Introduction
In general, most people suffer from an undersupply of folic acid, which is why folic acid substitution with the help of food is recommended – especially for pregnant women. However, overdosing is also possible by taking these supplements in too high doses. Excess folic acid can be excreted very easily in the urine, as it is water-soluble. With a normal diet, an overdose of folic acid with health consequences is hardly possible.
These symptoms indicate an overdose of folic acid
In case of a short-term overdose with folic acid, no symptoms usually occur. Only after a long-term overdose of folic acid can health problems arise. But even these are rare.
Allergic reactions, such as skin reactions and itching, may occur. Skin reddening, also called erythema, can occur. In exceptional cases a strong allergic reaction, a so-called anaphylactic shock, may occur.
An anaphylactic shock leads to a reaction of the whole body with a circulatory failure.
- And digestive disorders are possible. Furthermore, the overdose can lead to sleep disorders, agitation, nightmares and depression.
In addition, the bronchial tubes may become cramped.
In many remedies that are supposed to work against hair loss, there is folic acid. This is because a folic acid deficiency promotes hair loss. In addition, there are other nutrients that should help against hair loss.
If folic acid is taken against hair loss, care should be taken not to overdose the folic acid. However, hair loss is not a symptom that occurs when overdosing, on the contrary, it is a reason to substitute folic acid at all. Do you suffer from hair loss?
This is the amount of folic acid you need to take for an overdose
A daily dose of 1000 μg should not be exceeded. This amount can hardly be taken in through diet alone. With children, depending on their age, a dose between 200 and 800 μg should not be exceeded.
However, it is also extremely important not to fall below the daily minimum dose of folic acid. This lies between 300 and 400μg. Sometimes e.g. with pregnant women however also a somewhat higher need exists. A folic acid deficiency can also lead to serious consequences, such as anaemia.
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