Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B vitamin called folate. Taking folic acid supplements is usually safe. However, some people may have adverse reactions to the supplements, especially if they take too much. Although the appropriate dose of folic acid depends on the specific situation, you generally should get as close to the recommended dietary allowance for your age group and gender as possible. Exceeding the tolerable upper intake level of folic acid increases your chances of experiencing side effects. Always talk to a doctor if you have concerns about taking a folic acid supplement.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
The recommended dietary allowance is based on age, gender and medical condition. The recommended dietary allowance is 150 mcg for children between 1 and 3 years old, 200 mcg for children 4 to 8 years old and 300 mcg for children 9 to 13 years old. The recommended dietary allowance for those over 13 years of age is 400 mcg a day. Since folic acid may prevent neural tube defects, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding have a larger recommended dietary allowance than others. Pregnant women should get about 600 mcg a day and breastfeeding mother should get about 500 mcg a day.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
The tolerable upper intake level is based on the folic acid that is found in fortified foods and supplements. Excess amount of dietary folate poses no health risk and should not count towards the tolerable upper intake level amount. The tolerable upper intake levels of folic acid are 300 mcg a day for children between the ages of 1 and 3, 400 mcg a day for children between the ages of 4 and 8, 600 mcg a day for children between the ages of 9 and 13 and 800 mcg a day for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18. People over the age of 18, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should not consume more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day.
Risks
Excess amounts of folic acid may trigger seizures in people who take an anti-convulsant medication. It also may cause weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, mouth pain, confusion or difficulty concentrating, according to Drugs.com. These side effects are more likely to occur when a person takes amounts that are larger than the tolerable upper intake level. Excess folic acid in the body can also mask a deficiency of vitamin B-12. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can be harmful when left untreated, possibly causing permanent nerve damage. Since adults over the age of 50 are at a greater risk of having a vitamin B-12 deficiency, these individuals should be particularly cautious about this folic acid risk.
Interactions
Some medications or supplements may negatively interact with folic acid supplements. Medications known to interfere with folate utilization include barbiturates, methotrexate, triamterene, sulfasalazine, metformin and anticonvulsant medications. Always report all of your medications and supplements to a doctor before taking folic acid supplements, to ensure no harmful interactions will occur.
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