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Folic acid is a synthetic derivative of folate and is acquired by dietary supplementation. [25] Multi-vitamin dietary supplements contain folic acid as well as other B vitamins. Non-prescription folic acid is available as a dietary supplement in some countries, and some countries require the fortification of wheat flour, corn meal or rice with ...
Folate in the form of folic acid is used to treat anemia caused by folate deficiency. [3] Folic acid is also used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby. [3] [10] NTDs include anencephaly and spina bifida, among other defects.
Doses of folic acid over 1 mg are prescription only. The amount of non-prescription prenatal vitamins needed to achieve this dose may have too much vitamin A and lead to fetal toxicity. [2] In addition, the U.S Army currently provides female soldiers with optional prenatal supplements to combat high anemia rates in female soldiers. [10]
A typical dose that is administered to children is 0.5–1 mg/kg daily, but the dose can be increased depending on the severity of symptoms and the age of the child. Over time, the treatment with folinic acid has shown to reduce a variety of symptoms of CFD.
There can be side effects from supplementation, such as bad-smelling breath and sweat and headaches, as well as digestive issues such as heartburn, nausea or diarrhea, Harvard’s site stated.
There is risk that folic acid administered to those with untreated B 12 deficiency may mask anemia without solving the issue at hand in which, if left untreated, can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. [153]
Both high-folate diets and supplemental folic acid may help reduce the toxic side-effects of low-dose methotrexate without decreasing its effectiveness. [8] [9] Anyone taking low-dose methotrexate for the health problems listed above should consult with a physician about the need for a folic acid supplement.
There are not enough studies on whether pills are as effective in improving or eliminating symptoms as parenteral treatment. [12] Folate supplementation may affect the course and treatment of pernicious anemia if vitamin B 12 not replaced. [65] In some severe cases of anemia, a blood transfusion may be needed to resolve haematological effects. [5]