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Folate
Supplements · Strong evidence
Evidence
77
Impact
60
Folate's strongest evidence is for preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy; its role in stroke and mood is more mixed.
- Studies
- 9
- RCTs
- 0
- Meta-analyses
- 9
Research summary
- Folate's best-established benefit is preventing neural tube defects: a Cochrane review and multiple systematic reviews consistently support periconceptional folic acid supplementation for this purpose, one of the more unambiguous wins in preventive nutrition.
- For stroke prevention in adults, a meta-analysis of 21 randomized trials and an earlier Lancet meta-analysis both found folic acid supplementation reduces stroke risk, though a dedicated analysis of effect modifiers found the benefit is concentrated in populations without pre-existing folate fortification of the food supply (such as parts of Asia), and more muted where fortification is already widespread (such as the US).
- For depression, meta-analyses show low folate status is associated with depression risk, and folate augmentation of antidepressants shows modest benefit, but the evidence is less consistent than for stroke or neural tube defects.
- Overall, folate's evidence strength varies considerably by outcome and population.