High-dose folic acid and cancer risk; unjustified concerns by von Wrede and colleagues regarding our paper

Epilepsia. 2023 Sep;64(9):2244-2248. doi: 10.1111/epi.17717. Epub 2023 Jul 24.

Abstract

Women using antiseizure medication in pregnancy are often advised to use high doses of folic acid supplements (1mg to 5 mg) to reduce the risk of teratogenicity. Recently, we published a report showing an association between maternal prescription fill of high dose folic acid in relation to pregnancy and childhood cancer in the offspring. The report has sparked a debate about which dose of folic acid that should be recommended in pregnancy in women in need of antiseizure medication. In this Commentary, we explain our findings and the method used in our report, and answer recent questions that have emerged.

Keywords: B vitamins; anticonvulsant drugs; antiepileptic drug; childhood cancer; epilepsy; folate; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Family
  • Female
  • Folic Acid* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk

Substances

  • Folic Acid