Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 7 Researches
6.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.3
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's role in psoriasis management
We explored the relationship between homocysteine levels and psoriasis, with particular attention on how folate treatment may influence this chronic skin condition. Recent findings have shown that individuals suffering from psoriasis typically have elevated serum homocysteine levels. This condition, known as hyperhomocysteinaemia, can be associated with deficiencies in essential nutrients like folic acid and vitamin B12.
Our investigation highlighted the potential role of homocysteine in exacerbating the inflammatory processes underlying psoriasis, by activating certain immune cells while hindering the activity of regulatory T cells. Importantly, increasing folate intake through systemic folinate calcium has been noted to provide effective treatment results.
Topical vitamin B12 has also shown promise. The growing body of evidence points to the idea that addressing deficiencies in these vitamins could help manage symptoms of psoriasis more effectively. It seems clear that optimizing folate levels might play a vital role in improving patients' conditions.
Our investigation highlighted the potential role of homocysteine in exacerbating the inflammatory processes underlying psoriasis, by activating certain immune cells while hindering the activity of regulatory T cells. Importantly, increasing folate intake through systemic folinate calcium has been noted to provide effective treatment results.
Topical vitamin B12 has also shown promise. The growing body of evidence points to the idea that addressing deficiencies in these vitamins could help manage symptoms of psoriasis more effectively. It seems clear that optimizing folate levels might play a vital role in improving patients' conditions.
Read More
7
We investigated the role of folate supplementation in lowering homocysteine levels among psoriasis patients treated with methotrexate. In this study, we followed 201 individuals over 12 weeks, measuring their serum homocysteine levels both at the start and after treatment. Notably, we looked at the influence of the MTHFR gene, which plays a crucial role in processing folate.
Our findings revealed that patients with the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene had higher homocysteine levels than those with CT and CC genotypes. Interestingly, while folic acid supplementation appeared to help reduce these levels, this benefit was predominantly observed in male patients.
This suggests that while folate may have a role in managing homocysteine levels, its effectiveness depends on factors such as gender and genetic makeup. Ultimately, we learned that folic acid could be a vital component for some patients but that its impact varies widely.
Our findings revealed that patients with the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene had higher homocysteine levels than those with CT and CC genotypes. Interestingly, while folic acid supplementation appeared to help reduce these levels, this benefit was predominantly observed in male patients.
This suggests that while folate may have a role in managing homocysteine levels, its effectiveness depends on factors such as gender and genetic makeup. Ultimately, we learned that folic acid could be a vital component for some patients but that its impact varies widely.
Read More
7
Pediatric Psoriasis Treatment Insights
We explored the effectiveness of methotrexate for treating plaque psoriasis in children, along with the impact of different folic acid regimens. Over a period from September 2008 to October 2020, we tracked 105 young patients, assessing how well they responded to methotrexate and whether their folic acid intake made a difference in side effects.
At week 24 and week 48 of treatment, we found that around one-third of the participants achieved significant improvement in their psoriasis, indicated by an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of ≤ 2.0. Notably, we also noted that about 46.7% of the patients experienced at least one persistent adverse effect during the follow-up, signifying some concerns about the treatment's side effects.
While our study showed that some patients did experience relief from psoriasis with methotrexate and without many side effects over two years, we did not find significant differences in the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects between the two folic acid regimens tested. This indicates that the folic acid dosage may not have a major impact on overall effectiveness or side effects, even though there was a trend suggesting fewer gastrointestinal problems with the 1 mg, six times weekly regimen.
Overall, we believe these results highlight the potential for some pediatric patients to respond positively to methotrexate treatment with manageable side effects, but they remind us that more research is necessary to fully understand the role of folic acid in this context.
At week 24 and week 48 of treatment, we found that around one-third of the participants achieved significant improvement in their psoriasis, indicated by an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of ≤ 2.0. Notably, we also noted that about 46.7% of the patients experienced at least one persistent adverse effect during the follow-up, signifying some concerns about the treatment's side effects.
While our study showed that some patients did experience relief from psoriasis with methotrexate and without many side effects over two years, we did not find significant differences in the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects between the two folic acid regimens tested. This indicates that the folic acid dosage may not have a major impact on overall effectiveness or side effects, even though there was a trend suggesting fewer gastrointestinal problems with the 1 mg, six times weekly regimen.
Overall, we believe these results highlight the potential for some pediatric patients to respond positively to methotrexate treatment with manageable side effects, but they remind us that more research is necessary to fully understand the role of folic acid in this context.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Notable skin improvement
It was prescribed by a naturopath to enhance skin condition in psoriasis. I noticed a significant improvement within one month.
