Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 15 Researches
6.7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Folate (400 mcg as (6S)-5-MTHF [(6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Glucosamine Salt)
680 mcg DFE‡
170%

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Folate may protect against Alzheimer’s
We examined the relationship between folate and Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a comprehensive analysis combining data from various studies. Our findings indicate that folate may provide protective effects against Alzheimer's, which is promising for those concerned about this challenging condition.

Specifically, we noted that individuals with higher folate levels could experience a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's. This suggests that ensuring adequate folate intake could be beneficial for brain health.

However, it’s essential to understand that the impact of folate isn't a cure-all. While the association with Alzheimer's is favorable, more research is needed to clarify how folate levels might influence the progression or onset of this complex disorder.

Overall, our analysis underscores the potential of folate as part of a broader strategy for supporting cognitive health as we age.
Read More
9
Cognitive benefits of folic acid
We focused on the potential of folic acid supplementation as a way to influence cognitive impairment, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. By reviewing multiple randomized controlled trials, we aimed to clarify the effectiveness of folic acid in improving cognitive function for those facing various levels of cognitive decline.

Our analysis revealed that folic acid supplementation may offer benefits for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), suggesting even modest doses could have a positive impact. Notably, we found that doses of three milligrams or more of folic acid were particularly effective in enhancing cognitive abilities among Alzheimer's patients.

This evidence makes folic acid a promising candidate for helping delay cognitive decline in adults. While more extensive studies may be required, the results provide encouragement for using nutritional strategies as part of a comprehensive approach to managing cognitive impairment.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of folic acid supplementation in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a Mendelian randomization analysis. By analyzing genetic data from recent studies, we assessed the causal relationship between folate intake and AD.

Our findings revealed an encouraging association: both fixed-effect and random-effect models indicated that folic acid supplementation could lead to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's, with odds ratios suggesting a significant decrease in risk. This was based on the data from seven specific genetic markers.

However, we also conducted a reverse analysis which showed no causal link between AD and folic acid supplementation. While our results hint at a protective effect of folic acid against Alzheimer's, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the underlying mechanisms involved.

Overall, this study sheds light on the potential of folic acid as a preventive strategy for Alzheimer's disease and contributes valuable insights into its etiology.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

6
Supports pregnancy
23 people found this helpful
It’s great for heart health, beneficial for pregnant women, and supports fetal development. Additionally, it combats Alzheimer’s and improves mental health. Recommended dosage is one capsule daily, and the packaging is convenient with easy-to-swallow capsules.
Read More
9
Effective for Alzheimer’s
This is folic acid at its finest! It can help with Alzheimer’s! I have been taking it for a long time and will continue to do so!
Read More
6
Excellent absorption
1 people found this helpful
The company is reliable, and the dosage works well. This methyl folate is noteworthy for those needing a shorter treatment. While I prefer capsules, I find that methyl folate is superior to regular folic acid, especially for absorption. The 400 mcg dose is adequate unless advised otherwise. Methyl folate also aids iron assimilation and lowers homocysteine levels, which can heighten Alzheimer’s risk.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 15 Researches
6.7
  • All Researches
9
Folate shows potential in Alzheimer's
We dove into a fascinating study that looked at the relationship between homocysteine, a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease, and treatments like folic acid (FA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). By evaluating both living rat models and isolated hippocampal neurons, we observed how elevated levels of homocysteine can lead to Alzheimer’s-like changes in the brain.

Specifically, the study found that high homocysteine levels increased the expression of presenilin 1 (PS1), which is often implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's, while also decreasing the activity of an important protein phosphatase known as PP2A. The researchers then tested whether FA and SAM could mitigate these harmful effects.

Encouragingly, both FA and SAM showed promise in reducing the neurodegeneration caused by high homocysteine, primarily by adjusting the methylation levels of PS1 and PP2A. This suggests that these treatments may help counteract some of the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's, presenting a potential pathway for further exploration in preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Read More
9
Cognitive benefits of folic acid
We focused on the potential of folic acid supplementation as a way to influence cognitive impairment, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. By reviewing multiple randomized controlled trials, we aimed to clarify the effectiveness of folic acid in improving cognitive function for those facing various levels of cognitive decline.

Our analysis revealed that folic acid supplementation may offer benefits for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), suggesting even modest doses could have a positive impact. Notably, we found that doses of three milligrams or more of folic acid were particularly effective in enhancing cognitive abilities among Alzheimer's patients.

