Because most people in the United States eat these foods, folic acid intakes have increased since , and the number of babies born with neural tube defects has decreased. Cancer Folate that is naturally present in food may decrease the risk of several forms of cancer. But folate supplements might have different effects on cancer risk depending on how much the person takes and when. People who take recommended amounts of folic acid before cancer develops might decrease cancer risk, but taking high doses after cancer especially colorectal cancer begins might speed up its progression.
For this reason, people should be cautious about taking high doses of folic acid supplements more than the upper limit of 1, mcg , especially if they have a history of colorectal adenomas which sometimes turn into cancer. More research is needed to understand the roles of dietary folate and folic acid supplements in cancer risk.
Depression People with low blood levels of folate might be more likely to have depression. In addition, they might not respond as well to antidepressant treatment as people with normal folate levels. Folate supplements, particularly those that contain methylfolate 5-methyl-THF , might make antidepressant medications more effective. More research is needed to better understand the role of folate in depression and whether folate supplements are helpful when used in combination with standard treatment.
Some studies have shown that a combination of folic acid with other B-vitamins, however, helps prevent stroke. But more research on these topics is needed. Preterm birth, congenital heart defects, and other birth defects Taking folic acid might reduce the risk of having a premature baby or a baby with birth defects, such as certain types of heart problems.
But more research is needed to understand how folic acid affects the risk of these conditions. People with ASD have limited interests, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty communicating and interacting with others. Some studies have shown that taking recommended amounts of folic acid before and during early pregnancy may help reduce the risk of ASD in the child. However, because the study results are inconclusive, more research is needed to understand the potential role of folic acid in lowering the risk of ASD.
Folate that is naturally present in food and beverages is not harmful. However, you should not consume folate in supplements or fortified foods and beverages in amounts above the upper limit, unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
Taking large amounts of folate supplements might hide a vitamin B12 deficiency because these supplements can correct the anemia that the vitamin B12 deficiency causes, but not the nerve damage that the vitamin B12 deficiency also causes. The vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to permanent damage of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Large doses of folate supplements might also worsen the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
High doses of folic acid might increase the risk of colorectal cancer and possibly other cancers in some people. High doses can also lead to more folic acid in the body than it can use, but whether these increased folic acid levels are harmful is not completely clear.
The daily upper limits for folate from supplements and fortified foods and beverages are listed below. Folate supplements can interact with several medications. Here are some examples:. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take. They can tell you if those dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or over-the-counter medicines or if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs , uses, or breaks down nutrients.
Data from have shown that voluntary fortification with folic acid has not yet had an impact on the folate status among Hispanic women of reproductive age in the United States external icon. It is important to check the nutrition label on food packaging to see if it contains folic acid, as corn masa flours may or may not contain folic acid. Learn more about folic acid here. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Recommendations: Women and Folic Acid. Minus Related Pages. The recommendation to take a higher dose of folic acid is based on data from the most rigorous scientific study involving women who had previous NTD-affected pregnancies.
Dosages lower than 4, mcg have not been studied in women who have had a previous NTD-affected pregnancy. Read more about this recommendation. Watch the video ». You also get folate by eating foods fortified with folic acid. Folic acid is a form of folate that can be added to foods during the manufacturing process.
Foods that are fortified with folic acid include: enriched breads, flours, pastas, rice, and cornmeal; fortified corn masa flour used to make corn tortillas and tamales, for example ; and certain fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid is also found in certain dietary supplements.
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