Is Methylfolate Safe for Kids?

Is Methylfolate Safe for Kids?

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Katie Stone - Naturopath

Written By:

Katie Stone - Naturopath
Dr. Nare Simonyan - PhD Pharmaceutical Science

Medical Reviewer:

Dr. Nare Simonyan - PhD Pharmaceutical Science
Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN

Edited By:

Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN
Last updated:

Parents who have read about the benefits of methylfolate often want to know if it is safe for kids. While further research is pending, here’s what we know.


In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the use of calcium L-methylfolate in infant formulas and baby food. It concluded that calcium L-methylfolate is safe and non-toxic. The EFSA review also confirmed that calcium L-methylfolate was bioavailable (easily absorbed) and a suitable folate source for infants and young children.1


Folate deficiency is associated with an increased risk for depression in children, adolescents, and adults. Those low in folate may not respond adequately to antidepressant treatment.2


A 2019 retrospective chart review assessed the use of L-methylfolate calcium supplements (mostly 15 mg/day) alongside antidepressants in 146 children and adolescents (ages 7–20) affected by anxiety or mood disorders. Only 10% of the patients experienced adverse events, including sleep disturbances (reported by 5 patients) and increased anxiety (reported by 3 patients).  Overall, methylfolate supplementation was found to be well-tolerated, with researchers concluding it may be beneficial for young people with neuropsychiatric conditions.3

Methylfolate dosage for kids (according to age):

The current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) according to the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) are:


Birth to 6 months* 65 mcg DFE*

7–12 months* 80 mcg DFE*

1–3 years 150 mcg DFE

4–8 years 200 mcg DFE

9–13 years 300 mcg DFE

14–18 years 400 mcg DFE

19+ years 400 mcg DFE


Note: These amounts refer to total daily folate intake from food and supplements combined, based on Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFE). Methylfolate supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare professional. 

Methylfolate and ADHD in kids

Some studies have suggested there may be a link between folate deficiency and ADHD in children. Reduced folate levels are shown to increase the risk for developing several psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).4


Some preliminary research has suggested that a vitamin-mineral supplement including B12 and folate may be effective in reducing psychiatric symptoms in children with ADHD.5 However, it is unclear whether methylfolate alone would have the same effect.

Further current evidence regarding methylfolate supplementation as a treatment for ADHD in children is limited. 

One study found that folic acid supplementation did not improve symptoms in children with ADHD. This study also suggested that supplementing with high doses of folic acid may be harmful if the child has the MTHFR mutation, which impairs conversion in the body.6
Nutrition plays a major role in ADHD symptoms, with several studies showing associations between symptom severity and food dyes, processed foods, and low consumption of fruit and vegetables.7

What would make methylfolate unsafe for kids?

As with any supplement, large or excessive dosages can be unsafe. It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for dosing, and always discuss supplementation with your health professional first.

Pros and Cons of Methylfolate for kids

Pros

  • Absorbed more effectively in the body than folic acid8
  • Bypasses the MTHFR genetic mutation
  • Supports healthy neurodevelopment and mood
  • Supports normal growth and overall well-being

Cons

  • More expensive than folic acid and/or standard multivitamins
  • May be unnecessary for children without MTHFR who eat a wholesome, balanced diet
  • Limited research regarding age-specific dosage
  • May cause minor side-effects if taken in excess

Things to look out for when buying a methylfolate supplement for a child

If you decide to try methylfolate supplements with your child, be sure to read the product label carefully. Check that it contains L-methylfolate rather than folic acid, as methylfolate is the active, bioidentical form of folate that is readily absorbed by the body. It’s also important to check that the product has been third-party tested and is free from allergens such as gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives.

Is Methylfolate Safe for Kids

Key takeaways

  • Icon Methylfolate is considered safe for infants and young children when used in formula and baby food.
  • Icon Folate deficiency may be a risk factor for mental health disorders and ADHD in children.
  • Icon Research into methylfolate supplementation for children is currently limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions about methylfolate for kids

Is methylfolate safe for children?

