Can i take b12 and folic acid together
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Can I Take B12 and Folic Acid Together?
Combined Supplementation of B12 and Folic Acid: Cardiovascular Health
Research indicates that taking folic acid and vitamin B12 together can have specific health benefits, particularly in reducing homocysteine levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A meta-analysis of randomized control trials found that combined supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 significantly reduced homocysteine levels by 2.53 µmol/L. However, this combination did not significantly affect the incidence of cardiovascular disease events or myocardial infarction but did reduce the risk of stroke by 14%.
Impact on Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
A study focusing on women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease found that long-term combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 significantly reduced homocysteine concentrations by 18%. Despite this reduction, the treatment did not alter major biomarkers of vascular inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, or fibrinogen, indicating no significant clinical cardiovascular disease benefit.
Effects on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
In patients with type 2 diabetes, combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 has shown promising results. A clinical trial demonstrated that this combination significantly improved glycemic control and insulin resistance compared to standard oral anti-diabetic drugs. The study also noted a significant decline in serum homocysteine levels in patients receiving the supplements.
Cognitive Function and Dementia
The effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 on cognitive function and dementia have been mixed. Some studies suggest that folic acid, with or without vitamin B12, does not significantly benefit cognitive function in healthy elderly or cognitively impaired individuals . However, one study found that folic acid supplementation improved the response to cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's patients, indicating potential benefits in specific contexts.
Cancer Risk
There is evidence suggesting that combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 may increase the risk of certain cancers. A long-term follow-up study from the B-PROOF trial found that this combination was associated with a higher risk of overall cancer and colorectal cancer. This finding suggests that supplementation should be approached with caution, particularly in individuals without a proven deficiency.
Conclusion
Taking folic acid and vitamin B12 together can offer specific health benefits, such as reducing homocysteine levels and improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. However, the combination does not significantly impact cardiovascular disease events or cognitive function in the general elderly population. Additionally, there is a potential increased risk of cancer associated with long-term supplementation. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if this supplementation is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic