Folic Acid Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin used to prevent and treat certain anemias, as well as to help promote healthy childbirth. Folic acid can help to prevent health problems in newborns, and the NIH recommendeds that all pregnant women consume proper levels of the nutrient in order to ward off infant spinal cord birth defects.[1] The Centers for Disease Control also recommends that all women, whether they are planning to bear children or not, consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This can be achieved by taking supplements or by eating fortified foods such as breakfast cereals.[2]
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| Also known as | Vitamin B9, folate |
|---|---|
| Brand names | GNC, Finest Natural, Natrol, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, Nature's Way, NOW Foods, Sundown Naturals, TwinLab, and others |
| Uses | Prevent birth defects, prevent and treat certain anemias |
| Common side effects | None |
| Who should not take folic acid | Patients who are allergic to folic acid or folate |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Folic Acid Side Effects
Most adults do not experience folic acid side effects when taking the recommended dose. [3] High doses usually do not cause harm, since folic acid is eliminated in the urine; however, in some cases taking high doses may cause rash, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sleep disorders, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, seizures, skin reactions, and other side effects.[1] [3]
About Drug Side Effects
Folic Acid Allergic Reactions
Folic acid is an essential nutrient, and therefore people are not typically allergic to it. However, it is possible to be allergic to any of the other ingredients found in folic acid supplements. Allergic reactions occur when the body identifies a foreign substance as a threat, and the immune system creates chemicals to fight it off, which results in allergy symptoms.[4]
Folic Acid Precautions and Warnings
- Unusually high doses of folic acid taken for an extended period of time may increase the likelihood that individuals with existing heart conditions will have heart attacks. This typically occurs when 800-1200 mcg of folic acid are consumed at a time.[5]
- There is a link between large doses of folic acid and certain cancers; particularly lung cancer and prostate cancer.[5]
- Medical experts recommend that people do not take more than 400mcg of folic acid in a day unless instructed otherwise by a health professional.[5]
- There are a number of prescription medications that can interact with folic acid. These include seizure drugs like fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenobarbital (Luminal) and primidone (Mysoline), as well as pyrimethamine (Daraprim), which is used to fight parasites.[5]
Also See: Beyaz Side Effects, Drugs and Pregnancy, Vitamin Coupons, Drug Side Effects, Drug Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002092.htm
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-FOLIC%20ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=1017&activeIngredientName=FOLIC%20ACID#vit_sideeffects
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergies-medications
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-FOLIC%20ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=1017&activeIngredientName=FOLIC%20ACID
