Tag: B12 deficiency masking

While folic acid is crucial for health and fetal development, an overabundance, particularly from supplements, can be detrimental. It is important to know the signs of excess to avoid potentially serious health risks, including masking a critical vitamin B12 deficiency.

In the United States, mandatory fortification of grain products with folic acid began in 1998, leading to a significant drop in neural tube defects. Despite this success, a complex public health debate continues to circulate around the potential risks associated with widespread, high-level folic acid intake, which forms the core of the argument against folic acid.

In countries with mandatory folic acid fortification, some research shows that a small percentage of the population may have excessively high intake, potentially leading to long-term side effects of folic acid. While crucial for preventing birth defects, high-dose, long-term folic acid supplementation raises concerns about health risks when consumed in excess.