Folic Acid

Associations between Diet and Cognitive Function in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Amanat S, Dordevic AL, Brodtmann A, Cardoso BR · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) · 2025

Poststroke cognitive decline is a major form of disability in stroke survivors. Although dietary interventions have shown potential in improving cognitive outcomes in stroke-free populations, their effects on stroke survivors remain unclear. This review aimed to evaluate associations between diet and cognitive function in stroke survivors. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINHAL were searched for studies from inception to 16 December, 2024. Eligible articles were observational and interventional studies on adult stroke survivors that evaluated the association/effect of any nutritional exposure/intervention on cognitive performance and dementia risk. Studies were excluded when an intervention was combined with nonnutritional treatment. Random-effects meta-analysis was used for similar randomized clinical trials. This review included 20 clinical trials and 14 observational studies assessing the intake of energy and proteins and a variety of single nutrients, as well as dietary patterns, sing

Safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Zhou P, Yu X, Song T, Hou X · PloS one · 2024 · n=650

To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Randomized controlled trials and prospective studies on antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with ADHD were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception of databases to November 12, 2022. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Network meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD 42023382824) was carried out by using R Studio 4.2.1. 48 studies involving 12 antioxidant drugs (resveratrol, pycnogenol, omega-3, omega-6, quercetin, phosphatidylserine, almond, vitamin D, zinc, folic acid, ginkgo biloba, Acetyl-L-carnitine) were finally included, with 3,650 patients. Network meta-analysis showed that omega-6 (0.18), vitamin D (0.19), and quercetin (0.24) were the top three safest drugs according to SUCRA. The omega-3

Healthy lifestyle choices: new insights into vitiligo management.

Liang X, Guo F, Fan Q, Cai X, Wang J, Chen J · Frontiers in immunology · 2024 · n=542

The treatment of vitiligo is complex, and providing guidance based on lifestyle habits is a good option that has not been summarized or analyzed. To elucidate the relationship between vitiligo and lifestyle factors. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and China National Knowledge Internet) were searched for articles published between 1980 and December 2022. Keywords such as smoking, drinking, exercise, diet, and sleep were used. Based on the search strategy, 875 relevant studies were retrieved, and 73 were included in this study, of which 41 studies with 8,542 patients with vitiligo were included in the meta-analysis. Vitamin C [mean difference (MD), -0.342; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.090-0.407; p >0.05), folic acid (MD, -1.463; 95% CI, -7.133-4.208; p >0.05), and selenium (MD, 0.350; 95% CI, -0.687-1.387; p >0.05) levels did not differ between the groups. Vitamin E (MD, -1.408; 95% CI, -2.611--0.206; p <0.05), vitamin B12 (MD, -0.951; 95% CI, -1.672--0.275;

Folic Acid as a Potential Vitamin in Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review.

Aydoğdu GS, Akyakar B, Kalaycı Z, Uçar A, Gezmen-Karadağ M · Current nutrition reports · 2024

This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between serum folate level and folic acid supplements with glycemic control parameters (fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin level, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)) in adult individuals with current studies. In this study, which was designed as a systematic review, the searches were performed on Web of Science, Science Direct, Medline, Wiley, and Cochrane Library databases between April 10, 2023, and May 10, 2023, and the searches were updated between October 16, 2023, and November 14, 2023. Of the 1855 studies obtained from the screening, 17 met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. The PROSPERO system registered the study protocol (ID: CRD42023472434). Although no significant correlation was found between serum folate levels and glycemic control parameters in most of the cross-sectional studies included in this systematic review, most of the randomize

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Viswanathan M, Urrutia RP, Hudson KN, Middleton JC, Kahwati LC · JAMA · 2023

Neural tube defects are among the most common birth defects in the US. To review new evidence on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Sources included PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and trial registries from July 1, 2015, through July 2, 2021; references; and experts, with surveillance through February 10, 2023. Two investigators independently reviewed English-language randomized studies and nonrandomized cohort studies in very highly developed countries that focused on the use of folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defect-affected pregnancies; methodological quality was dually and independently assessed. Twelve observational studies (reported in 13 publications) were eligible for this limited update (N = 1 244 072). Of these, 3 studies (n = 990 372) reported on the effect of folic acid supplementation

Efficacy of B-vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Borges-Vieira JG, Cardoso CKS · Nutritional neuroscience · 2023 · n=256

