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 may also help prevent stroke, colon cancer and breast cancer.

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.

January 2007 (R 5-07)