussed in the next section ( 36. Trusted Source. ).
Does folic acid lower homocysteine levels?
Research has shown that supplementing with folic acid may reduce homocysteine levels and heart disease risk. For example, a review that included 30 studies and over 80,000 people demonstrated that supplementing with folic acid led to a 4% reduction in overall heart disease risk and a 10% reduction in stroke risk ( 19.
How to prevent folate deficiency?
The most effective way to prevent and treat folate (folic acid) deficiency is with a healthy diet. Diversity Home Health Group offers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services that can help. A Registered Dietician can help you design a nutrition program that is tailor-made for you. When helping you make a plan, we will take into account factors such as your medical history, your current health needs, your dietary restrictions, and many others. Through the MNT services offered by Diversity Home Health Group, you can make better food choices, eat healthier portions and learn delicious ways to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
How to get folate?
For most people, eating a balanced diet will provide all the folate their body’s need. A balanced diet must include foods that are good sources of folate. The body is not able to store unused folate, so folate-rich foods should be eaten daily. Without getting enough folate in the diet, a person can become folate deficient within a few weeks. Folate-rich foods that are commonly available include:
Does folate help a pregnant woman?
This increases the amount of folate the woman needs during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, it is best to inform your primary care doctor so that steps are taken to increase your intake of folate and folic acid even before becoming pregnant.
Can folate be passed from generation to generation?
Some people are born with bodies that are unable to normally absorb folate from food or folic acid from supplements. This genetic trait can be passed from generation to generation. When infants are diagnosed with this genetic trait, they must begin treatments right away in order to avoid long-term health risks.
Can folate deficiency cause anemia?
Complications resulting from folate (folic acid) deficiency can be severe and permanent. If a deficiency goes untreated, it will eventually lead to anemia. Remember that folate helps the body to produce red blood cells. The purpose of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to every organ and to all tissues throughout the entire body. Without enough oxygen, the organs and tissues are damaged and die. Anemia is a condition in which the blood doesn’t contain enough red blood cells to carry an adequate supply of oxygen to all parts of the body.
How to treat folic acid deficiency anemia?
Folate deficiency anemia is prevented and treated by eating a healthy diet. This includes foods rich in folic acid, such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched breads and cereals, and fruit. Your doctor will also likely prescribe you a daily folic acid supplement.
Why is it so hard to absorb folate?
Over time, this makes it harder for your intestines to absorb folate. You have stomach problems. When your small intestine isn’t working the way it should , your body has a hard time hanging on to as much folate as it needs.
What are some examples of folate?
This is the case for most people. You might not be eating enough foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, or whole grains. You drink a lot of alcohol. Over time, this makes it harder for your intestines to absorb folate.
Can you get pregnant if you don't get enough folate?
If you are pregnant and don’t get enough folate, you are at higher risk of a placental abruption. This happens when the placenta pulls away from the uterus wall and disrupts blood flow to your fetus.
Can folate cause pain?
It can cause pain and increased bleeding. Your fetus could die. Your unborn child can also be harmed by too little folate. They may have a low birth weight or be born before their due date. They are also more likely to have spina bifida, a disease that causes damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
For the Consumer
Along with its needed effects, folic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
For Healthcare Professionals
Rare (less than 0.1%): Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, abdominal distension, flatulence [ Ref]
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How to treat folate deficiency?
Treatment of folate deficiency. Treatment involves increasing the dietary intake of folate. You can also take a folate or folic acid supplement. Those with a genetic mutation that affects folate absorption, known as MTHFR, need to take methylated folate in order to avoid deficiency.
Why do we need to take folate?
It dissolves in water and isn’t stored in your fat cells. This means that you need to keep taking folate, as your body can’t develop a reserve. People release excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins in their urine. The causes of folate deficiency include:
Why is folate important?
Folate is particularly important in women of childbearing age. A folate deficiency during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Most people get enough folate from food. Many foods now have additional folate in the form of folic acid, a synthetic version of folate, to prevent deficiency.
What foods contain folate?
Eat a nutritious diet to prevent folate deficiency. Foods that contain high amounts of folate include: leafy, green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach. Brussels sprouts. peas. citrus. fruits, such as bananas and melons. tomato juice.
What are the complications of folic acid deficiency?
Folate is required for the normal production of RBCs. Complications of a deficiency may include: megaloblastic anemia, which means the RBCs are larger than normal and not fully developed. low levels of white blood cells and platelets.
What is the best way to get folate?
It helps to: If you don’t have enough folate in your diet, you may end up with a folate deficiency. Certain drinks and foods, such as citrus juices and dark green vegetables, are particularly good sources of folate.
Is folic acid good for fetal growth?
Folate is critical for normal fetal growth. Shop for prenatal vitamins now. If you have MTHFR, you should avoid foods that are fortified with folic acid. Certain variants of this genetic mutation prevent the breakdown of folic acid to methylfolate.
