Folate
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and one-carbon metabolism supporting neurotransmitter production. Correcting deficiency is important, and folate (especially L-methylfolate) shows modest benefit as an add-on in some people with depression. In folate-replete individuals, supplementation has not been shown to improve mood or prevent cognitive decline.
Too little may be associated with
Deficiency: low mood, anemia, neural-tube risk in pregnancy.
Too much may be associated with
High intake can mask B12 deficiency.
Informational only β not medical advice.
Benefits
B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red-cell formation; adequate intake before and during pregnancy prevents neural-tube defects.
Risks
High folic-acid intake can mask B12 deficiency and leave unmetabolized folic acid in circulation; otherwise safe within recommended limits.
Informational only β not medical advice.
Body systems
Organs
Neurotransmitters
Related
Where to buy
Popular Folate products on Amazon. Not medical advice β talk to a clinician before starting a supplement.
As an Amazon Associate, Neurotransmission earns from qualifying purchases.
Research (16)
- Folate Deficiency-Induced Pseudo-Thrombotic Microangiopathy Allemand et al. (2026) Full text β PubMed β
- Adjunctive Lumateperone in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Results From a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial Durgam et al. (2025) Full text β PubMed β
- Methionine cycle in C. elegans serotonergic neurons regulates diet-dependent behaviour and longevity through neuron-gut signaling Rahman et al. (2025) Full text β PubMed β
- Causes and Clinical Sequelae of Riboflavin Deficiency McNulty et al. (2023) PubMed β
- Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome: Early Diagnosis, Intervention and Treatment Strategies Ramaekers et al. (2022) Full text β PubMed β
- Correction: Rossignol, D.A.; Frye, R.E. Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies and Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11, 1141 Rossignol et al. (2022) Full text β PubMed β
- The contribution of environmental exposure to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder BΓΆlte et al. (2019) Full text β PubMed β
- Nutritional psychiatry: the present state of the evidence Marx et al. (2017) PubMed β
- S-Adenosyl Methionine in the Therapy of Depression and Other Psychiatric Disorders Karas (2016) Full text β PubMed β
- Cerebral folate deficiency Hyland et al. (2010) Full text β PubMed β
- Cerebral folate deficiency Gordon (2009) Full text β PubMed β
- Folate and depression--a neglected problem Young (2007) Full text β PubMed β
- Folate deficiency Dinelli et al. (1999) Full text β PubMed β
- The clinical potential of ademetionine (S-adenosylmethionine) in neurological disorders Reynolds et al. (1994) Full text β PubMed β
- Sepiapterin Reductase Deficiency Adam et al. (1993) PubMed β
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