Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Folic acid is the manufactured form of folate, vitamin B9, which the body needs to make DNA and red blood cells. It is used to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida when taken before and early in pregnancy, to treat folate-deficiency anaemia, and to reduce side effects of methotrexate. Many countries add it to flour.
The most studied gene for folic acid is MTHFR, whose common variant rs1801133 (C677T) lowers the enzyme's activity and is linked to higher homocysteine levels, which folic acid lowers. Studies have looked at MTHFR, MTR and MTRR for how much homocysteine fell, and many of the findings on this page come from studies of folic acid given alongside methotrexate. There is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.
Every published finding on gene variants and Folic Acid. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
MTHFR rs1801131: Level 3. Efficacy: Neoplasms. 4.
MTRR rs1801394: Level 3. Efficacy: Migraine with Aura. 1.
TLR4 rs4986790: Level 3. Toxicity: Rheumatoid arthritis. 1.
MTHFR rs1801133: Level 3. Efficacy. 1.
Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.
MTHFR rs1801131: Allele G is associated with decreased metabolism of folic acid.
MTHFR rs1801133: Allele A is associated with decreased metabolism of folic acid.
Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
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