<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Most of you probably already read the posts to the list about the side
effects of Folic Acid, but since several people asked for a summary of
the info I received, I am going to post it.

Most everyone responded that taking supplemental Folic acid in doses of
more than 400 micrograms a day may mask some of the symptoms of
Pernicious Anemia caused by a Vitamin B-12 deficiency.  Folic acid will
treat the anemia but the continued B-12 deficiency can cause
neurological problems.

Some additional comments:
Some patients taking too much folic acid complain of nausea, bloating,
problems sleeping and irritability.

A few folks sent outtakes from books:
From the book, Prevention: Healing with Vitamins it reads:
It is important to have your doctor check your blood levels of the B
vitamin folate (the naturally occurring form of folic acid). That's
because folate deficiency can cause symptoms similar to vitamin B12
deficiency. If you're found deficient, you'll have to take oral folic
acid supplements to get your blood level back to normal. You shouldn't
take folic acid unless your doctor recommends it.

According to the book "Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition" by Lavone J.
Dunne, pub. by McGraw-Hill:
Folic Acid is part of the water-soluble vitamin B complex and functions
as a coenzyme, together with vitamins B12 and C, in the breakdown and
utilization of proteins....Folic acid is necessary for proper brain
function, being concentrated in the spinal and extracellular fluids....

Folic Acid is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract by active transport
and diffusion and is stored primarily in the liver...Any disease such as
sprue, celiac disease, or any illness accompanied by vomiting or
diarrhea that interferes with the absorption of food can result in a
deficiency.

The RDA of Folic Acid is 400 Micrograms for adults.... Requirements can
vary with individual metabolic rate. ... There is no known toxicity of
this vitamin, although an excessive intake of Folic Acid can mask a
vitamin B12 deficiency.

Deficient Effects and Symptoms

Deficiency of Folic Acid results in poor growth, graying hair, glossitis
(tongue inflammation), and gastrointestinal-tract disturbances arising
from inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption, excessive demands by
tissues of the body and metabolic disturbances.  Because of the role
folic acid plays in the formation of red blood cells, a deficiency could
lead to anemia that cannot be corrected by supplementary iron.

A folate deficiency can lead to irritability, forgetfulness, and mental
sluggishness.... Because of their close interrelationship, vitamin
B12...should accompany and folic acid therapy.

My own personal take:
Newly diagnosed Celiacs should take Folic Acid only under the
supervision of a physician to avoid a B-12 deficiency problem.  After
intestinal healing has occurred, it is probably not necessary to
continue taking supplements unless additional Folic Acid is deemed
necessary due to pregnancy.

Thanks to everyone who responded... Hope this helps the others who
requested info.
Janene Lenard
St. Paul, MN  USA