This evidence makes folic acid a promising candidate for helping delay cognitive decline in adults. While more extensive studies may be required, the results provide encouragement for using nutritional strategies as part of a comprehensive approach to managing cognitive impairment.
Read More
8
Folate may protect against Alzheimer’s
We examined the relationship between folate and Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a comprehensive analysis combining data from various studies. Our findings indicate that folate may provide protective effects against Alzheimer's, which is promising for those concerned about this challenging condition.

Specifically, we noted that individuals with higher folate levels could experience a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's. This suggests that ensuring adequate folate intake could be beneficial for brain health.

However, it’s essential to understand that the impact of folate isn't a cure-all. While the association with Alzheimer's is favorable, more research is needed to clarify how folate levels might influence the progression or onset of this complex disorder.

Overall, our analysis underscores the potential of folate as part of a broader strategy for supporting cognitive health as we age.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of enhancing mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism, specifically through folate, to address Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study utilized a fly model where researchers overexpressed a toxic protein associated with AD, known as amyloid β (Aβ).

In our findings, we observed that increasing one-carbon metabolism through a genetic alteration significantly improved mitochondrial function and had neuroprotective effects in these AD models. Notably, we also tested exogenous folate in the form of folinic acid, which showed promise in improving mitochondrial health in both cells and fly models linked to AD.

Furthermore, we discovered a connection between genetic variations in the human equivalent of the fly gene and the risk of AD. Additionally, findings indicated that a higher intake of folate may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Overall, our research suggests that enhancing folate-dependent metabolism could serve as a promising strategy in combating the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Read More
8
Folate intake may decrease Alzheimer's risk
We examined the connection between dietary folate and the risk of developing Alzheimer disease. In a large-scale study with over 192,000 participants, we analyzed data gathered from dietary questionnaires and tracked cases of Alzheimer disease over a median follow-up of 13.35 years.

Our findings highlighted that higher folate intake, along with other 1-carbon metabolism nutrients, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease. Specifically, participants who consumed a high amount of folate had their risk of developing Alzheimer disease lowered significantly. The results indicated that for those with lower genetic risk, high folate intake could further decrease their risk of Alzheimer disease by more than 75%.

Although we saw promising associations, it’s important to note that while folate showed a positive correlation with reduced Alzheimer disease risk, we cannot isolate its effects completely from other nutrients. Overall, our research underscores the potential benefits of incorporating folate-rich foods into the diet to combat Alzheimer disease, particularly for individuals at higher genetic risk.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
6
Supports pregnancy
23 people found this helpful
It’s great for heart health, beneficial for pregnant women, and supports fetal development. Additionally, it combats Alzheimer’s and improves mental health. Recommended dosage is one capsule daily, and the packaging is convenient with easy-to-swallow capsules.
Read More
9
Effective for Alzheimer’s
This is folic acid at its finest! It can help with Alzheimer’s! I have been taking it for a long time and will continue to do so!
Read More
6
Excellent absorption
1 people found this helpful
The company is reliable, and the dosage works well. This methyl folate is noteworthy for those needing a shorter treatment. While I prefer capsules, I find that methyl folate is superior to regular folic acid, especially for absorption. The 400 mcg dose is adequate unless advised otherwise. Methyl folate also aids iron assimilation and lowers homocysteine levels, which can heighten Alzheimer’s risk.
Read More
6
Improves energy levels
Wonderful! iHerb impresses with its speedy delivery! I’ve been on methyl folate for two years, and it’s indispensable for my strength and energy. It enhances my thinking and memory speed. When I run out, I feel drained. Low homocysteine can lead to Alzheimer’s, so I monitor it.
Read More
6
Aids vitamin absorption
This folic acid is easily absorbable. Together with B12, it’s helpful for Alzheimer’s. Combining it with cod liver oil enhances its efficacy.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Improves energy levels
Wonderful! iHerb impresses with its speedy delivery! I’ve been on methyl folate for two years, and it’s indispensable for my strength and energy. It enhances my thinking and memory speed. When I run out, I feel drained. Low homocysteine can lead to Alzheimer’s, so I monitor it.
9
Effective for Alzheimer’s
This is folic acid at its finest! It can help with Alzheimer’s! I have been taking it for a long time and will continue to do so!
6
Excellent absorption
1 people found this helpful
The company is reliable, and the dosage works well. This methyl folate is noteworthy for those needing a shorter treatment. While I prefer capsules, I find that methyl folate is superior to regular folic acid, especially for absorption. The 400 mcg dose is adequate unless advised otherwise. Methyl folate also aids iron assimilation and lowers homocysteine levels, which can heighten Alzheimer’s risk.
6
Supports pregnancy
23 people found this helpful
It’s great for heart health, beneficial for pregnant women, and supports fetal development. Additionally, it combats Alzheimer’s and improves mental health. Recommended dosage is one capsule daily, and the packaging is convenient with easy-to-swallow capsules.
6
Aids vitamin absorption
This folic acid is easily absorbable. Together with B12, it’s helpful for Alzheimer’s. Combining it with cod liver oil enhances its efficacy.
8
Folate may protect against Alzheimer’s
We examined the relationship between folate and Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a comprehensive analysis combining data from various studies. Our findings indicate that folate may provide protective effects against Alzheimer's, which is promising for those concerned about this challenging condition.

