4 Potential Side Effects Of Too Much Folic Acid

[Julieanne]

Elina Petre
February 6 2020

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, a B vitamin that plays an important role in cell and DNA formation. It’s found exclusively in vitamins and certain fortified foods.
Conversely, vitamin B9 is called folate when it occurs naturally in foods. Beans, oranges, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocados, and leafy greens all contain folate.
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for this vitamin is 400 mcg for most adults, though pregnant and breastfeeding women should get 600 and 500 mcg, respectively (1).



Read more: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition...d-side-effects

[Mr. Wizard]

Another reason why synthetic vitamins should be consumed with caution. If one supplements with "folic acid" (the synthetic version of vit. B9), it's best to take it with entire vitamin B complex (i.e., B1, B2, B6, etc.) This will increase the metabolization of folic acid. The natural version of B9, called folate, is better than synthetic folic acid. The acitve form of the supplement folate is known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) or levomefolic. The body does not have to convert this form. Some natural sources of folate are: green leafy veggies, eggs, legumes, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beef liver, banana, & avocado.

[Maurya]

https://tahomaclinic.com/2011/01/folic-acid/

Here is Doctor Wright's take on the synthetic folic acid issue. I remembered reading this from years ago, and was able to find it on line.

[Mr. Wizard]

Thanks for your link, Maurya. Great read. Two takeaways: folic acid supplementation may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly, and may contribute to childhood asthma when pregnant mothers supplement with it. Wow!! Seems the greatest harm is always to children and the elderly.