Read More
7.5
Effective treatment results
5 people found this helpful
The husband suffers from psoriasis and is taking methotrexate as advised by a doctor. In addition, the doctor recommended taking folic acid. I chose to use a form of folic acid that is the most biologically active, known as 5-MTHF, which is a fourth-generation supplement. Unlike standard folic acid, 5-MTHF can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Read More
7.5
Necessary supplement
I take methyl folate due to my psoriasis, as folic acid is essential for rapidly multiplying cells like those affected by psoriasis.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 7 Researches
6.4
- All Researches
8
Methotrexate toxicity management insights
We examined the challenges associated with methotrexate (MTX) treatment in psoriasis patients, particularly the risk of toxicity from the medication. In this multicentric, retrospective study, we focused on identifying the underlying causes of MTX toxicity and understanding how folate treatment plays a role in managing these cases.
Out of 21 patients treated for MTX toxicity, most experienced significant side effects like mucocutaneous ulcerations and hematological issues. We observed that folinic acid, a form of folate, was used successfully in treating these patients, with a recovery rate of 85% within just 7-14 days. However, this finding primarily highlights folinic acid's role in mitigating toxicity rather than demonstrating a direct benefit of folate on psoriasis itself.
Importantly, the study revealed that overdosing—often due to self-medication—was the leading cause of toxicity, affecting 66% of patients. This underscores the need for thorough counseling regarding MTX use and potential side effects.
Overall, while folate aids in addressing toxicity symptoms, our findings do not suggest that it offers significant benefits for psoriasis treatment itself. It's crucial for patients to seek prompt medical advice if toxicity symptoms arise, ensuring timely and effective management.
Out of 21 patients treated for MTX toxicity, most experienced significant side effects like mucocutaneous ulcerations and hematological issues. We observed that folinic acid, a form of folate, was used successfully in treating these patients, with a recovery rate of 85% within just 7-14 days. However, this finding primarily highlights folinic acid's role in mitigating toxicity rather than demonstrating a direct benefit of folate on psoriasis itself.
Importantly, the study revealed that overdosing—often due to self-medication—was the leading cause of toxicity, affecting 66% of patients. This underscores the need for thorough counseling regarding MTX use and potential side effects.
Overall, while folate aids in addressing toxicity symptoms, our findings do not suggest that it offers significant benefits for psoriasis treatment itself. It's crucial for patients to seek prompt medical advice if toxicity symptoms arise, ensuring timely and effective management.
Read More
8
Folate's role in psoriasis management
We explored the relationship between homocysteine levels and psoriasis, with particular attention on how folate treatment may influence this chronic skin condition. Recent findings have shown that individuals suffering from psoriasis typically have elevated serum homocysteine levels. This condition, known as hyperhomocysteinaemia, can be associated with deficiencies in essential nutrients like folic acid and vitamin B12.
Our investigation highlighted the potential role of homocysteine in exacerbating the inflammatory processes underlying psoriasis, by activating certain immune cells while hindering the activity of regulatory T cells. Importantly, increasing folate intake through systemic folinate calcium has been noted to provide effective treatment results.
Topical vitamin B12 has also shown promise. The growing body of evidence points to the idea that addressing deficiencies in these vitamins could help manage symptoms of psoriasis more effectively. It seems clear that optimizing folate levels might play a vital role in improving patients' conditions.
Our investigation highlighted the potential role of homocysteine in exacerbating the inflammatory processes underlying psoriasis, by activating certain immune cells while hindering the activity of regulatory T cells. Importantly, increasing folate intake through systemic folinate calcium has been noted to provide effective treatment results.
Topical vitamin B12 has also shown promise. The growing body of evidence points to the idea that addressing deficiencies in these vitamins could help manage symptoms of psoriasis more effectively. It seems clear that optimizing folate levels might play a vital role in improving patients' conditions.
Read More
7
Folic acid enhances psoriasis treatment
We conducted an extensive analysis involving 1521 patients to understand how folic acid treatment influences psoriasis when used alongside methotrexate (MTX). Methotrexate is often the go-to first-line systemic treatment for psoriasis, and many patients in our study were treated with it for at least three months.
Among these patients, 95.2% were also taking folic acid supplements. Our findings indicated a positive link between folic acid use and achievement of PASI 90 responses, which means a drastic improvement in psoriasis severity. For instance, at week 12, 16.3% achieved this target response, and by week 24, this number rose to 37.3%.
