Why We Avoid Folic Acid (and What You Should Know Too)
In 1996, the FDA authorized the mandatory fortification of enriched cereal grain products with folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9. By 1998, this policy was fully implemented across the United States. The goal was simple and well-meaning: reduce the risk of neural tube defects in newborns. And while it has had measurable success in that regard, there’s a side to the story that many families—especially those like mine—need to hear.
As a child of the 1980s, I grew up before folic acid was added to nearly every slice of bread, bowl of cereal, or pasta dish on the dinner table. But today’s kids? They’re swimming in it. Let’s walk through a typical day for a child who eats a standard American diet:
- Breakfast: A bowl of fortified oatmeal
- Lunch: Two slices of fortified white or wheat bread
- Snack: A bowl of fortified cereal
- Dinner: A serving of fortified white rice or pasta
Each of these items may contain 25% to 100% of the FDA’s recommended daily allowance (RDA) for folic acid. That means a child could easily consume 200% to 400% (or more) of their RDA in a single day—without even touching a vitamin supplement.
So what’s the concern?
Not everyone can process synthetic folic acid efficiently. For people with certain genetic mutations—like MTHFR, which my daughters and I have—the body struggles to convert folic acid into its active form, methylfolate. Instead of being used efficiently, excess unmetabolized folic acid can build up in the bloodstream, potentially interfering with methylation, detoxification, immune function, and even brain chemistry.
That’s why in our home, we avoid folic acid as much as possible. We choose organic whole grains that are naturally free of synthetic additives, always check labels (even on “healthy” packaged foods), and focus on consuming foods that naturally contain folate—like leafy greens, avocados, legumes, and eggs.
As I continue to share more about the MTHFR mutation and how it impacts health, I encourage you to start by taking a closer look at folic acid in your family’s diet. The more we understand about what we eat and how our bodies process it, the better choices we can make for long-term wellness.
Stay tuned for more posts on genetics, nutrition, and simple steps to support your body naturally
