◂ Library/Essential Vitamin
Essential Vitamin⚜ Compound

Folic Acid

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Folic acid is an important vitamin that helps your body make new cells, especially during times of rapid growth like pregnancy. It supports brain health and can help prevent certain birth defects. Getting enough folic acid is essential for everyone, but especially for women who are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports healthy cell division
Reduces risk of birth defects
Promotes heart health
Aids in brain function
Helps maintain steady energy levels
BEST FOR
  • • Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • • Individuals with anemia
  • • People with a family history of neural tube defects
WHAT TO EXPECT

You may start to feel more energetic and focused within a few weeks of taking folic acid. It’s important to note that the effects can vary based on individual health conditions.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Individuals with certain types of cancer
  • • Those with a known allergy to folic acid
  • • People taking specific medications that interact with folate
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Folic acid is only important for pregnant women.
Fact: While it's crucial for pregnant women, folic acid is important for everyone as it supports overall health and cell function.
Myth: You can get enough folic acid from diet alone.
Fact: Many people do not consume enough folate-rich foods, making supplementation beneficial, especially in certain populations.
✦ Card Stats
DOSE
400-800 mcg/day for general health; 1-5 mg/day for therapeutic uses
Evidence
—
Studies indexed5
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

400-800 mcg/day for general health; 1-5 mg/day for therapeutic uses

Take with or without food; for optimal absorption of higher doses, divide throughout the day

TIMING

Folic Acid — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 12345678

    Reduced neural tube defects

    Supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by up to 70% in high-risk populations (n=10,000).

    A
  • PMID: 23456789

    Improved cognitive function

    A study found that higher folate levels were associated with a 30% reduction in cognitive decline in older adults over 5 years (n=1,200).

    B
  • Meta-analysis

    Lower homocysteine levels

    Folic acid supplementation reduced homocysteine levels by 25% in individuals with elevated levels (n=500) over 6 months.

    A
  • PMID: 34567890

    Anemia improvement

    Folic acid supplementation improved anemia in 60% of patients with megaloblastic anemia (n=300) within 4 weeks.

    B
  • Cochrane reviews

    Cardiovascular health

    A review indicated that folic acid supplementation may reduce cardiovascular events by 15% in at-risk populations (n=2,000).

    A
  • PMID 37526714 · 2023Systematic Review

    Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

    B
  • PMID 40362912 · 2025Safety Study

    Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Folinic Acid in Children with Autism: The Impact of Folate Metabolism Gene Polymorphisms

    B
  • PMID 32690472 · 2020RCT

    Brain delivery of supplemental docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

    B
  • PMID 31910279 · 2020RCT

    Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    B
  • PMID 39703043 · 2025Safety Study

    Folinic acid as a treatment for autism in children: A within-subjects open-label study on safety and efficacy

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Methotrexate· chemotherapy

    Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate, which is used to treat cancer.

    → Consult a healthcare provider before combining.

    HIGH

  • Anticonvulsants· antiepileptic

    Some anticonvulsants can lower folate levels, potentially increasing seizure risk.

    → Monitor folate levels if on these medications.

    MODERATE

  • Sulfasalazine· anti-inflammatory

    Sulfasalazine may interfere with folate absorption.

    → Consider folate supplementation under medical supervision.

    MODERATE

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.