The B vitamin folate helps new tissues grow, allows your body to produce DNA and plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. If you become deficient in folate, your body's ability to perform these functions declines. This can lead to a condition called folate deficiency anemia. Folic acid, which is the synthetic version of folate, may be recommended to help correct folate deficiency anemia.
Physiology
Anemia is a general term to describe a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. If you do not have enough folate in your body, your red blood cells do not divide and grow properly. Because of this, red blood cells become abnormally large and cannot properly deliver oxygen. These large red blood cells are referred to as megalocytes or megaloblasts and folate deficiency anemia is often referred to as megaloblastic anemia.
Dosage
The proper dosage for folic acid depends on your specific condition, but MayoClinic.com recommends general dosages for different types of levels of folate deficiency. If you are mildly deficient in folate, the typical dose is 250 to 1,000mcg per day. For those with folate deficiency anemia, large doses of 1,000 to 5,000mcg may be recommended until a blood test shows adequate amounts of folate. These dosages only apply to adults aged 18 and older.
Side Effects
While most people tolerate folic acid supplements well, some adverse side effects have been reported. Possible side effects may include hives, skin flushing, itching, nausea, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, bitter taste in the mouth and darkening of the urine. Some people also report irritability, interrupted sleep patterns, confusion, intense dreams and impaired judgments. These side effects are more common with higher doses of folic acid.
Considerations
Consuming too much folic acid can mask certain symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, such as loss of reflexes, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet and difficulty walking. A prolonged vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nerve damage. To prevent folic acid from covering up the symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, do not take more than 1,000mcg per day without your doctor's supervision.
This is especially important for older adults, because as your age increases, so does your risk of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Discuss any supplementation with your doctor and have your B-12 levels tested before taking any supplements that contain folic acid.
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