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of B vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving the standard treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. We also aimed to gather the evidence supporting the recommendations for supplementation in clinical practice. Performed between March 2020 and September 2021, the main inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with patients ≥ 18 years old, both sexes, fulfilling target diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or mild to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the RCTs were included if the scales to assess the severity of the symptoms were standardized rating scales in psychiatric. Trials that reported diagnoses of schizophrenia, perinatal depression, bipolar depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, cancer, and multiple sclerosis in association with any of the mentioned diagnoses were excluded. We identified 20 RCTs that match

Teratogenesis, Perinatal, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After In Utero Exposure to Antiseizure Medication: Practice Guideline From the AAN, AES, and SMFM.

Pack AM, Oskoui M, Williams Roberson S, Donley DK, French J, Gerard EE · Neurology · 2024

This practice guideline provides updated evidence-based conclusions and recommendations regarding the effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and folic acid supplementation on the prevalence of major congenital malformations (MCMs), adverse perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born to people with epilepsy of childbearing potential (PWECP). A multidisciplinary panel conducted a systematic review and developed practice recommendations following the process outlined in the 2017 edition of the American Academy of Neurology Clinical Practice Guideline Process Manual. The systematic review includes studies through August 2022. Recommendations are supported by structured rationales that integrate evidence from the systematic review, related evidence, principles of care, and inferences from evidence. The following are some of the major recommendations. When treating PWECP, clinicians should recommend ASMs and doses that optimize both seizure control and fetal outco

Pre-conception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Folic Acid-Sensitive Congenital Anomalies.

Wilson RD, Genetics Committee, Wilson RD, Audibert F, Brock JA, Carroll J · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2015

To provide updated information on the pre- and post-conception use of oral folic acid with or without a multivitamin/micronutrient supplement for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. This will help physicians, midwives, nurses, and other health care workers to assist in the education of women about the proper use and dosage of folic acid/multivitamin supplementation before and during pregnancy. Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in January 2011 using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (e.g., folic acid, prenatal multivitamins, folate sensitive birth defects, congenital anomaly risk reduction, pre-conception counselling). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies published in English from 1985 and June 2014. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to Jun

Toward an optimal use of folic acid: an advisory report of the Health Council of the Netherlands.

Weggemans RM, Schaafsma G, Kromhout D, Health Council of the Netherlands · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2009

In this report, benefits (preventing neural tube defects and folate deficiency), risks (masking vitamin B(12) deficiency), and uncertain effects (risk of colon cancer) of folic acid supplementation and fortification have been weighted. On the basis of the available evidence, the Health Council of the Netherlands advises the Dutch government to improve the use of folic acid approximately at the time of conception by increased education and the implementation of preconception care. It further recommends considering fortifying staple foods, provided that voluntary fortification of specific foods is banned, as otherwise children are at risk of having an excessively high intake of folic acid. Policy making in relation to fortification should take into account all possible health effects, even if the evidence is not strong.

Effectiveness and safety of Moluodan in the treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A randomized clinical trial.

Zou TH, Gao QY, Liu S, Li YQ, Meng XJ, Zhang GX · Journal of digestive diseases · 2024 · n=166

To investigate the clinical potential and safety of Moluodan to reverse gastric precancerous lesions. Patients aged 18-70 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atrophy and/or moderate-to-severe intestinal metaplasia, with or without low-grade dysplasia, and negative for Helicobacter pylori were recruited in this randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial. The primary outcome was the improvement of global histological diagnosis at 1-year follow-up endoscopy using the operative link for gastritis assessment, the operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment, and the disappearance rate of dysplasia. Between November 3, 2017 and January 27, 2021, 166 subjects were randomly assigned to the Moluodan group, 168 to the folic acid group, 84 to the combination group, and 84 to the high-dose Moluodan group. The improvement in global histological diagnosis was achieved in 60 (39.5%) subjects receiving Moluodan, 59 (37.8%) receiving folic acid, 26 (32.1%) receiving

Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Panda PK, Sharawat IK, Saha S, Gupta D, Palayullakandi A, Meena K · European journal of pediatrics · 2024 · n=40

Oral folinic acid has shown potential to improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited. This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT aimed to compare changes in Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores in children with ASD aged 2-10 years, among folinic acid (2 mg/kg/day, maximum of 50 mg/day) and placebo groups at 24 weeks, in comparison with baseline. Both the groups received standard care (ABA and sensory integration therapy). Secondary objectives included changes in behavioral problems measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and serum levels of anti-folate receptor autoantibodies and folic acid, correlated with changes in autism symptom severity. Out of the 40 participants recruited in each group, 39 and 38 participants completed the 24-week follow-up in the folinic acid and placebo groups, respectively. The change in CARS score was higher in the folinic acid group (3.6 &

Effect of dietary myo-inositol supplementation on the insulin resistance and the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: an open-label, randomized controlled trial.

