You’ve probably heard about folic acid, especially when it comes to pregnancy, but it’s important for everyone, not just pregnant women. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a big role in your body, helping to create new cells. But what happens when you have high levels of folic acid? It’s not that common, but it can happen. Here’s what it means and when you should start paying attention.
What is folic acid and why do we need it?
Folic acid is a crucial vitamin your body needs to make new cells, form DNA, and produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body. That’s why it’s so important during pregnancy, but it’s also important for everyone else. We all need to keep our levels balanced.
You can find folic acid naturally in foods like:
- Spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens.
- Lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes.
- Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits.
It’s also added to products like cereals and flour, which are fortified with folic acid.
What happens if you have high folic acid?
Having high folic acid levels is rare, but it can happen, especially if you’re overdoing it with supplements. You might not notice any symptoms, but too much folic acid can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, which could eventually lead to serious issues like anemia or nerve damage.
Symptoms (though not very common):
- Dizziness.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Trouble concentrating.
Usually, your body gets rid of the extra folic acid through urine, but if you’re taking a lot of supplements without guidance, you could end up with more than your body needs. If you’re taking supplements, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
How do you know if your folic acid is high?
The only way to know for sure is to get a blood test. If you’ve been taking supplements and something feels off, or if you’re just curious about your levels, ask your doctor to run a test to check things out.
How much folic acid is too much?
The recommended daily amount for adults is 400 micrograms a day, and for pregnant women, it’s 600 micrograms. But if you go over 1000 micrograms a day (usually from supplements), that’s when it becomes a problem.
It’s pretty hard to get too much folic acid just from food alone, but with supplements, you could easily overdo it if you’re not careful. So, before you start taking them, talk to your doctor first.
What to do if your folic acid is high?
If you find out that your folic acid levels are high, your doctor will probably tell you to cut back on the supplements or adjust your dosage. Eating folic acid-rich foods isn’t usually a problem, so you don’t need to worry about that. The issue tends to come from taking too many supplements without checking in with a professional.