Specifically, we noted that individuals with higher folate levels could experience a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's. This suggests that ensuring adequate folate intake could be beneficial for brain health.

However, it’s essential to understand that the impact of folate isn't a cure-all. While the association with Alzheimer's is favorable, more research is needed to clarify how folate levels might influence the progression or onset of this complex disorder.

Overall, our analysis underscores the potential of folate as part of a broader strategy for supporting cognitive health as we age.
8
Folate intake may decrease Alzheimer's risk
We examined the connection between dietary folate and the risk of developing Alzheimer disease. In a large-scale study with over 192,000 participants, we analyzed data gathered from dietary questionnaires and tracked cases of Alzheimer disease over a median follow-up of 13.35 years.

Our findings highlighted that higher folate intake, along with other 1-carbon metabolism nutrients, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease. Specifically, participants who consumed a high amount of folate had their risk of developing Alzheimer disease lowered significantly. The results indicated that for those with lower genetic risk, high folate intake could further decrease their risk of Alzheimer disease by more than 75%.

Although we saw promising associations, it’s important to note that while folate showed a positive correlation with reduced Alzheimer disease risk, we cannot isolate its effects completely from other nutrients. Overall, our research underscores the potential benefits of incorporating folate-rich foods into the diet to combat Alzheimer disease, particularly for individuals at higher genetic risk.
We assessed the effects of combining folate with various phytochemicals to understand its potential role in treating Alzheimer's disease. The study examined how these combinations could enhance antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activities, which are crucial in managing neurodegenerative conditions.

During our evaluation, we noted that folate, when paired with other compounds like Quercetin and Swertiamarin, showed significant synergistic effects. Specifically, the combinations demonstrated improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are essential in combating Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, while the research highlights these synergistic benefits, it remains challenging to isolate the direct impact of folate alone on Alzheimer.

The findings hint at folate’s potential as a part of a dietary treatment strategy, especially when combined with other effective phytochemicals. Nonetheless, the study does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm its standalone effectiveness in Alzheimer treatment. Thus, further research is required to fully understand folate's specific contributions.
5
Folate's limited benefit in AD
We aimed to understand how folate, along with vitamin B12, affects Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. Our investigation focused on randomized control trials, where participants with a clear diagnosis of AD received either vitamin supplements or a placebo.

In the analysis of five selected studies, we discovered that after six months of treatment, those receiving vitamin B12 and folic acid showed improvement in cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We observed a small effect with a standardized mean difference of 0.21, which indicates a modest benefit over placebo.

However, when looking at another measure, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), there was no significant improvement. Daily life functionality also did not show any meaningful changes from the treatment. Additionally, blood levels of homocysteine—a component linked to cognitive decline—were notably reduced after taking these supplements.

Overall, while folate and vitamin B12 might help improve certain cognitive scores, the benefits might not be large or transformative. The results do not strongly support a significant role of these vitamins in enhancing the daily living aspects or cognitive performance comprehensively in AD patients.
2
Folate linked to dementia risk
We explored the relationship between folate and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by examining data from 466,224 UK Biobank participants. Our aim was to understand how folate supplementation—both alone and when combined with other B vitamins—affects dementia risk and brain structure.

The study employed Cox proportional hazards models to analyze how folate supplementation corresponds to the incidence of AD and vascular dementia (VD). We found that individuals taking folate alone had a significantly higher risk of developing AD with a hazard ratio of 1.34 and for VD with a hazard ratio of 1.61.

