Folate
Folate (folic acid, vitamin B9) is needed for DNA and RNA synthesis and repair, the synthesis of many neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), and the formation of red blood cells. Folate and B12 metabolism are closely intertwined; B12 deficiency results in a functional folate deficiency.
Diminished folate intake and levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline [Abdelmaksoud, 2019; Agnew-Blais, 2015; Bender, 2017].
Supplementing and higher folate intake improves cognitive performance and depressive symptoms [Abdelmaksoud, 2019; Durga, 2007; Fioravanti, 1998; Walker, 2012],
For those with migraine, higher folate intake may reduce headache severity [Tian, 2024]. In clinical studies, combination B12, B6, and folate supplements significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity, as well as the use of rescue medications [Nematgorgani, 2022; Limpias, 2020].
References
Abdelmaksoud A, Vojvodic A, Ayhan S, et al. Depression, isotretinoin, and folic acid: a practical review. Dermatol Ther 2019;32:e13104
Agnew-Blais J.C., Wassertheil-Smoller S., et al. Folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 intake and mild cognitive impairment and probable dementia in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015;115:231–241
Bender A., Hagan K.E., Kingston N. The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2017;95:9–18
Durga J., van Boxtel M.P., Schouten E.G., et al. Effect of 3-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: A randomised, double blind, controlled trial. Lancet 2007;369:208–216
Fioravanti M., Ferrario E., Massaia M., et al. Low folate levels in the cognitive decline of elderly patients and the efficacy of folate as a treatment for improving memory deficits. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1998;26:1–13
Limpias IN, Siokas V, Athina-Maria A, et al. Pyridoxine, folate and cobalamin for migraine: a systematic review. Acta Neurol Scand 2020;142:108-120
Nematgorgani S, Razeghi-Jahromi S, Jafari E, et al. B vitamins and their combination could reduce migraine headaches: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Curr J Neurol 2022;21:105-18
Tian S, Wu L, Zheng H, et al. Association between dietary folate intake and severe headache among adults in the USA: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Nutr 2024;131:438-46