Asimakopoulos G, Pergialiotis V, Antsaklis P, Theodora M, Loutradis D, Daskalakis G · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2024

Myo-inositol (MI) is an insulin-sensitizing dietary supplement, enhancing the transfer of glucose into the cell. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by abnormal glucose tolerance, which is associated with elevated insulin resistance. The present study aimed to assess the effect of MI supplementation during pregnancy on the incidence of GDM. We performed a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. A cohort of 200 pregnant women at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned in two groups: MI group (n = 100) and control group (n = 100). The MI group received MI and folic acid (4000 mg MI and 400 mcg folic acid daily), while the control group received folic acid alone (400 mcg folic acid daily) until 26-28 weeks of gestation, when the 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was performed for the diagnosis of GDM. Clinical and metabolic outcomes were assessed. The incidence of GDM was significantly higher in the MI group (1

Micronutrient deficiencies in patients with celiac disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lamjadli S, Oujamaa I, Souli I, Eddehbi FE, Lakhouaja N, M'raouni B · International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology · 2025

This study aimed to characterize micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, ferritin, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc (Zn), vitamin B12, and copper, in patients with celiac disease, and evaluated the effects of these deficiencies on selected hematological parameters, including hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Celiac disease (CeD), an immune-mediated disorder affecting the small bowel, is associated with genetic factors and micronutrient deficiencies. This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches of multiple databases retrieved 4140 studies, of which 45 were selected. Risk of Bias was performed in accordance with the STROBE checklist. Meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in hemoglobin levels between patients with CeD and controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.59 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.8459 to -0.3382); P = 0.0003). Iron levels were lower in patients with CeD (SMD ≈ -0.4 (95% CI

Single-dose intravenous iron vs oral iron for treatment of maternal iron deficiency anemia: a randomized clinical trial.

Derman RJ, Bellad MB, Somannavar MS, Bhandari S, Mehta S, Mehta S · American journal of obstetrics and gynecology · 2025 · n=1462

Maternal iron deficiency anemia is a persistent global health challenge with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Obstetric guidelines advocate for first-line treatment of moderate iron deficiency anemia with twice-daily oral iron; however, rates of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy remain above global targets and are rising. Determine whether single-dose intravenous iron for primary treatment of maternal iron deficiency anemia in the second trimester is superior to twice daily oral iron in reducing incidence of low birth weight infants and maternal anemia at delivery. This is a parallel, 3-arm, semiblind superiority randomized controlled multicenter trial across 4 sites in India from March 15, 2021-May 12, 2023. Participants were singleton pregnancies at 14 to 17 weeks with moderate iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 7.0-9.9 g/dL) who were randomized 1:1:1 to (1) 60 mg oral ferrous sulfate twice daily; or single-dose infusion of (2) intravenous ferric derisomaltose or (3)

Dietary supplements and prevention of preeclampsia.

Ushida T, Tano S, Matsuo S, Fuma K, Imai K, Kajiyama H · Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension · 2025

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and end-organ dysfunction. However, to date, no effective treatment has been established other than iatrogenic delivery, and the importance of prevention as an alternative approach to addressing PE has been emphasized. There is growing evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing PE. In this review, we focused on dietary supplements as non-pharmacological prophylaxis for PE. Calcium is a well-documented supplement for the prevention of PE. Daily 500 mg calcium supplementation can roughly halve the risk of PE in settings where calcium intake is low, including in Japan. According to recent systematic reviews and network meta-analyses, current evidence on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation is inconsistent. Although vitamin D is a candidate for the prevention of PE, future large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to

Nano-encapsulated Iron and Folic Acid-Fortified Functional Yogurt Enhance Anemia in Albino Rats.

Darwish AMG, Soliman TN, Elhendy HA, El-Kholy WM · Frontiers in nutrition · 2021

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health concern in developing countries, and these see an increased incidence in pregnant women and children in particular. The contribution of dairy products as natural products in drug delivery approaches is inspiring. This study aimed to analyze the application of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) as anti-anemic pharmacological agents that fortify stirred functional yogurt (SFY), comparing these with a plain control and SFY fortified with Fe and FA in free forms. The physicochemical, cytotoxicity, microbiological, viscosity, oxidative interactions, microstructural, sensorial analyses, and bioavailability properties of IDA-induced Albino rats were examined. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zetasizer, and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) were applied. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed an enhanced apparent viscosity, water-holding capacity, microstructure, least lipid oxidation, and overall sensoria

Folic Acid

CDC

The CDC offers information on folic acid, emphasizing its importance in preventing neural tube defects and promoting public health. It includes details on recommended intake and fortified foods.

Effect of Folic Acid on Homocysteine Levels and Flow-mediated Dilation in HIV and HIV-HCV Coinfected Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

n=69 · NCT02810275 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Patients infected by HIV or HIV-HCV coinfected have higher survival due to the use of HAART, but survival is accompanied by increased morbidity and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherogenesis, acting as an intermediate in the causal pathway of CVD. Folinic acid (FA) has been shown to reduce CVD outcomes, especially among individuals with hyperhomocisteinemia. To date, few studies provided consistent information about efficacy of pharmacological interventions that minimize damage to the vascular endothelium in patients infected by HIV or HIV-HCV coinfected. The main hypothesis of this study is that FA supplementation protects the vascular endothelium, and consequently might prevent subclinical atherosclerosis. Thus, the first step is to determine the efficacy of supplementation with FA, and to compare the effect between HIV and HIV-HCV coinfected.

Prospective International Multicenter Observational Cohort Study Evaluating Progress and Outcomes of Pregnancy in Women Using Various Vitamin Support Regimens Before and During Pregnancy (UNONA Study)

n=1500 · NCT05062044 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

This is an observational study in which data from the participants who will be taking different vitamin supplementation regimes before and during pregnancy. Vitamin deficiency is a condition where there is not enough vitamins in the body. During pregnancy, a woman's body may require more vitamins than usual. When the body does not get enough vitamins, people can take vitamin supplements to help increase the amount of vitamins in the body. It is already known, that polyvitamins can decrease risks of anemia (low level of red cells in the blood), neural tube defects (severe congenital anomaly of neural system) or other malformations, but also on several pregnancy complications. Nevertheless, a significant amount of evidence on the use of vitamins during pregnancy has been obtained in countries with low and middle level of living standards. Countries with higher living standards may have different prevalence of vitamin insufficiency, thereby it is not clearly known how vitamin supplementation may help to reduce pregnancy complications in these population. So, researchers think it is important to do more studies. Elevit contains many different vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are important to help women before and during pregnancy. In this study, the researchers want to collect more data about how well pregnancies progress and the outcomes of the pregnancies in women who are taking different vitamin treatment or supplements, including elevit. To do this, the researchers will review information collected from the participants to: * calculate how many women give birth without any complications between weeks 37 and 42 of their pregnancies * calculate how many women have low levels of red blood cells in the blood during the third trimester of their pregnancies * calculate how many women have a serious condition called preeclampsia during their pregnancy, a condition in which pregnant women have a sudden rise in blood pressure and swelling in the hands, feet and face * calculate how many women give birth to babies who weigh less than expected at the time of their birth * give the women a questionnaire to complete during each trimester to see how they are feeling The participants will have decided with their doctor to start their vitamin treatment or supplements before getting pregnant or during their pregnancy. During the study, the researchers will collect the women's information from their medical records taken during their regular medical appointments. The study will include women who are pregnant and who are planning to get pregnant. The study will include both women who have vitamin deficiency and women who do not have vitamin deficiency. Each participant will be in this study for up to 18 months., The whole study will last about 2 years and 10 months. During this time, the participants will visit their doctor 5 times as part of their usual care. The study is planned to collect data from October 2021 until June 2024.

Metformin for Prevention of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT )

n=80 · NCT02802215 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

Randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial that evaluate the role of taking metformin therapy during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) in reducing the development of gestational diabetes(GDM) and improving pregnancy outcomes.