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What are the side effects of folic acid tablets?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Possible side effects of folic acid tablets may include gastrointestinal discomfort, impaired zinc absorption, masking of vitamin B12 deficiency, allergic reactions, and changes in urine color. In daily life, it is recommended not to take high doses of folic acid tablets for prolonged periods without medical supervision. If folic acid supplementation is necessary, consult a physician first and determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on individual circumstances.

Generally, the side effects of folic acid tablets may include gastrointestinal discomfort, interference with zinc absorption, masking of vitamin B12 deficiency, allergic reactions, and changes in urine color. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Folic acid may cause some irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite after taking it. This is because folic acid may affect normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, thereby disrupting digestive function.

2. Interference with Zinc Absorption

Long-term and excessive use of folic acid tablets may interfere with zinc absorption. Zinc is an essential trace element in the human body and plays a crucial role in maintaining normal immune function, growth, development, and reproductive function. However, excessive folic acid may inhibit zinc absorption, leading to decreased zinc levels in the body. This may subsequently result in weakened immunity, loss of appetite, and delayed growth and development.

3. Masking of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Both vitamin B12 deficiency and folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia. When vitamin B12 deficiency exists, if only folic acid is supplemented, although it may improve some symptoms of anemia, such as improvement in red blood cell count on complete blood count tests, it may mask the true condition of vitamin B12 deficiency. Prolonged masking may lead to worsening neurological damage, causing symptoms such as numbness in limbs, abnormal sensations, and memory decline.

4. Allergic Reactions

A very small number of individuals may be allergic to folic acid. In people with allergic tendencies, the immune system may recognize folic acid as a foreign antigen after ingestion, triggering an immune response and releasing histamine and other allergic mediators. This may lead to skin allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, and redness. In severe cases, allergic shock symptoms such as difficulty breathing and laryngeal edema may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

5. Change in Urine Color

After taking folic acid tablets, some unabsorbed folic acid is excreted through the kidneys, which may cause the urine to turn yellow. This change in urine color is due to folic acid and its metabolites altering the composition and color of urine. Generally, this does not cause any substantial harm to the body.

In daily life, it is recommended not to take high-dose or long-term folic acid supplementation without medical advice. If folic acid supplementation is necessary, consult a doctor first to determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on individual circumstances. Additionally, while taking folic acid, it is important to monitor any bodily reactions and discontinue use and seek medical attention promptly if adverse symptoms occur.

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