Genetic mutations such as polymorphism (a genetic variance or flaw) can be a risk factor for folic acid deficiency. Known as a MTHFR mutation, your body may have trouble making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase which is critical for the body’s processing of folic acid. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Chronic illnesses that affect absorption in the gastrointestinal tract may also cause folic acid deficiencies. If you suffer from Crohn’s or celiac disease, or are on dialysis, discuss strategies with your doctor to ensure you are ingesting enough folic acid. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source A number of common medications may interfere with folic acid absorption, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and antacids. If you are being treated for a particular condition, do not take folic acid supplements without first discussing it with your physician.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid work synergistically to support heart and nerve health.
Stick to a schedule. Because daily intake is important for folic acid, take it at a convenient time when you will remember. If you have trouble, set an alarm on your phone or computer.
Alcohol can also cause you to excrete folic acid in your urine, lowering the level in your body. If you’re struggling to quit drinking, try getting help from a counselor or a program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics with folate deficiency are more at risk to develop liver injuries.
Controlled trials indicate that proper folic acid intake protects against strokes and heart disease. [12] X Research source Although most people don’t notice side effects from folic acid, some may experience nausea, gas, bloating, trouble sleeping and other symptoms.
The FDA requires that enriched bread, cereals, flours, pastas, and other grain products have added folic acid. These are important contributors of folic acid intake to the American diet. [14] X Research source
Because folic acid is water-soluble and is excreted in your urine, it requires daily supplementation. Your body cannot store folic acid. [16] X Research source Avoid eating too many heavily fortified foods while also taking a multivitamin. This can increase your risk for overdosing on folic acid. [17] X Research source
Folic acid intake can also prevent other birth defects involving the heart, upper lip, and palate. It can also reduce a mother’s risk for preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure disease that can threaten the life of the mother and baby. [19] X Research source Neural tube deficiencies adversely affect 3,000 pregnancies per year. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida, where the fetal spinal column does not close completely, and anencephaly, which results in incomplete development of the fetus’ head, skull, and scalp. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Taking folic acid can help reduce a baby’s risk of NTDs by up to 70%. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Prenatal vitamins contain more folic acid than standard adult multivitamins.
Women who are overweight appear to be more likely to have babies with neural tube defects. With no intervention, women who have previously had an NTD-affected pregnancy have a three to five percent chance of another NTD-complicated pregnancy. If you’ve previously been pregnant with a baby with a neural tube defect, you’ll probably be advised to take 4,000 mcg of folic acid a day.
