Investigating how high folate levels may cause vitamin B12 depletion
Official title: The High Folate/Low Vitamin B12 Interaction is a Novel Cause of Vitamin B12 Depletion: Testing a New Hypothesis
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10872178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking a lot of folic acid might affect your vitamin B12 levels, which are important for your brain and overall health, especially if you already have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $541,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134533-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency or those experiencing symptoms related to anemia and cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have normal vitamin B12 levels and do not exhibit symptoms of deficiency are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between high doses of folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in the body. It aims to understand how excess folate may lead to a depletion of active vitamin B12, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including cognitive health. By examining blood samples and biomarkers, the study seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind this interaction and its potential effects on patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. The findings could provide insights into better management strategies for individuals at risk of anemia and cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially alleviating symptoms and preventing cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with high folate intake in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, suggesting that this investigation could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Joshua William — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Miller, Joshua William
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.