Tag: Folic acid intolerance

According to the CDC, millions of people have a genetic variation that affects their body's ability to process folic acid, a synthetic B vitamin. This metabolic issue, often linked to the MTHFR gene, can lead to a host of health problems, even with adequate intake from fortified foods and supplements. Recognizing the subtle signs is the first step toward finding a more bioavailable form of folate.

While folic acid is widely used in supplements and fortified foods, a small percentage of the population experiences adverse reactions. For some, a genetic variant makes processing the synthetic nutrient difficult, while others may have an underlying intolerance or allergy that explains why they can't tolerate folic acid.

While folic acid supplementation is recommended for many, especially those planning a pregnancy, a significant portion of the population, potentially as much as 50%, may have a genetic variation that affects how they process it. This raises a key question: Can some people not tolerate folic acid?