Understanding how high folate and low vitamin B12 interact
The High Folate/Low Vitamin B12 Interaction is a Novel Cause of Vitamin B12 Depletion: Testing a New Hypothesis
This project explores how taking too much folic acid might worsen vitamin B12 deficiency in some people.
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 ID | NIH-11132628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For many years, doctors noticed that high doses of folic acid could sometimes make vitamin B12 deficiency worse, especially its effects on the brain. We want to understand exactly why this happens, looking at how folic acid affects the active form of B12 in the blood. By uncovering this mechanism, we hope to explain why some people with low B12 and high folate face a greater risk of anemia and memory issues. This knowledge could help guide better recommendations for vitamin supplements in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals who have or are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially those who also take folic acid supplements or consume fortified foods.
Not a fit: Patients without vitamin B12 deficiency or those not exposed to high levels of folic acid may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidelines for folic acid supplementation, helping to prevent worsening B12 deficiency and its related health problems.
How similar studies have performed: While clinical observations have long suggested this interaction, this project proposes a new hypothesis to explain the underlying biological mechanism, making the specific approach novel.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- 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 below.