I was watching TV yesterday when I saw a segment about the possible link between folic acid and cancer. Negative stories about folic acid concern me because I think they can be confusing to women who are constantly being told they need folic acid every day during their childbearing years.  Folic acid is vital for preventing certain birth defects that occur within the first month of pregnancy, and it is also necessary for the entire eight months of pregnancy after that. Mom needs folic acid for a healthy heart, too.

A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association is the source of research suggesting a link between folic acid and cancer. I’ve read the study and its results have no bearing on how much folic acid women who are capable of having a child should take every day. The levels of folic acid - 800 micrograms -given to people in the study was nearly double the suggested amounts for adults in the US. In addition, the effects of  folic acid take by itself was not studied, as folic acid was always taken in combination with high doses of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, or both. That makes it  impossible to directly relate taking folic acid to cancer risk.

Remember, there’s no need to go overboard on any vitamin.  When you’re dealing with the health of a developing child, just because a little is good does not mean a lot is better.

Bottom line: Keep taking folic acid, for you and your baby’s health.