why you don’t want folic acid
Folic acid is the synthetically derived vitamin from the whole food form, folate. Folic acid does not naturally exist in nature. Research suggests folic acid is metabolized in the liver, but overtime the liver cannot properly synthesize folic acid, especially not in high concentrations.2 This causes stress on the liver.
Too much synthetic folic acid may not be effective in preventing neural tube defects, and may actually increase the risk of certain cancers.1
Pregnant women, women looking to become pregnant, or postpartum women should look to increase their intake of naturally-occurring folate by consuming more dark leafy greens, broccoli, spinach, dried legumes, and lentils.1