Folic Acid - Friend or Foe?

Folate (the form found in the body and in foods) is a B vitamin that can be found in dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and asparagus. Folic acid is the form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods such as white flour and enriched pastas, some other food manufacturers such as cereal companies can add it voluntarily as well. Currently, both Canada and the U.S. fortify food with folic acid because of it's known effects to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in children, which occur in the first 21-28 days after conception, generally when most women aren't aware they are pregnant and haven't adjusted their diets accordingly. Research has shown other benefits of folic acid such as decreased cancer risk, especially with colorectal cancer. These effects are attributed to it's ability to aid in the synthesis of DNA and it's important role in cell division and growth.

Folic acid sounds great! What could possibly be wrong with taking it? We should take as much as we possibly can, right?

Not necessarily. Folic acid is an important supplement for women of childbearing age to take, and for those in the earlier stages of life it plays a key role in keeping you healthy (sorry kids, you still have to eat your green veggies!), but recent studies have shown some not so fun facts. Combined with the fortified foods we are consuming, supplementation with folic acid in people 50-60 years of age may actually increase risk of cancer. Folate can increase the number of cancerous and pre-cancerous cells, and since cancer generally occurs in individuals aged 40+, it is not a good idea to supplement with folic acid after this age. That said, the form of the vitamin is important to consider, folate (found in leafy green vegetables in our diet) is still ok to consume in the later stages of life. Vegetables have a multitude of beneficial effects and should not be cut out in fear of increasing your risk of cancer!


So the conclusion on folic acid supplementation? The stage of your life, the dose you are taking and the form are all important factors to consider, remain aware of new research and keep reading this page to stay updated on the latest nutrition related information.