Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in supplements and fortified foods. The body converts it into active forms of folate.
Also listed as Vitamin B9, Pteroyl L-glutamic acid
What is actually prevented?
Folic acid around conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects. That specific preventive effect should not be read as a guarantee against every birth defect. The international review describes separate approaches for recurrence prevention and women with medical, surgical or genetic risk factors, rather than one high-dose regimen for everyone. 1
Folic acid around conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects. That specific preventive effect should not be read as a guarantee against every birth defect. The international review describes separate approaches for recurrence prevention and women with medical, surgical or genetic risk factors, rather than one high-dose regimen for everyone. 1
Does lowering homocysteine improve memory?
Folate helps process homocysteine, an amino acid measured in blood, but a lower result does not automatically mean better cognition. Most clinical trials reviewed by NIH have not shown improved cognitive function or prevention of dementia from folic acid supplementation. Some subgroup findings are positive, so the evidence does not support a general memory-enhancement claim. 2
Folate helps process homocysteine, an amino acid measured in blood, but a lower result does not automatically mean better cognition. Most clinical trials reviewed by NIH have not shown improved cognitive function or prevention of dementia from folic acid supplementation. Some subgroup findings are positive, so the evidence does not support a general memory-enhancement claim. 2
Who is more likely to have low folate?
Malabsorption, including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, can reduce folate absorption. Blood folate can help assess status, although serum levels are influenced by recent meals; red-cell folate reflects a longer period. Homocysteine alone is not a specific deficiency test because kidney function and other vitamins also affect it. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Women's Hormones1 effect
Essential Health1 effect
Fertility1 effect
Cardiovascular1 effect
Cognition2 effects
Stress & Mood1 effect
All studies
18 publications are linked to Folic Acid, newest first.
Sources
- Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements