Folic acid alert – can it cause nerve damage?

I have been taking large amounts of Folic Acid (up to 10 mg a day). Recently, I read that high doses of Folic Acid can cause nerve damage. Yet, I was told that the recommended daily allowance was not enough. Am I taking a dangerous amount?

natural sources of folic acid

Folic acid supplementation should always include vitamin B12 supplementation because it can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. The danger is that while folic reverses macrocytic anemia, it does not prevent or reverse the neurological symptoms and nerve damage caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Folic acid itself, in high doses like 5-10 mg, may cause gas, nausea and loss of appetite. Epileptics should avoid high doses and use caution, because occasionally it may cause an increase in seizures.

The recommended daily dose of folic acid is 400-800 mcg per day. I recommend doses as high as 10 mg a day only as part of a treatment plan for cervical dysplasia.

I highly recommend seeking the advice of a naturopathic physician in your area, or a primary care physician trained in vitamins and herbal supplementation. Each person’s case is different, and your health care practitioner must know your medical history to make an accurate prescription.

I would also recommend you to consume it out of the food.

Natural Sources of folic acid

It is present in many foods like: liver, milk, cheese products, green vegetables (asparagus, spinach, kale, carrots). Folic acid daily necessary  is very high: 100 to 600 micrograms, depending on age and physiological state of the subject. However, a diversified diet gives sufficient amounts of folic acid.

natural sources of folic acid

Folic, interfering in DNA synthesis plays a crucial role in the production of new cells in the body. In particular, it is essential the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. Essential during pregnancy, vitamin B9 is a water-soluble B group vitamin, with a fundamental role in production of red blood cells and the assimilation of nutrients from food. Also prevents malformations.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top