Myths vs facts: Folsäure and Blutzucker

Folate (folic acid) is a B vitamin critical for methylation and homocysteine metabolism. Some observational studies link low folate status to higher insulin resistance, but randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show inconsistent effects on fasting glucose or HbA1c in healthy individuals or those with diabetes. High-dose folic acid (≥1 mg/day) can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in older adults or vegans. Overall, the evidence is mixed: correcting a deficiency is important, but there is no strong support for using folic acid specifically to lower blood sugar. Consumer tests (e.g., MyBody-X nutrient deficiency test) can identify a folate deficit but do not assess blood sugar impact or toxicity. Be cautious of marketing claims that exaggerate folate's role in glucose control.