Notably, factors like a lower median MTX dose (≤ 15 mg per week), administering MTX subcutaneously, having no prior systemic treatment, and the absence of comorbidities also contributed positively to treatment success.
However, while folic acid appeared beneficial, it did not stand out in isolation due to the complexities of treatment factors involved. Common side effects such as nausea and elevated liver enzymes were reported health concerns, but the treatment was generally considered both effective and safe.
Overall, our study emphasizes MTX as an efficient approach for psoriasis management, especially with appropriate folic acid supplementation, helping to enhance the treatment outcomes for many patients.
Among these patients, 95.2% were also taking folic acid supplements. Our findings indicated a positive link between folic acid use and achievement of PASI 90 responses, which means a drastic improvement in psoriasis severity. For instance, at week 12, 16.3% achieved this target response, and by week 24, this number rose to 37.3%.
Notably, factors like a lower median MTX dose (≤ 15 mg per week), administering MTX subcutaneously, having no prior systemic treatment, and the absence of comorbidities also contributed positively to treatment success.
However, while folic acid appeared beneficial, it did not stand out in isolation due to the complexities of treatment factors involved. Common side effects such as nausea and elevated liver enzymes were reported health concerns, but the treatment was generally considered both effective and safe.
Overall, our study emphasizes MTX as an efficient approach for psoriasis management, especially with appropriate folic acid supplementation, helping to enhance the treatment outcomes for many patients.
Read More
7
We investigated the role of folate supplementation in lowering homocysteine levels among psoriasis patients treated with methotrexate. In this study, we followed 201 individuals over 12 weeks, measuring their serum homocysteine levels both at the start and after treatment. Notably, we looked at the influence of the MTHFR gene, which plays a crucial role in processing folate.
Our findings revealed that patients with the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene had higher homocysteine levels than those with CT and CC genotypes. Interestingly, while folic acid supplementation appeared to help reduce these levels, this benefit was predominantly observed in male patients.
This suggests that while folate may have a role in managing homocysteine levels, its effectiveness depends on factors such as gender and genetic makeup. Ultimately, we learned that folic acid could be a vital component for some patients but that its impact varies widely.
Our findings revealed that patients with the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene had higher homocysteine levels than those with CT and CC genotypes. Interestingly, while folic acid supplementation appeared to help reduce these levels, this benefit was predominantly observed in male patients.
This suggests that while folate may have a role in managing homocysteine levels, its effectiveness depends on factors such as gender and genetic makeup. Ultimately, we learned that folic acid could be a vital component for some patients but that its impact varies widely.
Read More
7
Pediatric Psoriasis Treatment Insights
We explored the effectiveness of methotrexate for treating plaque psoriasis in children, along with the impact of different folic acid regimens. Over a period from September 2008 to October 2020, we tracked 105 young patients, assessing how well they responded to methotrexate and whether their folic acid intake made a difference in side effects.
At week 24 and week 48 of treatment, we found that around one-third of the participants achieved significant improvement in their psoriasis, indicated by an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of ≤ 2.0. Notably, we also noted that about 46.7% of the patients experienced at least one persistent adverse effect during the follow-up, signifying some concerns about the treatment's side effects.
While our study showed that some patients did experience relief from psoriasis with methotrexate and without many side effects over two years, we did not find significant differences in the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects between the two folic acid regimens tested. This indicates that the folic acid dosage may not have a major impact on overall effectiveness or side effects, even though there was a trend suggesting fewer gastrointestinal problems with the 1 mg, six times weekly regimen.
Overall, we believe these results highlight the potential for some pediatric patients to respond positively to methotrexate treatment with manageable side effects, but they remind us that more research is necessary to fully understand the role of folic acid in this context.
At week 24 and week 48 of treatment, we found that around one-third of the participants achieved significant improvement in their psoriasis, indicated by an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of ≤ 2.0. Notably, we also noted that about 46.7% of the patients experienced at least one persistent adverse effect during the follow-up, signifying some concerns about the treatment's side effects.
While our study showed that some patients did experience relief from psoriasis with methotrexate and without many side effects over two years, we did not find significant differences in the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects between the two folic acid regimens tested. This indicates that the folic acid dosage may not have a major impact on overall effectiveness or side effects, even though there was a trend suggesting fewer gastrointestinal problems with the 1 mg, six times weekly regimen.
Overall, we believe these results highlight the potential for some pediatric patients to respond positively to methotrexate treatment with manageable side effects, but they remind us that more research is necessary to fully understand the role of folic acid in this context.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Notable skin improvement
It was prescribed by a naturopath to enhance skin condition in psoriasis. I noticed a significant improvement within one month.
