The benefits of methylfolate for your immune system

The benefits of methylfolate for your immune system

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Katie Stone - Naturopath

Written By:

Katie Stone - Naturopath
Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN

Medical Reviewer:

Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN
Jamie Hope - Methyl-Life® Founder

Edited By:

Jamie Hope - Methyl-Life® Founder

Updated On:

September 30, 2025

Folate plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It is involved in both the innate and adaptive immune system responses. 

Adequate folate levels are required for immune cell production and function, while deficiency can weaken immune defences.1

Methylfolate (L-methylfolate) is the active form of folate, which may be more effective for people with genetic variants that affect their ability to process folate or folic acid.

Folate supports immune cell function

Folate is required for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is also essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the ‘fuel’ of the cell. This makes folate particularly essential for T cells and B cells, which must rapidly divide during an immune response. Adequate folate ensures these cells have a constant supply of nucleotides (ATP, NTPs, dNTPs) to proliferate and function effectively.2

Folate supports white blood cells

Folate deficiency is often linked to lymphocytopenia (abnormally low lymphocytes in the blood).3

This is because folate is required for the production and maintenance of fast-proliferating white blood cells and the maturation of lymphocytes.

White blood cells include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes; each of which has a specific function. They defend against infections and maintain immune surveillance. Folate supports DNA formation and cell division of these cells, which is critical to their production and maturation in the bone marrow.4

Folate may help reduce inflammation

Beyond cell production, folate also influences inflammation, which is central to healthy immune function. Chronic inflammation accelerates immunosenescence (the age-related decline of immune cell function).5

Clinical studies show that folic acid supplementation can reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) - which are all key markers of systemic inflammation.6 By lowering these markers, folate may help prevent over-activation of the immune system and support healthier immune balance.7

The benefits of methylfolate for your immune system

Key takeaways

  • Icon Folate supports many aspects of immune health, including white blood cell production.
  • Icon Folate has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, which can impair a healthy immune response.
  • Icon Methylfolate is the active form of folate, which does not require conversion in the body before it can be used.

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5 Methylfolate: 5-mthf L-Methylfolate 5 mg

5 Methylfolate: 5-mthf L-Methylfolate 5 mg

$37.84

  • Bioactive 5 Methylfolate That Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier 3
  • Supports Cardiovascular Function 5 & Brain Health 4
  • 3rd-Party Tested for Purity, Potency & Safety
  • 90 Vegan, Non-GMO, Chewable Mint Tablets

Frequently Asked Questions about the benefits of methylfolate for immune health

Does methylfolate help the immune system?

Methyfolate (the active form of folate) can help the immune system by supporting the production and maturation of immune cells. It also helps to regulate inflammation, which can impair a healthy immune response if uncontrolled. This is especially important in people who have difficulty converting folic acid to its active form.

Does folate strengthen the immune system?

Yes, adequate folate is essential for supporting the immune system as it is required for the healthy production of white blood cells. Folate deficiency has been linked to lymphocytopenia, in which white blood cells are abnormally low, causing weakened immune function. While folate doesn’t ‘strengthen’ the immune system directly, it helps ensure that immune cells can function properly.

What happens if you take methylfolate every day?

Daily methylfolate supplementation can help maintain folate levels, which is essential for immune function, red and white blood cell production, and other metabolic processes. Methylfolate is also critical for healthy cardiovascular function, mood, cognition, and overall wellbeing.

Does methylfolate help with inflammation?

Yes, methylfolate has been shown to reduce major markers of inflammation in the body such as CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. By regulating these pathways, methylfolate may help limit chronic inflammation, which may weaken immune resilience. This is important for preventing chronic inflammation, which can be harmful to immune function and overall wellbeing.

References

  1. Ali M. Fardous, Ahmad R. Heydari; "Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review"; Nutrients; 2023

    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/21/4699

  2. Curtis J Henry, Travis Nemkov, Matias Casás-Selves, Ganna Bilousova, Vadym Zaberezhnyy, Kelly C Higa, Natalie J Serkova, Kirk C Hansen, Angelo D’Alessandro, James DeGregori; "Folate dietary insufficiency and folic acid supplementation similarly impair metabolism and compromise hematopoiesis"; Haematologica; 2017 Sep

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5709097/

  3. S J Duthie, A Hawdon; "DNA instability (strand breakage, uracil misincorporation, and defective repair) is increased by folic acid depletion in human lymphocytes in vitro"; FASEB journal; 1998 Nov

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9806758/

  4. Thinam Tamang, Sushish Baral, May Phu Paing; "Classification of White Blood Cells: A Comprehensive Study Using Transfer Learning Based on Convolutional Neural Networks"; Diagnostics (Basel); 2022 Nov

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9777002/

  5. Antonia Cianciulli, Rosaria Salvatore, Chiara Porro, Teresa Trotta, Maria Antonietta Panaro; "Folic Acid Is Able to Polarize the Inflammatory Response in LPS Activated Microglia by Regulating Multiple Signaling Pathways"; Mediators of Inflammation; 2016 Sep

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2016/5240127

  6. Zaoqu Liu, Qimeng Liang, Yuqing Ren, Chunguang Guo, Xiaoyong Ge, Libo Wang, Quan Cheng, Peng Luo, Yi Zhang, Xinwei Han; "Immunosenescence: molecular mechanisms and diseases"; Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy; 2023

    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-023-01451-2

  7. Nikan Zargarzadeh, Juliana Soares Severo, Ana Beatriz Pizarro, Emma Persad, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi; "The Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Pro-inflammatory Mediators: a Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials"; Clinical Therapeutics; 2021 Dec

    https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(21)00396-9/abstract

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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