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Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Is folic acid good for everyone?
A David Smith1, Young-In Kim, Helga Refsum
1Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. david.smith@pharm.ox.ac.uk
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 11, 2008
Summary
Food fortification with folic acid prevents neural tube defects but may pose risks. High folic acid intake can harm some individuals, necessitating cautious policy adoption and further research into its effects.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health Policy
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Folic acid fortification in North America aims to reduce neural tube defects.
- Widespread food fortification exposes large populations to increased folic acid intake.
- Potential adverse effects of high folic acid intake warrant careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential benefits versus harms of widespread folic acid fortification.
- To explore the biological mechanisms and health implications of elevated folic acid levels in humans.
- To inform public health policy decisions regarding folic acid fortification strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal and human studies on folic acid metabolism and health effects.
- Analysis of the impact of high folic acid intake on DNA methylation and cellular functions.
- Examination of associations between high folate status and various health outcomes.
Main Results:
- High folic acid intake can alter DNA methylation, leading to phenotypic changes.
- Elevated folic acid levels are linked to reduced natural killer cell activity and diminished drug efficacy.
- Potential risks include cognitive impairment, anemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- While beneficial for preventing neural tube defects, high folic acid intake may harm specific populations.
- Nations should exercise caution and prioritize further research before widespread fortification.
- Evidence-based strategies are needed to balance the benefits and risks of folic acid fortification.
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