Ask the doctor: Does folic acid improve immunity?
Since folate helps make and repair DNA, it makes theoretical sense that a deficiency of the vitamin could hamper immunity. In some animal experiments, severe folate deficiency has been found to impair immunity, but this hasn't yet been shown in human studies, and even in animals, the health impact remains unclear. With regard to taking higher-than-recommended doses of folate or folic acid to prevent disease or improve overall health, the evidence from clinical trials is conflicting.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
