Does Folic Acid Affect Thyroid Levels? Understanding the Link

Essential nutrients play an enormous role in our overall health, and when we don’t get enough of them through diet or supplements, our bodies cannot function optimally. Nutrient deficiencies are often a factor in the development of illnesses, if not the true culprit.

Folic acid (or folate) is one of these key nutrients in our diet. When intake is insufficient, it may affect overall health, including thyroid function.



In this article, we’ll explore whether folic acid affects thyroid levels, how it plays a role in thyroid health, and the complex relationship between the two. You’ll also learn how to approach thyroid health through a more holistic nutrition perspective.

Table of Contents

Yes.

Nutrients such as folic acid play a role in helping the thyroid function as it should. When a nutrient is lacking or missing, it can affect thyroid levels and body functioning.

Folic acid is involved in essential processes that support healthy cell function and metabolism. Because of this, adequate intake of folate is important for overall thyroid health.

When folate levels are low, it may be associated with changes in thyroid function. Likewise, thyroid dysfunction may also influence how the body uses and processes folic acid.

Overall, the relationship between folic acid and thyroid levels is complex, and both nutrient status and thyroid health can influence one another.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9) and is added to fortified foods or provided in supplement form. It plays an important role in red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth, division, and function. It is also essential for proper DNA synthesis.

Folic acid in supplement form is generally well absorbed by the body and is commonly used to help support adequate folate intake when dietary sources are insufficient.

The relationship between folic acid and thyroid function is multifaceted. Folate status and thyroid health may influence each other in multiple ways:

• Low folic acid levels may be associated with an underactive thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism.
• Hypothyroidism may contribute to low folic acid levels.
• Low folate levels may also be associated with other health conditions and concerns.



Because of this interconnected relationship, folate and thyroid function are closely linked to overall metabolic health.

Folic acid plays an important role in many essential functions throughout the body, including:

Blood and immune health

• It is vital for making red and white blood cells in bone marrow.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen to all tissues in our bodies.
• White blood cells fight against infections and viruses.

Energy production and cellular function

• It helps to convert carbohydrates to energy.
• It supports RNA and DNA formation.
• It works with Vitamins B12 and C to help the body break down, utilize, and create new proteins.

Cell growth and development

Each new cell requires folic acid in its formation, including:

• Blood cells
• Brain cells
• Skin, hair, and nails



Folic acid is especially important during early pregnancy because it helps the neural tube develop, which later forms the brain and spine. It is the only form of folate that has been shown to help prevent serious birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs). These occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before pregnancy is even detected.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to support normal metabolic function.



Low folate levels can contribute to elevated homocysteine, an amino acid linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

After folate is consumed through food or supplements, the body must convert it into its active form, L-methylfolate, so it can be properly used. This process depends on several enzymes, including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).

Research suggests that hypothyroidism may reduce the activity of these enzymes, which can impair folate metabolism and make it more difficult for the body to regulate homocysteine levels effectively.

Folate levels can be measured by a simple blood draw at your doctor’s office, local laboratory, or hospital.



It is vital to fast at least eight hours before the blood draw; no eating or drinking anything but water prior to the test. You may also have to temporarily hold some medications prior to the test, as they can alter the true results.

When you receive your test results, the level of folate present, the type of test completed, and the normal reference range for your age will be indicated.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your provider or nutritionist about the meaning of your test results.

Low folate levels are often associated with hypothyroidism and may present health issues related to thyroid function, along with other body system complications.

Multiple symptoms may accompany low folate levels, including:



• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue or feeling tired easily
• Pale skin
• Soreness of the tongue
• Diarrhea
• Cardiovascular disease

In more severe cases, low folate levels may be associated with adverse cardiac events such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

In some cases, symptoms develop slowly and may go unnoticed for years, while in others, symptoms may appear more quickly depending on overall health status and dietary intake.

If you are seeking assistance with hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn, the team at HealthierU can help you navigate the complexities of thyroid management, nutrition, and supplementation with personalized care and guidance.

Folate is widely available in numerous foods, but depending on your dietary restrictions or habits, you may not be consuming the recommended daily amounts.



Here are our suggestions to boost your folate levels with whole foods and supplements.

Foods containing good sources of folate include:



• Leafy greens
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Eggs
• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Beets
• Liver
• Beans, peas, lentils
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Melons
• Strawberries

If dietary intake is not sufficient, folate supplementation may be recommended to help restore healthy levels. Folate supplements are commonly available in pill form, though some individuals may require injections depending on the severity of the deficiency and their ability to absorb nutrients properly.

In some cases, supplementation may need to continue for several weeks or months before folate levels return to an appropriate range. However, taking excessive amounts of vitamins or supplements can also carry risks.



Before starting any dietary supplement, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs, especially if you are taking prescription medications or managing a thyroid condition.

Yes, folate levels are usually checked along with other nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D. This is common when doctors are looking into causes of fatigue, anemia, or possible nutrient imbalances. Testing several nutrients together gives a better idea of your overall health.

Some thyroid medicines and long-term thyroid problems can change how your body uses certain nutrients, including vitamins that help with energy and making red blood cells. That’s why people with thyroid issues need to keep an eye on their overall nutrient levels.

How quickly folate levels improve depends on the reason for the low levels and whether you change your diet, take supplements, or both. Often, you can see improvement within a few weeks to a few months if you keep up with these changes.

Not everyone with thyroid problems needs folate supplements. Your need for folate depends on your diet, how well your body absorbs nutrients, your medical history, and your overall health. Supplements should be chosen based on your personal needs, not just because you have a thyroid condition.

Making dietary changes is one of the best ways to return your thyroid to proper working order. 

Healthier U begins by conducting a nutrition assessment. Once we confirm that hypothyroidism is the cause of your symptoms, you’ll receive a personalized program that addresses your specific needs with a holistic approach to care.

Our lifestyle programs make recommendations for diet, exercise, and whole food supplementation.



Contact us today to schedule a free complimentary consultation designed to help you get back to your best life.