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NOW Supplements NOW Supplements Folic Acid
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 25 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
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

9
Vitamin B12 alleviates stroke effects
Functional regulation of microglia by vitamin B12 alleviates ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation in mice.
Highly relevant study findings
We investigated how vitamin B12 impacts neuroinflammation and recovery after an ischemic stroke. Our findings revealed that vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in programming microglial cells—immune cells in the brain—helping them divide and activate effectively, which is vital during the healing process. This treatment appeared to improve the metabolism of these cells as well, promoting better functionality and reduced brain injury after a stroke.

Interestingly, we found that vitamin B12 significantly limited gene alterations associated with strokes in these microglia. Throughout the acute phase of an ischemic stroke, vitamin B12 altered the activities of different microglial subsets, leading to less brain damage and enhanced neurological recovery for the mice in our study. However, when we depleted microglia before administering the stroke, the beneficial effects of vitamin B12 disappeared, highlighting the importance of microglia in this process.

Overall, our research underscores the potential of vitamin B12 in mitigating neuroinflammation and aiding recovery for stroke victims. Through our preclinical studies, we've established that vitamin B12 may indeed offer a promising avenue for improving neurological outcomes post-stroke, meriting further exploration.
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9
Folate supplementation and stroke prevention
Revisiting cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in primary stroke prevention in China: considering vitamin B12 deficiency masking issue.
High relevance to stroke prevention
We explored the cost-effectiveness of different folic acid supplementation strategies aimed at preventing strokes in hypertensive individuals in China. By examining four policy options, we aimed to find the best approach to support stroke prevention while considering potential complications from undetected vitamin B12 deficiencies.

The policies varied from simply not addressing folate levels to providing targeted folate supplements after screening for B12 deficiencies. Our analysis, based on a five-year intervention modeled from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, found that the most effective strategy combined folate supplementation with screening for both folate and B12 deficiencies.

This combination not only helped prevent strokes but also ensured that those with B12 deficiency received appropriate treatment. The implications of this research suggest that adopting integrated screening approaches could greatly enhance public nutrition strategies, ultimately saving costs and improving health outcomes for at-risk populations.
Read More
9
Folic acid reduces stroke risk
Folic acid supplementation for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials worldwide.
Directly addresses folate and stroke
We explored the impact of folic acid supplementation on stroke prevention through an extensive look at 21 randomized clinical trials from around the world. This analysis involved over 115,000 participants, providing a comprehensive picture of how folate might influence stroke risk.

The findings revealed a noteworthy 10% reduction in stroke risk for those taking folic acid, suggesting that this vitamin plays a beneficial role in safeguarding against strokes. Interestingly, the effectiveness varied depending on whether the participants lived in areas where grains were fortified with folate. We observed a more significant impact in regions without fortified grains, highlighting that the local dietary context matters.

Furthermore, our analysis indicated that individuals without a prior history of stroke or heart issues experienced the most benefits from folic acid. These results emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to stroke prevention, considering both diet and personal health history. Overall, this substantial collection of trials supports the notion that folic acid could be a valuable component in stroke prevention strategies.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

8.8
Beautiful skin
Folic Acid is crucial. I take 6 pills twice a day, and it enhances my skin's appearance almost immediately. It also serves to prevent strokes. NOW usually offers excellent products.
Read More
8
Strengthens immunity
Profitable product: our immunity requires folic acid. A strong immune system protects us. I also wish to strengthen my blood vessels with this vitamin, as heart attacks and strokes are all too common. Folic acid may also support my nervous system and improve my mood. The dosage is suitable, and the supply will last a long time. I wish everyone good health!
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 25 Researches
7.7
  • All Researches
9
Folate supplementation and stroke prevention
Revisiting cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in primary stroke prevention in China: considering vitamin B12 deficiency masking issue.
High relevance to stroke prevention
We explored the cost-effectiveness of different folic acid supplementation strategies aimed at preventing strokes in hypertensive individuals in China. By examining four policy options, we aimed to find the best approach to support stroke prevention while considering potential complications from undetected vitamin B12 deficiencies.

The policies varied from simply not addressing folate levels to providing targeted folate supplements after screening for B12 deficiencies. Our analysis, based on a five-year intervention modeled from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, found that the most effective strategy combined folate supplementation with screening for both folate and B12 deficiencies.

This combination not only helped prevent strokes but also ensured that those with B12 deficiency received appropriate treatment. The implications of this research suggest that adopting integrated screening approaches could greatly enhance public nutrition strategies, ultimately saving costs and improving health outcomes for at-risk populations.
Read More
9
Folate linked to better stroke outcomes
Folate, Homocysteine, and Adverse Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke.
Direct relation to stroke effects
We explored the connection between folate levels, homocysteine, and the outcomes of ischemic stroke. In a study involving 3,530 patients, we measured serum folate and homocysteine levels at the time of hospital admission.