Read More
7.5
Effective treatment results
5 people found this helpful
The husband suffers from psoriasis and is taking methotrexate as advised by a doctor. In addition, the doctor recommended taking folic acid. I chose to use a form of folic acid that is the most biologically active, known as 5-MTHF, which is a fourth-generation supplement. Unlike standard folic acid, 5-MTHF can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Read More
7.5
Necessary supplement
I take methyl folate due to my psoriasis, as folic acid is essential for rapidly multiplying cells like those affected by psoriasis.
Read More
7.5
Convenient treatment
This drug was prescribed for treating psoriasis as an essential supplement. It is tasteless and simple to use.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Notable skin improvement
It was prescribed by a naturopath to enhance skin condition in psoriasis. I noticed a significant improvement within one month.
7.5
Effective treatment results
5 people found this helpful
The husband suffers from psoriasis and is taking methotrexate as advised by a doctor. In addition, the doctor recommended taking folic acid. I chose to use a form of folic acid that is the most biologically active, known as 5-MTHF, which is a fourth-generation supplement. Unlike standard folic acid, 5-MTHF can cross the blood-brain barrier.
7.5
Necessary supplement
I take methyl folate due to my psoriasis, as folic acid is essential for rapidly multiplying cells like those affected by psoriasis.
7.5
Convenient treatment
This drug was prescribed for treating psoriasis as an essential supplement. It is tasteless and simple to use.
7
Folic acid enhances psoriasis treatment
We conducted an extensive analysis involving 1521 patients to understand how folic acid treatment influences psoriasis when used alongside methotrexate (MTX). Methotrexate is often the go-to first-line systemic treatment for psoriasis, and many patients in our study were treated with it for at least three months.
Among these patients, 95.2% were also taking folic acid supplements. Our findings indicated a positive link between folic acid use and achievement of PASI 90 responses, which means a drastic improvement in psoriasis severity. For instance, at week 12, 16.3% achieved this target response, and by week 24, this number rose to 37.3%.
Notably, factors like a lower median MTX dose (≤ 15 mg per week), administering MTX subcutaneously, having no prior systemic treatment, and the absence of comorbidities also contributed positively to treatment success.
However, while folic acid appeared beneficial, it did not stand out in isolation due to the complexities of treatment factors involved. Common side effects such as nausea and elevated liver enzymes were reported health concerns, but the treatment was generally considered both effective and safe.
Overall, our study emphasizes MTX as an efficient approach for psoriasis management, especially with appropriate folic acid supplementation, helping to enhance the treatment outcomes for many patients.
Among these patients, 95.2% were also taking folic acid supplements. Our findings indicated a positive link between folic acid use and achievement of PASI 90 responses, which means a drastic improvement in psoriasis severity. For instance, at week 12, 16.3% achieved this target response, and by week 24, this number rose to 37.3%.
Notably, factors like a lower median MTX dose (≤ 15 mg per week), administering MTX subcutaneously, having no prior systemic treatment, and the absence of comorbidities also contributed positively to treatment success.
However, while folic acid appeared beneficial, it did not stand out in isolation due to the complexities of treatment factors involved. Common side effects such as nausea and elevated liver enzymes were reported health concerns, but the treatment was generally considered both effective and safe.
Overall, our study emphasizes MTX as an efficient approach for psoriasis management, especially with appropriate folic acid supplementation, helping to enhance the treatment outcomes for many patients.
4
We explored how genetic differences can impact the effectiveness and safety of methotrexate, a commonly used treatment for plaque psoriasis. In this retrospective study, we focused on the genetic profiles of 137 patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis, specifically looking at how variations in certain genes related to the folate-methionine pathway and methotrexate transport affected treatment outcomes.
Our findings highlighted that specific gene mutations, particularly in GNMT and DNMT3b, significantly increased the risk of treatment failure and side effects. For instance, individuals with a variant of the GNMT gene were found to have nearly seven times the risk of discontinuing therapy due to inadequate results. Similarly, a variation in DNMT3b also contributed to a heightened risk of treatment failure.
Additionally, we discovered that some patients with other gene variants faced a higher risk of experiencing hepatotoxicity, the most frequent reason for stopping methotrexate treatment. These insights suggest that while methotrexate is effective for many, genetic factors can play a crucial role in how each individual responds to the medication, indicating the need for personalized approaches in treating psoriasis.
Overall, our research sheds light on the significant role genetic polymorphisms can play in methotrexate efficacy and safety, paving the way for future studies aimed at validating these findings in the quest for better psoriasis management.
