What are the side effects of taking folic acid?

There are many positive side effects of a diet rich in folic acid. It may promote the healthy development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.

Folic acid is important for everyone in maintaining health. It plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. Folic acid also may help prevent some health problems; research is still being done.

There is no known toxic level for folic acid. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends no more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid per day.

Within this recommended dose, folic acid has very few negative side effects. Most women who take folic acid have no harmful side effects. But some women have skin flushing, rash and itching. Excessive doses (15 milligrams and more) may seriously affect the digestive system.

April 2009