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 the thyroid requires (e.g., iodine, manganese, and cobalt), special attention should be given to the anti-stress vitamins involved in progesterone synthesis (vitamin A, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E) – as well as the nutrients that are demonstrably consumed in greater amounts due to estrogen excess: especially folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B6.”

– Nutrition For Women

Circulation-Enhancing Effects of Folic Acid and Niacin

“Other vitamins that can improve circulation by dilating small blood vessels are folic acid and niacin. Vitamin C can help eliminate toxins that might 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 deficiency 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 Related to Estrogen Excess and Nutritional Recommendations

“Zinc deficiency often occurs alongside a vitamin B6 deficiency and an excess of copper; since estrogen is associated with zinc loss, other nutrients – including vitamin E and folic acid – should also be considered when nails show 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 – returned to normal results within just two months, aided by a diet that included: 90 grams of protein, 500 mg magnesium as chloride, 100,000 units of vitamin A, 400 units of vitamin E, 5 mg folic acid, 100 mg pantothenic acid, 100 mg vitamin B6, 100 mg niacinamide, and 500 mg vitamin C – plus thyroid and progesterone as needed. Liver should be eaten twice a week. Some of the women applied vitamin A directly to the cervix.”

– Nutrition For Women

Estrogen-Altered Nutrient Needs for Blood Sugar Stability and a Healthy Pregnancy

“Vitamin E, vitamin A, and magnesium are additional nutrients that help maintain blood sugar. Vitamin B12 is needed to utilize vitamin A. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and zinc are depleted by increased estrogen and are especially 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

The Importance of Folic Acid for Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

“Folic acid is so important for cell proliferation and differentiation that I consider it sensible to take about 5 mg daily for one or two weeks.”

December 1992 – Ray Peats Newsletter

Factors in the Traditional Treatment of Immune Deficiency

“Some of the factors I have focused on when working with common (i.e., complex, traditional) immune deficiency – namely a deficiency of anti-glucocorticoid hormones, a nutritional excess of iron and unsaturated fats, a nutrient deficiency of vitamin A, folic acid, copper, and protein, exposure to pediculocides 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 estrogen excess, folic acid and other B vitamins are quickly consumed, so supplementation might be useful. I have usually recommended a daily dose of one to ten milligrams of folic acid for several weeks, along with liver two to three times per week for the other vitamins.”

January 1988 – Ray Peats Newsletter

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