Under what circumstances should you not take folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin that is very important to the human body and is particularly popular among pregnant women and people preparing for pregnancy. However, not everyone is a candidate for folic acid supplementation, and in some cases, taking folic acid may pose health risks. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the circumstances under which you should not take folic acid.
1. Basic functions of folic acid

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is involved in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production and nervous system development in the human body. For pregnant women, folic acid can effectively prevent fetal neural tube defects, so doctors usually recommend folic acid supplements for women preparing for pregnancy and during pregnancy.
| crowd | Recommended daily amount of folic acid |
|---|---|
| average adult | 400 micrograms |
| Women preparing for pregnancy | 400-800 micrograms |
| pregnant woman | 600-800 micrograms |
| lactating women | 500 micrograms |
2. Under what circumstances cannot you take folic acid?
Although folic acid is beneficial to most people, you should be cautious or avoid supplementing with folic acid if:
| situation | Reason | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| allergic to folic acid | May cause allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing | Stop using it immediately and seek medical advice |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | Folic acid may mask B12 deficiency symptoms, delaying treatment | Treat B12 deficiency first |
| certain cancer patients | High doses of folic acid may promote cancer cell growth | Take medication as directed by your doctor |
| Severely impaired kidney function | Inability to metabolize folic acid properly, which may lead to poisoning | Avoid high-dose supplements |
| taking certain medications | For example, anti-epileptic drugs, chemotherapy drugs, etc. may interact with folic acid | Consult a doctor |
3. Risks of Excessive Folic Acid Supplementation
In recent hot health topics, experts have reminded the public to pay attention to the potential risks of excessive folic acid:
| Overdose symptoms | possible consequences |
|---|---|
| Digestive system discomfort | Nausea, bloating, loss of appetite |
| neurological symptoms | Insomnia, irritability, mental disorders |
| Impact on immune function | May reduce natural killer cell activity |
| cancer risk | Chronic overdose may be linked to certain cancers |
4. How to safely supplement folic acid
1.Prioritize dietary supplements: Green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and other natural foods are rich in folic acid.
2.Take medication as directed by your doctor: Special groups of people should supplement folic acid preparations under the guidance of a doctor.
3.Regular inspection: People who take folic acid for a long time should regularly check their blood folic acid and B12 levels.
4.Be aware of drug interactions: Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
5. Recent popular research on folic acid
According to the scientific research trends in the past 10 days, the following new findings are worthy of attention:
| research topic | Main findings | publish journal |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid and Autism Spectrum Disorders | Excess folate in early pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of ASD | "Molecular Psychiatry" |
| Folate metabolism gene polymorphisms | People with MTHFR gene mutations need personalized folic acid supplementation plan | "Nature Genetics" |
| Folic acid and cardiovascular disease | Certain doses of folic acid may reduce stroke risk in patients with high blood pressure | "JAMA Cardiology" |
Conclusion
Although folic acid is an important nutrient, it is not suitable for everyone. Before deciding to supplement with folic acid, it is recommended to consult a medical professional, especially if you have a special health condition or are taking medication. Only through scientific supplementation can the benefits of folic acid be maximized and potential risks avoided.
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