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NOW Supplements NOW Supplements Folic Acid
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 32 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Folate
1,360 mcg DFE** (800 mcg folic acid)
340%
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
25 mcg
1042%

Top Medical Research Studies

2
Vitamin B12 shows no benefit for depression
Assessment of Vitamin B12 Efficacy on Cognitive Memory Function and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
No significant impact evaluated
We assessed the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on depressive symptoms by reviewing several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our analysis focused on participants who may experience mild cognitive impairment, an area where low vitamin B12 levels could potentially raise the risk of depression.

After a thorough examination of studies, we found that the included trials did not support a significant benefit of vitamin B12 for alleviating depressive symptoms. In our evaluation of three studies focusing specifically on depression, the average difference in symptoms was negligible, indicating no real effect.

This outcome reflects that while vitamin B12 is essential for various bodily functions, its role in improving mood and reducing depression symptoms may not be as effective as some might hope. Further exploration is still warranted to better understand the contexts in which vitamin B12 could be beneficial.
Read More
9.5
Vitamin B12 relieves depressive symptoms
A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review.
High relevance to treatment effectiveness
We explored the impact of vitamin B12 supplementation on patients experiencing symptoms like depression, fatigue, and neuropathic pain—often linked with rheumatic diseases. Through our review of three case studies, we found that when these patients received vitamin B12 treatment, many of their depressive symptoms significantly improved.

The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.

In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
Read More
9
Folic acid aids depression treatment
Folate as adjunct therapy to SSRI/SNRI for major depressive disorder: Systematic review & meta-analysis.
High relevance for depression research
We examined the effects of folic acid as an add-on treatment for major depression alongside traditional medications like SSRIs and SNRIs. After reviewing six randomized control trials, we found that patients receiving folic acid showed better progress.

Specifically, their depression scores improved significantly, with higher response and remission rates as well. This suggests that adding folic acid might enhance the benefits of standard depression therapies, giving hope to those looking for more effective treatment options.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9.5
Less severe illness
After using this vitamin for over a year, I've noticed a significant improvement in my quality of life. Not only do I feel healthier and get sick less often, but it has noticeably improved my mood. Given my family history of depression, I am very grateful for this change.
Read More
9.5
Winter depression relief
Living in a northern climate, I've struggled with winter depression. After starting this vitamin, I experienced significant improvement. Initially, I relied on it daily, but now I can manage without it, thanks to its cumulative effect. It has made winter much more bearable.
Read More
8.3
Effective for depression
Folic acid supports the formation of the nervous system. I take it for its benefits in alleviating mental depression and lethargy, and it genuinely seems effective. Additionally, it aids in preventing dementia and improving brain health and immunity, so I'll continue taking it alongside green vegetables rich in folic acid.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 32 Researches
7.1
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin B12 relieves depressive symptoms
A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review.
High relevance to treatment effectiveness
We explored the impact of vitamin B12 supplementation on patients experiencing symptoms like depression, fatigue, and neuropathic pain—often linked with rheumatic diseases. Through our review of three case studies, we found that when these patients received vitamin B12 treatment, many of their depressive symptoms significantly improved.

The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.

In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
Read More
9
Folic acid improves mood in mice
A combination of chlorzoxazone and folic acid improves recognition memory, anxiety and depression in SCA3-84Q mice.
Highly relevant to mood disorders
We explored the effects of chlorzoxazone and folic acid on anxiety, depression, and memory using a mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 (SCA3).

The combination of these treatments showed promising results, particularly in reducing signs of anxiety and depression while enhancing recognition memory in SCA3-84Q mice.

This suggests that a combined therapy might be beneficial for managing both motor and cognitive symptoms related to ataxia, highlighting the potential of folic acid in improving mood.
Read More
9
Folic acid mitigates depression symptoms
Gestational folic acid supplement prevents vitamin D deficiency-induced depression-like behavior by reversing cortical DNA hypomethylation in adult offspring.
Significant relationship discovered
We examined how maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) impacts depression-like behaviors in offspring and the potential role of folic acid in this process.

Female mice were fed a VDD diet during pregnancy, leading to clear depression-like behaviors in their adult offspring.

However, when folic acid was given, it reversed certain negative changes, like DNA methylation, and reduced symptoms of depression.

This suggests that folic acid could be a significant factor in mitigating depression-related issues associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency.
Read More
9
Folic acid aids depression treatment
Folate as adjunct therapy to SSRI/SNRI for major depressive disorder: Systematic review & meta-analysis.
High relevance for depression research
We examined the effects of folic acid as an add-on treatment for major depression alongside traditional medications like SSRIs and SNRIs. After reviewing six randomized control trials, we found that patients receiving folic acid showed better progress.

Specifically, their depression scores improved significantly, with higher response and remission rates as well. This suggests that adding folic acid might enhance the benefits of standard depression therapies, giving hope to those looking for more effective treatment options.
Read More
9
Vitamin B12's role in stress resilience
Transthyretin Orchestrates Vitamin B12-Induced Stress Resilience.
High relevance for mood disorders
This research delves into the question of how vitamin B12 impacts stress resilience and depression. Utilizing a chronic variable stress mouse model, we identified changing gene activity linked to stress resilience after vitamin B12 treatment. By employing advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, we found that vitamin B12 plays a role in altering the way certain genes, particularly one called Ttr, are expressed under stress.

We specifically observed that Ttr, or transthyretin, is influenced by vitamin B12 in a way that appears distinct for different sexes. Our findings indicated that postmortem samples from male patients with depression showed elevated levels of TTR in their brains, while no similar difference was noted in females. Further experimentation demonstrated that manipulating Ttr in the brains of stressed mice led to changes in behavior associated with stress and depression, along with alterations in brain structure and the expression of other related genes.

Notably, when stressed mice received vitamin B12, it appeared to reduce DNA methylation (a chemical modification that can regulate gene activity) in the region controlling Ttr. This led us to establish a clear connection between Ttr’s regulation and behaviors associated with chronic stress. Overall, our work suggests that vitamin B12 supplementation may stimulate mechanisms tied to stress resilience, sparking interest in dietary interventions as a means to combat mood disorders.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9.5
Less severe illness
After using this vitamin for over a year, I've noticed a significant improvement in my quality of life. Not only do I feel healthier and get sick less often, but it has noticeably improved my mood. Given my family history of depression, I am very grateful for this change.
9.5
Winter depression relief
Living in a northern climate, I've struggled with winter depression. After starting this vitamin, I experienced significant improvement. Initially, I relied on it daily, but now I can manage without it, thanks to its cumulative effect. It has made winter much more bearable.
8.3
Effective for depression
Folic acid supports the formation of the nervous system. I take it for its benefits in alleviating mental depression and lethargy, and it genuinely seems effective. Additionally, it aids in preventing dementia and improving brain health and immunity, so I'll continue taking it alongside green vegetables rich in folic acid.
Read More
7.5
Mood improvement
NOW Foods Folic Acid, 800 mcg, 250 Tablets, is known to boost the immune system and contribute to overall health. It also positively affects mood stabilization and helps in the prevention of depression.
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