Our findings revealed that higher folate levels were linked to a significantly lower risk of death and major disability three months after a stroke. Specifically, patients in the highest quartile of folate had a 29% reduced risk of experiencing adverse outcomes compared to those with the lowest levels.

On the flip side, elevated homocysteine levels seemed to indicate a higher risk; those in the top quartile had a 52% increased chance of facing the primary outcome. After adjusting for various factors, the results still highlighted that while folate may offer protective benefits, some of these effects might be mediated through homocysteine.

In summary, maintaining high levels of folate could be beneficial for stroke patients, potentially reducing their chances of serious complications.
Read More
9
Folic acid reduces stroke risk
Folic acid supplementation for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials worldwide.
Directly addresses folate and stroke
We explored the impact of folic acid supplementation on stroke prevention through an extensive look at 21 randomized clinical trials from around the world. This analysis involved over 115,000 participants, providing a comprehensive picture of how folate might influence stroke risk.

The findings revealed a noteworthy 10% reduction in stroke risk for those taking folic acid, suggesting that this vitamin plays a beneficial role in safeguarding against strokes. Interestingly, the effectiveness varied depending on whether the participants lived in areas where grains were fortified with folate. We observed a more significant impact in regions without fortified grains, highlighting that the local dietary context matters.

Furthermore, our analysis indicated that individuals without a prior history of stroke or heart issues experienced the most benefits from folic acid. These results emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to stroke prevention, considering both diet and personal health history. Overall, this substantial collection of trials supports the notion that folic acid could be a valuable component in stroke prevention strategies.
Read More
9
Tetrahydrofolate aids cognitive recovery
Tetrahydrofolate Attenuates Cognitive Impairment after Hemorrhagic Stroke by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PTEN Signaling.
High relevance to stroke treatment
We explored the impact of tetrahydrofolate (THF) on cognitive impairment resulting from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a common type of hemorrhagic stroke. This research is particularly important because ICH can lead to cognitive challenges and significant psychological burdens for patients.

Our findings revealed that administering THF helps restore cognitive function after ICH. By using specially designed Nestin-GFP mice, we observed that THF not only spurs the growth of neural stem cells in the hippocampus but also promotes the creation of new neurons. This enhancement in neurogenesis is crucial for cognitive health.

On a mechanistic level, we discovered that THF reduces elevated levels of the protein PTEN, which is known to inhibit cell growth, while simultaneously increasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR—proteins essential for cell survival and growth. Additionally, by conditionally removing PTEN from hippocampal neural stem cells, we noticed a reduction in the negative effects ICH typically has on the proliferation of these cells and on neurogenesis.

Overall, our study sheds light on the potential of THF as a therapeutic option for those recovering from hemorrhagic strokes, providing valuable insights into how we might help improve recovery for affected individuals.
Read More
9
Folic acid significantly reduces stroke risk
Effect of plateletcrit and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotypes on folic acid efficacy in stroke prevention.
Focused insights into folate's effects
We set out to explore how folic acid treatment influences stroke prevention, particularly in hypertensive people with specific genetic profiles and platelet characteristics. Using data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, we examined 11,185 adult patients, focusing on how factors like plateletcrit—a measure of how much of our blood is made up of platelets—interact with the MTHFR C677T genotypes, which are known to affect folate metabolism.

Our findings revealed that individuals with low plateletcrit and the TT genotype had the highest rate of strokes. This particular group, interestingly, showed a significant benefit from folic acid treatment, reducing their risk of a first stroke by 66%. Moreover, those with low plateletcrit alongside the CC or CT genotypes also experienced benefits from folic acid, showing a 60% reduction in stroke risk.

Therefore, assessing plateletcrit levels could be crucial for doctors in identifying patients who would gain the most from folic acid treatment. The study underscores the potential of folate in stroke prevention, particularly for individuals at a greater risk.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
8.8
Beautiful skin
Folic Acid is crucial. I take 6 pills twice a day, and it enhances my skin's appearance almost immediately. It also serves to prevent strokes. NOW usually offers excellent products.
8
Strengthens immunity
Profitable product: our immunity requires folic acid. A strong immune system protects us. I also wish to strengthen my blood vessels with this vitamin, as heart attacks and strokes are all too common. Folic acid may also support my nervous system and improve my mood. The dosage is suitable, and the supply will last a long time. I wish everyone good health!
Read More
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