If you are planning a pregnancy, you are probably aware that folic acid (vitamin B9, called Folsäure in German) is essential for the development of the baby’s nervous system. A deficiency of this vitamin in the body can lead to a severe condition—neural tube defects in the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended to start taking vitamin B9 several months before conception. PMID: 31093652
At the same time, it is crucial to pay attention to the dosage of folic acid, as an excess of this vitamin can be just as harmful to the developing baby’s nervous system as a deficiency.
In 2016, the American Autism Association concluded that high doses of folic acid (>59 mmol/L) during pregnancy double the risk of autism in children. Additionally, if a woman takes high doses of vitamin B12 along with folic acid during pregnancy, the risk of autism increases by 17 times! PMID: 29125540
There are also other studies that show that high doses (>1000 mcg/day) of folic acid can not only cause neural system disorders in the fetus but may also trigger the development of diabetes, thyroid disease, allergies, and more PMID: 30134243.
In most countries, the recommended intake of folic acid 400 µg/day for women of reproductive potential.
In Europe the upper safety limit for folic acid (the tolerable upper intake level) is set at 1000 mcg (1 mg) per day.
Folic acid can be found in various sources, including vitamin supplements, enriched foods like flour, salt, and other products. Therefore, it is important to consider the total amount of folic acid you are consuming to avoid exceeding the recommended daily dose. Since different supplements contain varying dosages and fortified foods contribute to your overall intake, monitoring your consumption is essential to prevent potential side effects associated with overdose.
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