Folic acid what is too much

Folic acid supplements are a practical way to boost folate levels during pregnancy, but excessive doses may increase insulin resistance and negatively affect brain development in children. Research suggests that exposing healthy cells to adequate levels of folic acid may protect them from becoming cancerous.

However, exposing cancerous cells to high levels of folic acid may help them grow or spread 23 , Still, research is mixed. For instance, some older studies suggest that people previously diagnosed with prostate or colorectal cancer who supplemented with more than 1, mcg of folic acid per day had a 1. It may even reduce it 30 , 31 , Ultimately, more research is needed on the potential link between folate, folic acid supplements, and cancer risk and recurrence.

Still, more research is needed. In certain countries, some foods are also fortified with the vitamin. Folic acid supplements are typically recommended to prevent or treat low blood folate levels. Moreover, those who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant often take them to reduce the risk of birth defects 1. People who are pregnant and breastfeeding should get and mcg, respectively. Supplement doses typically range from — mcg 1. You can purchase folic acid supplements without a prescription.

That said, they can interact with some prescription medications, including some that are used to treat seizures, rheumatoid arthritis, and parasitic infections.

Folic acid supplements are used to reduce the risk of birth defects and prevent or treat folate deficiency. Folic acid supplements are generally safe and can be a convenient way to maintain adequate folate levels. However, getting too much folic acid may cause several side effects, including slower brain development in children and accelerated mental decline in older adults.

While further research is needed, you can work with your healthcare professional to determine your folate levels and whether you need to take a supplement. Folic acid and folate are two forms of vitamin B9. Now, consuming a bowl of fortified breakfast cereal can get most people to meet their recommended daily intake. Use your InsideTracker food basket to find food sources of folate that agree with your taste buds.

Some prefer to take a supplement rather than relying on food sources to obtain folic acid. Most multivitamins sold in America contain the amount of folic acid women need each day. Folic acid is readily available in naturally-occurring food sources, fortified grains and multivitamins, which some Americans take as an added insurance even when they already consume adequate amounts in their diet.

This leads to overconsumption of the vitamin for some. In fact, in a pilot study conducted by Segterra scientists, half of all subjects had high blood levels of folate. This can lead to several negative outcomes. High levels of folic acid can provoke seizures in people on these drugs. Folic acid may raise the amounts of certain chemotherapy drugs to potentially dangerous levels while interfering with the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.

Taking folic acid supplements at the same time as certain antibiotics may interfere with the body's absorption of the antibiotics and their effectiveness. Folic acid may trigger serious symptoms, including potentially permanent nerve damage. Talk to your doctor before taking folic acid or any dietary supplement. Generally speaking, vitamin B9 folic acid is very safe, but you should talk to your doctor before Folate folic acid. Products and services. Folate folic acid By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Folate. Micromedex 2. Accessed Aug. Folic acid folacin; pteroylglutamic acid; folate oral. Fairfield KM. Vitamin supplementation in disease prevention. Folate: Fact sheet for health professionals. Accessed Oct.