
Folic Acid Cautions
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Certain people should not take folic acid (folate) supplements at all:
- People with pernicious anaemia
When people with existing pernicious anaemia have a blood test, it may not pick it up (showing normal red blood cell levels), but the anaemia and associated symptoms will continue and could cause irreversible neurological problems.
Certain people should not take folic acid (folate) supplements without first consulting their doctor for advice, to ensure that the folic acid (folate) supplements do not adversely affect their condition or interact adversely with their medications:
- People who have other types of anaemia
- People taking certain medications
Overdosage and toxicity is more likely to occur from taking too many supplements, whereas dietary intake of folic acid (folate) is highly unlikely to cause overdosage
Other warnings
High supplementation levels of folic acid (folate) must be taken with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) to reduce toxicity effects.
Toxic Levels of folic acid (folate)
Folic acid (folate) is generally non-toxic but may produce some side effects in some people at doses greater than 715mg per day. Overdosage and toxicity is more likely to occur from taking too many supplements, whereas dietary intake of folic acid (folate) is highly unlikely to cause overdosage.
Overdosage and Toxicity Symptoms
High supplementation levels of folic acid (folate) can cause the following toxicity side effects if doses of around 715mg are taken each day:
- Abdominal bloating
- Bright yellow urine
- Flatulence
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances and vivid dreams
- Weakness
People experiencing any of the above toxicity symptoms should discontinue their folic acid (folate) supplements and seek medical advice.