. A folate deficiency can cause elevated homocysteine levels. Supplementing your diet with folate helps to break down the excess homocysteine in your blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Another benefit of folate is related to mutations of the MTHFR gene, which is essential for processing homocysteine. Some people have a mutation of this gene that causes lower folate levels and prevents the body from breaking down homocysteine efficiently. Because of this, people with the MTHFR mutation may have higher levels of homocysteine in their blood, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, babies of pregnant women who have the MTHFR gene mutation may be at a higher risk of neural tube birth defects. Doctors recommend that those with an MTHFR gene mutation supplement with folic acid to both reduce homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects.
. Additionally, folic acid supplements may cause already existing cancers to grow faster. More study is needed to determine the exact relationship between folate and cancer.Folic acid is generally considered safe. However, taking folic acid supplements while on the following medications may result in them being less effective:
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