Methylfolate has been determined safe for children when used in infant formula and baby foods. However, dosages for methylfolate supplements have not yet been fully explored.

How much methylfolate for an 11 year old?

The recommended dietary intake of folate (from food) for those aged between 9 and 13 is 300 mcg. Please note that dietary folate is not the same as methylfolate, so it’s best to discuss methylfolate supplementation with your child’s healthcare professional.

What are the negative effects of methylfolate?

Methylfolate is generally very well tolerated and unlikely to produce negative effects. In a study involving children and adolescents, only a small proportion (10%) reported side effects, which included difficulty sleeping and increased anxiety.

Is too much folate bad for kids?

Excess intake of any nutrient is not recommended, especially in children. High doses of folic acid (from food or supplements) can lead to a buildup of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the blood, which may increase the risk of health issues. Excessive intake of folic acid during pregnancy has also been linked to slower cognitive development in children aged 4-5 years.9

References

  1. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA); Dominique Turck, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, John Kearney, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Karl-Heinz Engel, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhäuser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Yolanda Sanz, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Giovanni Bernasconi, Andrea Germini, Helle Katrine Knutsen; "Calcium l-methylfolate as a source of folate added for nutritional purposes to infant and follow-on formula, baby food and processed cereal-based food"; EFSA journal / European Food Safety Authority.; 2020 Jan

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32626499/

  2. Timur Liwinski, Undine E Lang; "Folate and Its Significance in Depressive Disorders and Suicidality: A Comprehensive Narrative Review"; Nutrients; 2023 Sep

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10490031/

  3. Michelle Rainka, Traci Aladeen, Erica Westphal, Jacqueline Meaney, Fran Gengo, Jessica Greger, Horacio Capote; "L-Methylfolate Calcium Supplementation in Adolescents and Children: A Retrospective Analysis"; Journal of psychiatric practice; 2019 Jul

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31291206/

  4. Emily A. Bopp, Ethan A. Poweleit, Marley O. Cox, Jenni E. Farrow, Jeffrey R. Strawn, Luis R. Patino Duran, Cynthia A. Prows, Melissa P. DelBello, Laura B. Ramsey; "A retrospective examination of adjunctive L-methylfolate in children and adolescents with unipolar depression"; Journal of Affective Disorders; 2022 Sep

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032722006991

  5. Julia J. Rucklidge, Matthew J.F. Eggleston, Kathryn A. Darling, Aaron J. Stevens, Martin A. Kennedy, Christopher M. Frampton; "Can we predict treatment response in children with ADHD to a vitamin-mineral supplement? An investigation into pre-treatment nutrient serum levels, MTHFR status, clinical correlates and demographic variables"; Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry; 2019 Mar

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027858461830407X

  6. Catherine E Taylor, Kathleen Bush; "Unintended consequences of inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase through folic acid supplementation: inattentive-type attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and ASD connections"; International journal of food sciences and nutrition; 2016 Nov

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27346490/

  7. Julia J Rucklidge, Matthew JF Eggleston, Jeanette M Johnstone, Kathryn Darling, Chris M Frampton; "Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial"; Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines; 2021 Jan

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7779340/

  8. Lorena Carboni; "Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health"; Integrative medicine; 2022 Jul

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380836/

  9. Desirée Valera-Gran, Eva M Navarrete-Muñoz, Manuela Garcia de la Hera, Ana Fernández-Somoano, Adonina Tardón, Jesús Ibarluzea, Nekane Balluerka, Mario Murcia, Llúcia González-Safont, Dora Romaguera, Jordi Julvez, Jesús Vioque; INMA Project; "Effect of maternal high dosages of folic acid supplements on neurocognitive development in children at 4-5 y of age: the prospective birth cohort Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) study"; The American journal of clinical nutrition; 2017 Sep

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28724645/

Katie Stone - Naturopath

About the Author

Katie is a qualified Naturopath (BNatMed) and freelance writer from New Zealand. She specializes in all things health and wellness, particularly dietary supplements and nutrition. Katie is also a dedicated runner and has completed more half-marathons than she can count!

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