On the brain structure front, folate supplementation was linked to reduction in hippocampus and amygdala sizes, important areas for memory and emotion. Notably, when folate was taken together with other B vitamins, these adverse effects weren't as pronounced, indicating that the combination may mitigate the risks seen with folate alone.

Overall, our findings suggest that while folate supplementation alone is associated with increased risks of dementia and negative brain changes, combining it with other B vitamins may help counteract these issues.
9
Cognitive benefits of folic acid
We focused on the potential of folic acid supplementation as a way to influence cognitive impairment, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. By reviewing multiple randomized controlled trials, we aimed to clarify the effectiveness of folic acid in improving cognitive function for those facing various levels of cognitive decline.

Our analysis revealed that folic acid supplementation may offer benefits for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), suggesting even modest doses could have a positive impact. Notably, we found that doses of three milligrams or more of folic acid were particularly effective in enhancing cognitive abilities among Alzheimer's patients.

This evidence makes folic acid a promising candidate for helping delay cognitive decline in adults. While more extensive studies may be required, the results provide encouragement for using nutritional strategies as part of a comprehensive approach to managing cognitive impairment.

References

  1. Ye M, Yang X, Yan J, Yao Y, Lv H, et al. Causal relationship between B vitamins and neuropsychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2025;170:106068. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106068
  2. Irum I, Khan F, Sufyan M, Benish Ali SH, Rehman S. Developing multifaceted drug synergistic therapeutic strategy against neurological disorders. Comput Biol Med. 2025;185:109495. doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109495
  3. Yu Y, Chen CZ, Celardo I, Tan BWZ, Hurcomb JD, et al. Enhancing mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism is neuroprotective in Alzheimer's disease models. Cell Death Dis. 2024;15:856. doi:10.1038/s41419-024-07179-3
  4. Liu W, Zheng D, Li X, Wang T, Wang L, et al. Effects of Vitamin D3 Combined with Folic Acid on Domain and Specific Cognitive Function among Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2024;11:1626. doi:10.14283/jpad.2024.165
  5. Bai D, Fan J, Li M, Dong C, Gao Y, et al. Cognitive Function After Stopping Folic Acid and DHA Intervention: An Extended Follow-Up Results from the Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2024;8:1285. doi:10.3233/ADR-240033
  6. Wang Y, Mi N, Liao K, Li Y, Sun Y, et al. Associations among dietary 1-carbon metabolism nutrients, genetic risk, and Alzheimer disease: a prospective cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;120:1009. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.08.027
  7. Li T, Steibel JP, Willette AA. Vitamin B6, B12, and Folate's Influence on Neural Networks in the UK Biobank Cohort. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16132050
  8. Wang M, Fang M, Zang W. Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and inflammation in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2024;126:105540. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2024.105540
  9. Sun S, Lu W, Zhang C, Wang G, Hou Y, et al. Folic acid and S-adenosylmethionine reverse Homocysteine-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathological changes in rat hippocampus by modulating PS1 and PP2A methylation levels. Brain Res. 2024;1841:149095. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149095
  10. Tang Y, Zhou X, Cao J, Li Z, Yin W, et al. Synergistic effect of folate and MTHFR C677T on hippocampal subfields and perfusion in Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024;134:111071. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111071
  11. Lee CY, Chan L, Hu CJ, Hong CT, Chen JH. Role of vitamin B12 and folic acid in treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Aging (Albany NY). 2024;16:7856. doi:10.18632/aging.205788
  12. Xu M, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li J, Qin J, et al. Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Evid Based Med. 2024;17:134. doi:10.1111/jebm.12588
  13. Sun X, He C, Yang S, Li W, Qu H. Mendelian randomization to evaluate the effect of folic acid supplement on the risk of Alzheimer disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103:e37021. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037021
  14. Ling Y, Yuan S, Huang X, Tan S, Cheng H, et al. Associations of Folate/Folic Acid Supplementation Alone and in Combination With Other B Vitamins on Dementia Risk and Brain Structure: Evidence From 466 224 UK Biobank Participants. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2024;79. doi:10.1093/gerona/glad266
  15. Tu MC, Chung HW, Hsu YH, Yang JJ, Wu WC. Neurovascular Correlates of Cobalamin, Folate, and Homocysteine in Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;96:1329. doi:10.3233/JAD-230763
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