Journal article
Health effects of excess folic acid and high blood folate during preconception and pregnancy: systematic review
Reproductive biomedicine online, Vol.First online, pp.1-83
12/09/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Adequate folate is essential to prevent neural tube defects; therefore, supplementation with folic acid is widely recommended for women during preconception and early pregnancy. However, the potential risks associated with excessive intake of folic acid and/or an elevated blood folate concentration are not well recognized. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential adverse health outcomes associated with excessive intake of folic acid and/or an elevated blood folate concentration during preconception and pregnancy. The review included studies that measured intake of folic acid via dietary sources and supplements, and/or quantified serum/plasma and red blood cell folate concentrations. Excessive intake of folic acid and an elevated blood folate concentration were associated with several adverse outcomes. The most notable association was with gestational diabetes mellitus, where elevated intake of folic acid and a high blood folate concentration were found to increase the risk. Excessive intake of folic acid supplements and a high blood folate concentration were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, and adverse neurodevelopmental issues in offspring, as well as large-for-gestational-age infants and higher birth weight. Clear definitions of safe upper limits for intake of folic acid and blood folate concentration are needed urgently to prevent potential adverse outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Health effects of excess folic acid and high blood folate during preconception and pregnancy: systematic review
- Creators
- Carolyn Ledowsky - University of Technology SydneyVanessa Scarf - University of Technology SydneyAgata Sobczyńska-Malefora - St Thomas' HospitalTristan Carter - University of Technology SydneyNathan E. Timbrell - St Thomas' HospitalAmie Steel - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- Reproductive biomedicine online, Vol.First online, pp.1-83
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991013376465602368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article