Ray Peat on folic acid

January 3, 2026

Nutritional needs for regulating estrogen and thyroid function

"In addition to the nutrients needed to regulate estrogen levels (protein and B vitamins) and the nutrients required by the thyroid gland (e.g., iodine, manganese, and cobalt), special attention should be paid to the anti-stress vitamins involved in progesterone synthesis (vitamin A, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E) – as well as to the nutrients that are demonstrably consumed in greater quantities by an excess of estrogen: especially folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B6."

Nutrition for Women

Blood circulation-enhancing effect of folic acid and niacin

“Other vitamins that can improve blood circulation by widening small blood vessels include folic acid and niacin. Vitamin C can help eliminate toxins that could contribute to high blood pressure.”

Nutrition for Women

The role of folic acid for red and white blood cells

"Folic acid, known for its ability to treat certain forms of anemia (a lack of red blood cells), also improves the function of white blood cells and increases antibody production. It may also be involved in a non-antibody-based process that enables white blood cells to destroy viruses, fungi, and other parasites."

Nutrition for Women

Zinc deficiency in connection with estrogen excess and nutritional advice

"A zinc deficiency is often accompanied by a deficiency of vitamin B6 and an excess of copper; since estrogen is associated with zinc loss, other nutrients – including vitamin E and folic acid – should also be considered if the nails have white spots."

Nutrition for Women

Nutritional therapy and hormonal support for abnormal Pap smears

“Many women with abnormal Pap smears – even with a biopsy showing so-called carcinoma in situ – have returned to normal results within just two months, using a diet that includes: 90 grams of protein, 500 mg of magnesium chloride, 100,000 IU of vitamin A, 400 IU of vitamin E, 5 mg of folic acid, 100 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of vitamin B6, 100 mg of niacinamide, and 500 mg of vitamin C – plus thyroid and progesterone as needed. Liver should be eaten twice a week. Some of the women apply vitamin A directly to the cervix.”

Nutrition for Women

Estrogen-induced changes in nutrient requirements for blood sugar stability and a healthy pregnancy

"Vitamin E, vitamin A, and magnesium are other nutrients that help maintain blood sugar levels. Vitamin B12 is needed to utilize vitamin A. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and zinc are depleted by increased estrogen and are particularly important for a healthy pregnancy. Too much copper can lower blood sugar; too much iron can destroy vitamin E, and a vitamin E deficiency can lead to jaundice, which can affect the baby's brain."

Nutrition for Women

Importance of folic acid for cell proliferation and differentiation

"Folic acid is so important for cell proliferation and differentiation that I think it makes sense to take about 5 mg daily for one or two weeks."

December 1992 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Factors in the traditional treatment of immunodeficiency

“Some of the factors I have looked for when working with ordinary (i.e., complex, traditional) immunodeficiency – namely, a deficiency of antiglucocorticoid hormones, a dietary excess of iron and unsaturated fats, a nutrient deficiency of vitamin A, folic acid, copper and protein, exposure to pediculicides and other chlorinated hydrocarbons including dioxins, etc. –”

November 1989 – Ray Peats Newsletter

Consumption of folic acid and B vitamins during rapid cell division

"During rapid cell division and with excess estrogen, folic acid and other B vitamins are quickly depleted, so supplementation could be beneficial. I have usually suggested a daily dose of one to ten milligrams of folic acid for a few weeks, along with liver two to three times a week for the other vitamins."

January 1988 – Ray Peats Newsletter

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