{"id":54951,"date":"2022-11-07T23:34:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T04:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54951"},"modified":"2025-09-19T16:27:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T20:27:58","slug":"folic-acid-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/folic-acid-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Folic acid side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Folic acid<\/span><\/a> (or <\/span>folacin<\/span>) is a synthetic <\/span>form of folate<\/span>, an essential nutrient also known as <\/span>vitamin B-9<\/span>. <\/span>Folate is found in<\/span> leafy green<\/span> vegetables, fruits, <\/span>cereals<\/span>, and <\/span>grain products,<\/span> but some people may need to take <\/span>folic acid supplements<\/span>. H<\/span>ealthcare providers<\/span> may prescribe <\/span>folic acid<\/span><\/a> as a tablet or injection for certain <\/span>types of <\/span>anemia,<\/span><\/a> or for people who are malnourished, young, or pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The body needs <\/span>folate<\/span> to grow new cells. This includes skin, hair, and, most importantly, blood. Large <\/span>red blood cells<\/span> (<\/span>megaloblastic anemia<\/span>) are often the first serious consequence of a <\/span>folic acid deficiency<\/span>. <\/span>Folate<\/span> is also important to the development of a fetus, particularly for the nervous system. A <\/span>folate deficiency<\/span> early in pregnancy could cause serious <\/span>birth defects<\/span> such as <\/span>spina bifida<\/span> and <\/span>anencephaly<\/span>. <\/span>Folic acid supplements<\/span> are strongly encouraged during pregnancy. <\/span>Side effects of folic acid supplements<\/span> are relatively rare and mild.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>side effects of folic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n

Side effects<\/span> due to <\/span>folic acid<\/span> are rare. <\/span>Hypersensitivity reactions<\/span><\/a> may include:<\/span><\/p>\n