Our findings highlighted that specific gene mutations, particularly in GNMT and DNMT3b, significantly increased the risk of treatment failure and side effects. For instance, individuals with a variant of the GNMT gene were found to have nearly seven times the risk of discontinuing therapy due to inadequate results. Similarly, a variation in DNMT3b also contributed to a heightened risk of treatment failure.
Additionally, we discovered that some patients with other gene variants faced a higher risk of experiencing hepatotoxicity, the most frequent reason for stopping methotrexate treatment. These insights suggest that while methotrexate is effective for many, genetic factors can play a crucial role in how each individual responds to the medication, indicating the need for personalized approaches in treating psoriasis.
Overall, our research sheds light on the significant role genetic polymorphisms can play in methotrexate efficacy and safety, paving the way for future studies aimed at validating these findings in the quest for better psoriasis management.
8
Methotrexate toxicity management insights
We examined the challenges associated with methotrexate (MTX) treatment in psoriasis patients, particularly the risk of toxicity from the medication. In this multicentric, retrospective study, we focused on identifying the underlying causes of MTX toxicity and understanding how folate treatment plays a role in managing these cases.
Out of 21 patients treated for MTX toxicity, most experienced significant side effects like mucocutaneous ulcerations and hematological issues. We observed that folinic acid, a form of folate, was used successfully in treating these patients, with a recovery rate of 85% within just 7-14 days. However, this finding primarily highlights folinic acid's role in mitigating toxicity rather than demonstrating a direct benefit of folate on psoriasis itself.
Importantly, the study revealed that overdosing—often due to self-medication—was the leading cause of toxicity, affecting 66% of patients. This underscores the need for thorough counseling regarding MTX use and potential side effects.
Overall, while folate aids in addressing toxicity symptoms, our findings do not suggest that it offers significant benefits for psoriasis treatment itself. It's crucial for patients to seek prompt medical advice if toxicity symptoms arise, ensuring timely and effective management.
Out of 21 patients treated for MTX toxicity, most experienced significant side effects like mucocutaneous ulcerations and hematological issues. We observed that folinic acid, a form of folate, was used successfully in treating these patients, with a recovery rate of 85% within just 7-14 days. However, this finding primarily highlights folinic acid's role in mitigating toxicity rather than demonstrating a direct benefit of folate on psoriasis itself.
Importantly, the study revealed that overdosing—often due to self-medication—was the leading cause of toxicity, affecting 66% of patients. This underscores the need for thorough counseling regarding MTX use and potential side effects.
Overall, while folate aids in addressing toxicity symptoms, our findings do not suggest that it offers significant benefits for psoriasis treatment itself. It's crucial for patients to seek prompt medical advice if toxicity symptoms arise, ensuring timely and effective management.
References
- Erduran F, Emre S, Hayran Y, Adışen E, Polat AK, et al. Analysis of factors influencing target PASI responses and side effects of methotrexate monotherapy in plaque psoriasis: a multicenter study of 1521 patients. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316:278. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03066-1
- Singh GK, Sapra D, Bahuguna A, Das P. Methotrexate toxicity in psoriasis-A multicentric retrospective study. Dermatol Ther. 2022;35:e15765. doi:10.1111/dth.15765
- Zhang Q, Lin J, Zhang Z, Han L, Huang Q, et al. MTHFR Polymorphism and Folic Acid Supplementation Influence Serum Homocysteine Levels in Psoriatic Patients Treated with Methotrexate. J Clin Med. 2022;11. doi:10.3390/jcm11154580
- Bruins FM, Van Acht MR, Bronckers IMGJ, Groenewoud HMM, De Jong EMGJ, et al. Real-world Methotrexate Use in a Prospective Cohort of Paediatric Patients with Plaque Psoriasis: Effectiveness, Adverse Events and Folic Acid Regimen. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022;102:adv00745. doi:10.2340/actadv.v102.1000
- Grželj J, Mlinarič-Raščan I, Marko PB, Marovt M, Gmeiner T, et al. Polymorphisms in GNMT and DNMT3b are associated with methotrexate treatment outcome in plaque psoriasis. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;138:111456. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111456
- Lin X, Meng X, Song Z. Homocysteine and psoriasis. Biosci Rep. 2019;39. doi:10.1042/BSR20190867
- Yousefkhani L, Rafiei R, Darjani A, Alizadeh N, Eftekhari H, et al. Evaluation of serum folate level before and after bath PUVA therapy in patients referred to Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32:e13000. doi:10.1111/dth.13000
