Folic Acid Health Article

Side effects

At levels of 5,000 mcg or less, folic acid is generally safe for use. Side effects are uncommon. However, large doses may cause nausea, decreased appetite, bloating, gas, decreased ability to concentrate, and insomnia. Large doses may also decrease the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin), a seizure medication.

Interactions

As with all B-complex vitamins, it is best to take folic acid with the other B vitamins. Vitamin C is important to the absorption and functioning of folic acid in the body.

BOOKS

Braverman, Eric R., M.D., Carl C. Pfeiffer, M.D., Ph.D., Ken Blum, Ph.D., and Richard Smayda, D.O. The Healing Nutrients Within. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1997.

Kirschmann, John D. and Gayla J. Kirschmann. Nutrition Almanac. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

PERIODICALS

Fallest-Strobl, Patricia, Ph.D., David Koch, James Stein, and Patrick McBride. "Homocysteine: A New Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis." American Family Physician (October 15, 1997): 1607-14.

Giovannuci, Edward, et al. "Alcohol, low-methionine-lowfolate diets, and risk of colon cancer in men." Journal of the National Cancer Institute (February 15, 1995): 265-73.

Shaw, Gary M., et al. "Risks of orofacial clefts in children born to women using multivitamins containing folic acid periconceptually." The Lancet (August 12, 1995): 393-96.

ORGANIZATIONS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4770 Buford Highway NE, MSF-45, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724.(888)232-6789. Flo@cdc.gov. <http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/programs/cddh/folic/folicfaqs.htm>.

OTHER

Adams, Suzanne L. The Art of Cytology: Folic Acid/B-12 Deficiency suzann@concetric.net. <http://www.concentric.net/~Suza2/page22.htm>.

"Folic Acid." <http://www.cybervitamins.com/folicacid.htm>.

"Folic Acid: Coming to A Grocery Store Near You." <http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9710/htm/folic.htm>.

"Folic acid (oral/injectible)." Dr. Koop.com.Inc. 700 N. Mopac, Suite 400, Austin, TX 48731. <http://www.drkoop.com/hcr/drugstore/pharmacy/leaflets/english/d00241a1.asp.>

Pregnancy and Nutrition Update. <http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9601/htm/pregvit.htm>.

Patience Paradox

KEY TERMS

Homocysteine—An amino aid involved in the breakdown and absorption of protein in the body.

Preeclampsia—A serious disorder of late pregnancy in which the blood pressure rises, there is a large amount of retained fluids, and the kidneys become less effective and excrete proteins directly into the urine.

Raynaud's disease—A symptom of various underlying conditions affecting blood circulation in the fingers and toes and causing them to be sensitive to cold.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)—Guidelines for the amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary for proper health and nutrition established by the National Academy of Sciences in 1989.

Water-soluble vitamins—Vitamins that are not stored in the body and are easily excreted. They must, therefore, be consumed regularly as foods or supplements to maintain health.