What are the side effects of pregnant women taking too much folic acid?

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the health of pregnant women and fetuses. However, folic acid supplementation is not always better, and excessive intake of folic acid may cause some side effects. This article will introduce in detail the side effects and countermeasures of pregnant women eating too much folic acid. 1. The role of folic acid and the harm of excessive intake. The main role of folic acid is to promote fetal neural tube development and prevent fetal neural tube defects. However, excessive intake of folic acid may have adverse effects on pregnant women and fetuses. Excessive folic acid intake by pregnant women may cause digestive system symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. It may also affect the absorption of zinc, leading to zinc deficiency. In addition, excessive folic acid intake may increase the risk of breast and colon cancer. Electronic version of the 40-week pregnancy care guide mobi+epub+azw3+pdf 2. Folic acid intake and precautions for pregnant women Pregnant women need to consume an appropriate amount of folic acid every day, usually 0.4 mg. However, the amount of folic acid required in different stages of pregnancy is different, and the intake should be appropriately increased in the first and third trimesters. Pregnant women should pay attention to the following points when supplementing folic acid: Do not increase the dose of folic acid without authorization, and supplement in strict accordance with the doctor\’s recommendations. Do not take it with other drugs such as vitamin C and vitamin B12 at the same time to avoid affecting absorption and utilization. Do not take it with alcohol, caffeine and other irritating substances to avoid aggravating the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet when taking folic acid supplements and avoid partial or picky eating. 3. Countermeasures for excessive intake of folic acid If pregnant women consume too much folic acid, they should take the following measures in time: Stop folic acid intake: Stop folic acid supplementation immediately and avoid continued intake. Increase water intake: Drinking more water can promote the excretion of folic acid in the body. Adjust your diet: Appropriately increase the intake of dietary fiber, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, and accelerate the excretion of folic acid. Seek medical help: If pregnant women experience severe adverse reactions or suspected symptoms of poisoning, they should seek medical advice promptly. Doctors may take measures such as inducing vomiting and gastric lavage to help pregnant women eliminate excess folic acid from their bodies. “Too much is not enough.” – Confucius concluded: Folic acid supplementation by pregnant women is beneficial to the health of the fetus, but excessive intake of folic acid may have side effects. Pregnant women should pay attention to a reasonable intake of folic acid and follow the doctor\’s recommendations for supplementation. If excessive intake occurs, appropriate measures should be taken to mitigate adverse reactions. At the same time, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet when taking folic acid supplements and avoid partial or picky eating.