Just think, for example, of the "importance of regular folic acid supplementation in pregnancy: vitamin B9 is in fact necessary for the growth and correct development of the unborn child, as well as for the prevention of terrible anomalies such as spina bifida. In addition, a" supplementation of folic acid can minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients subject to this type of disorder (especially in the case of high cholesterol and homocysteine values).
However, the "skill and cunning of some advertising propaganda and certain internet sites seem to make fun of potential customers, exploiting their credulity and naivety to encourage them to take megadoses of folic acid in order to prevent possible (and terrible)" deficiency risks. , on which particular (and excessive) emphasis is placed. It is clear that, treading the hand on the possible effects produced by a folic acid deficiency, the potential client is frightened by convincing him that it is better to exceed the doses, in the "mistaken belief that" a lot, it doesn't hurt. "
Please note
What many advertising channels do not specify is that folic acid can have unpleasant side effects even when taken in excess.
For the treatment of certain cardiovascular diseases, some doctors recommend taking folic acid in higher quantities, in the order of 400-1000 mcg per day.
Some pregnant women who are particularly at risk of folic acid deficiencies even need 5 mg (5000 mcg) of folic acid per day (to be taken in supplement form). Despite this, pregnant women are advised to strictly comply with the dosages of folic acid prescribed by the doctor: in fact, some side effects have been reported in the newborn following an "exaggerated supplementation of vitamin B9 by the mother during pregnancy. children, a higher incidence of asthma and wheezing was recorded already during the neonatal and childhood age.
Except for some pregnant women who are particularly at risk of folic acid deficiency, in healthy adults, an intake of vitamin B9 greater than 400-1000 mcg / day could cause side effects of overdose.
The table shows the most common risks of overdose and possible side effects (albeit quite rare).
Frequent side effects from folic acid overdose (dosages> 400 mcg / day but less than 1000 mcg)
Rare side effects from folic acid overdose (dosages> 1000 mcg / day)
- Alopecia
- Altered mood
- Redness of the skin
- Increased risk of erythema
- Cramps
- Depletion (loss) of zinc
- Diarrhea
- Rash and red spots on the skin
- Flatulence
- Bitter taste
- Nausea
- Urticaria
- Dry / flaky skin
- Itching
- Stomatitis
- Change in the natural color of the urine (their color becomes more intense)
- Alteration of the ability to express one's opinion
- Increased frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy
- Disorders of falling asleep (insomnia)
- Excitability
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- General malaise
- Recurring dreams and nightmares
- Involuntary spasms of the body with momentary loss of consciousness
Very high doses of folic acid can generate serious side effects in the central nervous system.
Epileptic patients who take high doses of folic acid risk an "accentuation of the symptoms of seizures.
Furthermore, we must not forget that an excess of folic acid could hide the symptoms of blood diseases such as pernicious anemia, a pathology caused by the protracted and untreated deficiency of vitamin B12. This form of anemia, the symptoms of which are precisely hidden from an overdose of folic acid, it could cause serious neurological disorders to the victim, such as the appearance of paraesthesia, loss of sensitivity and, in the most serious cases, total paralysis.
- Folic acid can cause a more or less significant reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, to avoid similar side effects, patients taking drugs or natural substances that lower blood pressure must strictly comply with the dosages of folic acid prescribed by the doctor. .
- Folic acid must be used with extreme caution in combination with aspirin: some studies performed in humans suggest that, in similar circumstances, vitamin B9 is able to reverse the beneficial effects of aspirin on C-reactive protein ( known marker-inflammatory). Let us briefly recall that aspirin can be used in the treatment of diseases such as acute pericarditis or other heart diseases to reduce blood levels of C-reactive protein (exaggerated by the disease); in such circumstances, the concomitant use of folic acid and aspirin cancels or reverses the effect of the drug.
- An intravenous loading dose of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, followed by the "oral intake of the same cocktail of substances, administered daily after a" coronary stent operation (a tube inserted into an "artery to prevent" obstruction) could increase the risk of restenosis (reformation of the atheromatous plaque that occurs in the first months following the dilation of the artery). To minimize the risk of restenosis in these patients, it is necessary to avoid the administration of this vitamin combination.
- It appears that prophylactic and long-term supplementation of folic acid and iron may somehow increase the risk of death in patients living in high-risk areas for malaria. Let us briefly recall that folic acid can be used in the treatment of malaria anemia together with iron because the synergistic action of the two substances seems to significantly improve the anemic picture compared to monotherapy with iron alone. However, it seems that the administration of drugs in the long term, for prophylactic purposes, it is not recommended due to the increased risk of death.
- Folic acid can reduce blood glucose levels: for this reason, diabetic patients who take specific drugs for glycemic control must pay particular attention to the intake of folic acid to avoid unpleasant side effects.
- Many of the folic acid side effects reported in the article are covered on the Mayo clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/folate/NS_patient-folate/DSECTION=safety
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