What role does Folsäure play in Wechseljahre?

Folate (folic acid) plays a supportive but not primary role during menopause. Its main benefit is in homocysteine metabolism: after menopause, homocysteine levels often rise, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Folate supplementation lowers homocysteine, but evidence for direct clinical risk reduction is moderate (observational studies, no large RCTs). Folate is also essential for DNA synthesis and methylation, processes that remain important during this life stage. Some studies suggest potential benefits for mood and cognitive function, but results are inconsistent. Caveat: high-dose folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, which is more common in older women. Supplementation should therefore be medically supervised. Overall evidence is human-moderate – folate is not a miracle cure but a reasonable component of a balanced diet during menopause.