Consider Intake of Folate, Not Excess.

Consider Intake of Folate, Not Excess - Folic acid or folate is one component in vitamin B. Its presence is very important for health, especially for women who plan to become pregnant and pregnant young.

Folate is good for pregnant women because it can reduce the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida (cleft spine). According to Mark Lawrence, Associate Professor, Public Health Nutrition at Deakin University, folate intake is basically good for health. But be aware of the amount not to overdo it. He said that would threaten the health problems if the folate intake of more than 1000 mcg per day.

"Folate is essential for health and as a water-soluble vitamins, may not be excessive intake. But because folic acid is now added to many foods such as cereals, juices, breads, supplements of folic acid and multivitamin supplements containing folic acid, you can get too much, "said Lawrence.

Lawrence said the most important thing now is to be done to find out how much folic acid you consume is to read nutrition labels listed on food products and vitamins.

Here is some risk that excessive intake of folate for the body:

Folate and men

A 2009 study involving 643 volunteers found that those who consumed 1 milligram folate supplements every day more than two times higher risk of prostate cancer. Researchers estimate, the use of folate for 10 years in men makes them more at risk of prostate cancer than men taking placebo.

Breast Cancer

Studin in 2006 to women in Canada found that those who had higher folate intake mengalamo peningkatab breast cancer risk by 32 percent.

"Most women can meet their folate needs through a balanced diet. Some women may be advised to take supplements based on health needs of each individual and should continue to eat them as a dose that has been determined," said dr. Helen Zorbas, chief executive of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. Read also Antibiotics and immune for children.

Children with asthma

Folate is essential in early pregnancy but the use of high doses during pregnancy also can be bad. A study by experts at the University of Adelaide on 550 pregnant women found that women who continued taking folate during pregnancy, 30 percent higher risk of having a child with asthma.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Michael Davies, who led the study recommends, pregnant women should consult with your doctor about how much and how long it should take folate.