Folic acid is the synthetic folate -- vitamin B-9 -- in dietary supplements. The nutrient is water-soluble. Any amount your body does not immediately use gets flushed out with your urine. Regularly eating foods that provide folate keeps you well supplied. Take the supplement only if your doctor determines it can benefit you. The pill by itself does not cause drowsiness. However, that is a possible side effect when you combine folic acid with other substances.
About Folic Acid
Every part of your body has protein as one of its components. Old proteins are also constantly dismantled, so you need new ones to replace them. In collaboration with vitamins B-12 and C, folic acid facilitates food metabolism to transform what you eat into those much-needed proteins. This nutrient is also essential for red-blood-cell and DNA production. Folic acid makes it possible for tissue to grow and cells to function.
Folic Acid Side Effects
Folic acid might cause skin rashes, itching and breathing problems. Swelling in the region above the neck is also possible. Those are signs of an allergic reaction to the substance. Get urgent medical care if you experience any of those symptoms after taking the supplement.
Folic Acid and Drowsiness
According to Drugs.com, when folic acid is combined with vitamins B-6 and B-12, drowsiness is a possible side effect. The same reaction might occur if you take a supplement formula that contains minerals, vitamin C and the complete B-complex vitamins, of which folic acid is a part. The drowsiness might be intense enough to impair your ability to drive and perform other tasks that require alertness.
Why Take It
Despite the fact that folate from foods does not pose the same side-effect risks, your doctor might prescribe supplementation to quickly correct a folic acid deficiency. Lack of the vitamin causes anemia, gastrointestinal problems, gray hair, as well as tongue and mouth inflammation. Pregnant women also need increased folate to prevent birth defects. If they are not able to raise their intake through their diet, their doctors might prescribe folic acid pills.
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