Beware of the Risk of Excess Folic Acid in Pregnant Women

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is needed by the fetus as these nutrients play an important role in producing red blood cells. Folic acid also helps support the development of fetal nerve tubes to become the brain and spinal cord. But keep in mind that folic acid has different degrees of security for pregnancy, depending on the dose. In the recommended dosage according to your age and condition, folic acid supplements are considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. But on the contrary, too high a dose can be unsafe for consumption during pregnancy. In the case of folic acid deficiency, Mother can experience anemia, which is a condition of healthy red blood cell deficiency. Not only affects the Mother, folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can also have a serious impact on the fetus, which can lead to neurological defects in the fetus. The disability includes:
  • Anencephaly (anencephaly), which is the incomplete formation of the main part of the brain. Infants with anencephaly will usually not last long.
  • Spina bifida, which is the incomplete formation of the spinal cord or spinal cord. Babies with this condition can experience permanent disabilities.

The Risk of Experiencing Autism

Meanwhile, excess folic acid is associated with an increased risk of children born with autism. A study shows that pregnant women with very high folate levels during childbirth, are twice as likely to have children with autism than mothers with normal folate levels. The researchers also found that pregnant women with excessive levels of vitamin B12 were three times more likely to have an autistic child. In fact, the risk of a baby being born in autism is 17 times higher if pregnant women experience excess folic acid as well as vitamin B12. Unfortunately, the study did not explain how a woman can have excessive levels of folate or vitamin B12 in the body during childbirth. However, research data says that this kind of condition can be caused by consumption of vitamin supplements and eating patterns during pregnancy as well as the presence of genetic disorders that cause it. This risk itself still requires further research.

Then How much dosage is recommended?

All women in the age range of 15-45 years are advised to consume as much as 0.4 mg of folic acid or 400 mcg per day, even before pregnancy. This aims to prevent serious defects in infants, such as spina bifida and anencephaly (anencephaly). This type of birth defect occurs at a very early stage of pregnancy, even before most women realize that they are pregnant, at 3-4 weeks after conception. Adequate intake of folic acid can protect babies from neural tube defects by 50 percent.

Can it meet the needs of folic acid from food alone?

Folic acid can be found naturally from several foods, namely:
  • Green vegetables like spinach and kale. Half a cup of cooked spinach contains about 115 mcg of folic acid.
  • Citrus fruits, lemons, and grapefruit or grapes.
  • Nuts.
  • Whole grains, including in the form of cereal or bread, rice, and pasta are made from whole grains.
  • Lentils. Half a cup of boiled lentil seeds contains 179 mcg of folic acid.
However, unfortunately the body is unable to absorb folic acid nutrients from natural foods as easily as absorbing folic acid supplements. That's why it's important to take vitamin supplements with folic acid every day.

Side Effects of Consumption of Folic Acid Supplements

Although consumption of folic acid is generally quite safe, some people can experience the following side effects:
  • Bloated
  • Hard to sleep
  • Nausea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Feeling pressured, or vice versa that is too excited
  • There is a strange taste in the mouth
Meanwhile, a rare side effect is an increased risk of developing colon or rectal cancer when consuming folic acid in very high doses.

Signs of Mother of Excess Folic Acid

If you consume too much folic acid, you may experience the following complaints.
  • Lack of concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Limp
  • Confusion
  • Tingling or numbness
Consult your doctor first before taking folic acid supplements, especially if you are anemic or feel anemic, or if you are allergic to folic acid. Take folic acid at the same time every day to prevent forgetfulness and consume it twice or more. If you have already forgotten about the schedule for taking folic acid, do not double the dosage at the same time in the next schedule to avoid drug overdose.

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