Folic acid is found in many foods. That’s great, because you need folic acid for the growth and proper functioning of the body and for the production of white and red blood cells. But what happens if you consume too much folic acid?
How much folic acid is too much?
According to the Nutrition Center, you need 300 micrograms of folic acid per day if you are 18 years or older. If you eat a healthy and varied diet, you will generally get enough folic acid. Green vegetables contain a lot of folic acid, but many types of fruit also contain folic acid. What happens if you get more than 300 micrograms per day?
What are the disadvantages of too much folic acid?
According to the Nutrition Center, there are no indications that too much folic acid from food is harmful. However, it is harmful if you consume too much folic acid by supplementing tablets. The pteroylmonoglutamic acid (PMG) form of folic acid is used in a supplement. If you consume too much of this, detecting a vitamin B12 deficiency becomes more difficult. Are there any further disadvantages or side effects to too much folic acid? According to the Pharmacotherapeutic Compass, you can only be hypersensitive to folic acid in rare cases and, for example, develop a skin rash. You may also experience stomach problems if you use too much folic acid.
Good to take into account: do you want to supplement with extra folic acid because you think you have anemia? It is wise to always discuss this with your doctor to avoid excess folic acid.
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