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Understanding your FOLH1 result and what it means for folate, brain health, and methylation

The FOLH1 gene makes an enzyme that helps convert dietary folate into a form your body can absorb and use. This step is important for keeping folate levels steady and supporting brain and nervous system function. Proper folate processing also helps regulate neurotransmitters such as glutamate and supports the methylation pathway, which is involved in DNA repair, mood regulation, and detoxification of some environmental toxins like arsenic.

When FOLH1 enzyme activity is reduced, folate metabolism and methylation can be disrupted. That can influence cognitive function, neural health, and how efficiently your body handles certain toxins. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and highly processed foods can further inhibit FOLH1 function, while adequate dietary folate and vitamin B12 help support the pathway.

How PlexusDx presents your FOLH1 genotype

Your FOLH1 rs202676 genotype is reported as one of three possibilities. We explain each below and include practical diet, supplement, lifestyle, and testing considerations you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

2 effect alleles (GG)

What this means

Carrying two copies of the effect allele (GG) may reduce the activity or efficiency of the FOLH1 enzyme. Reduced function can impair conversion of dietary folate into its usable forms and may lead to downstream effects in the Folate Cycle and the Methylation Pathway. This could influence cognitive function, mood regulation, and the ability to detoxify some environmental toxins.

Practical diet recommendations

  • Eat folate-rich whole foods: dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and beets.
  • Prefer naturally folate-rich foods over synthetic folic acid in fortified products when possible. Natural folate and activated folate forms are often better tolerated by those with reduced folate-processing capacity.
  • Include sources of vitamin B12 regularly: seafood, eggs, dairy, or fortified plant foods if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
  • Limit alcohol and highly processed foods that can interfere with folate metabolism.

Supplement considerations to discuss with your provider

  • Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF) may be more effective than folic acid for people with reduced folate conversion. Dose should be individualized by your provider.
  • Methylcobalamin (active B12) supports the methylation cycle and pairs well with methylfolate.
  • Consider supporting nutrients such as riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, and magnesium, which help methylation and folate metabolism.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Reduce alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking.
  • Prioritize whole foods, regular meals, and moderate protein to support steady nutrient intake.
  • Monitor symptoms that might relate to folate or methylation imbalance such as low energy, mood changes, memory issues, or unusual sensitivity to environmental toxins.

Suggested blood tests to review with your provider

  • Serum folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate
  • Vitamin B12 (and methylmalonic acid if B12 status is unclear)
  • Homocysteine level as a marker of methylation efficiency
1 effect allele (AG)

What this means

Having one effect allele (AG) may lead to a partial reduction in FOLH1 enzyme activity. Function is usually better than with two effect alleles but may still be modestly affected. You may not experience clear symptoms, but your folate and methylation pathways could benefit from supportive diet and lifestyle measures.

Practical diet recommendations

  • Include a variety of folate-rich foods: leafy greens, beans and lentils, peas, avocado, and citrus fruits.
  • Pair folate-rich meals with B12 sources: fish, eggs, dairy, or fortified foods if needed.
  • Limit alcohol and highly processed, nutrient-poor foods that increase folate demand or impair absorption.

Supplement considerations to discuss with your provider

  • Low-dose methylfolate may be helpful for some people. Discuss appropriate dosing with your provider.
  • Methylcobalamin (active B12) is a common companion nutrient to support the methylation cycle.
  • Consider ensuring adequate B2, B6, and magnesium intake to support overall folate metabolism.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Moderate alcohol consumption and avoid heavy use.
  • Maintain a balanced diet, regular sleep, and manage stress, all of which support nutrient processing.
  • Watch for subtle signs like lower energy, mild memory or concentration issues, or mood shifts and discuss them with your provider.

Suggested blood tests to review with your provider

  • Serum or RBC folate
  • Vitamin B12 (and methylmalonic acid if needed)
  • Homocysteine if there are concerns about methylation
0 effect alleles (AA)

What this means

Carrying two copies of the non-effect allele (AA) is generally associated with normal FOLH1 activity. Your body is likely to process dietary folate efficiently and maintain balanced folate and methylation pathways. That said, lifestyle and nutritional factors still affect folate status, so attention to diet and B12 intake remains important.

Practical diet recommendations

  • Continue a nutrient-dense diet with leafy greens, legumes, and other folate-rich foods.
  • Ensure regular intake of vitamin B12 from animal sources or fortified foods if you do not eat animal products.
  • Minimize excessive alcohol and processed food intake to preserve folate status.

Supplement considerations to discuss with your provider

  • Routine folate supplementation is usually not necessary for people with normal FOLH1 activity unless dietary intake is low, you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or your provider recommends it.
  • B12 supplementation may be appropriate if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or have absorption issues.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Keep a balanced lifestyle with a focus on whole foods, moderate alcohol use, sleep, and stress management.
  • Consider periodic nutritional screening if you have symptoms or risk factors for deficiency, or if pregnancy is planned.

General practical tips for everyone

  • Eat a colorful, varied diet rich in leafy greens, legumes, and whole foods to provide natural folate and supportive nutrients.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin B12 intake through diet or supplements if you restrict animal products.
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use and limit processed foods that can reduce nutrient availability.
  • Manage stress, stay physically active, and prioritize sleep to support overall metabolic and cognitive health.
  • Discuss testing and any supplements with your healthcare provider before starting them.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

Bring your PlexusDx report to your provider if you have persistent low energy, mood changes, memory or concentration concerns, or if you are planning pregnancy. Your provider can interpret your genotype in the context of your medical history, symptoms, medications, and other lab results and can order appropriate blood tests such as serum or RBC folate, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine.

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medical regimen. Your provider can help create a personalized plan that safely addresses your needs.