Expert Interview: The Role of Folic Acid in Inflammatory Processes

Interview with Dr. Bernd Fiebich

Acute and chronic inflammatory processes are influenced by various physiological factors. Among micronutrients, folic acid (vitamin B9) is one such factor. One reason for this is that folic acid plays a role in homocysteine metabolism.

Insight into Dr. Fiebich’s Career

Dr. Fiebich, you are an internationally recognized scientist in the field of inflammation and the founder of the company VivaCell Biotechnology. Could you first give us an insight into your academic and entrepreneurial career?

Dr. B. Fiebich: I studied biology in Freiburg, specializing in genetics, cell biology, and developmental biology, and graduated with a diploma in 1989. In my thesis, I focused on genetic mutations in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. At the time, this was still a relatively new model in genetics; since then, the tiny nematode has become very popular as a model for various diseases—including two Nobel Prizes.

After completing my studies, I earned my Ph.D. in a collaborative project between the University of Freiburg and the pharmaceutical company Gödeke-Parke-Davies (now Pfizer) on the genetic production of protein kinases and growth factors in insect cells. To be able to conduct even more intensive research on medical issues, I accepted a postdoctoral position in 1993 at the Department of Psychiatry at the University Medical Center Freiburg to investigate inflammatory processes and their therapeutic modulation in Alzheimer’s disease.

Following successful studies of natural products on inflammatory processes—and the resulting increase in requests from industry for similar studies using their natural products—I founded the company VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH with a colleague.

VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH specializes in research into the health-promoting effects of all kinds of products, particularly dietary supplements and cosmetics, and works in this field for various well-known large as well as smaller manufacturers of natural products.

The Role of Folic Acid in Inflammatory Processes

Can you explain the role of folic acid (vitamin B9) in relation to inflammatory processes and immunological reactions, and to what extent increasing folic acid levels in the body can help reduce inflammation or support the immune system?

Dr. B. Fiebich: Inflammation plays a key role in many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions such as dementia and depression. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a very important role in our bodies, particularly in cell division and the formation of red and white blood cells (folic acid contributes to normal blood formation).

A key mechanism of action of folic acid in relation to inflammation is the reduction of homocysteine levels in the blood (folic acid contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism). Homocysteine is an amino acid that exhibits pro-inflammatory properties when present in elevated concentrations in the body. Together with vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid supports the conversion of homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. This helps lower elevated homocysteine levels, which can reduce the risk of inflammatory processes.

Folic acid plays a key role in cell division—including the production of white blood cells, which are essential for immune defense (folic acid contributes to the normal function of the immune system). An adequate intake of folic acid can thus support the body’s own defenses against infections and inflammation. Overall, folic acid possesses a wide range of biochemical properties.

Recent research findings and ongoing projects

Can you tell us about some of your recent research findings or ongoing projects at VivaCell related to folic acid and its potential applications?

Dr. B. Fiebich: VivaCell has been investigating the health potential of vitamins for many years, both as individual products and in combination with other vitamins or ingredients. Folic acid has also been studied in this context, and we have been able to demonstrate exciting health benefits, particularly in immune modulation (folic acid contributes to the normal function of the immune system) and cell proliferation (folic acid plays a role in cell division).

Diet and Folic Acid Levels: Effects on Inflammatory Processes and Immune Function

What role does diet play in regulating folic acid levels in the brain and its potential effects on inflammatory processes and immune function?

Dr. B. Fiebich: Folic acid plays a key role in many biochemical processes affecting the brain (folate contributes to normal psychological function). For example, folate is essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in important brain functions—including memory, mood, sleep, and behavior.

During pregnancy, an adequate intake of folic acid is crucial for reducing the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in the fetus (folic acid contributes to the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy). An adequate supply of folic acid is therefore important for the healthy development of the brain and nervous system of the unborn child.

In summary, a balanced diet is very important for maintaining folic acid levels in the brain and therefore also plays a key role in the function of our brain and nervous system.

How People Can Benefit from Folic Acid

How can people who suffer from inflammatory conditions or wish to support their immune system benefit from folic acid?

Dr. B. Fiebich: People who suffer from inflammatory diseases or wish to support their immune system can benefit from folic acid in various ways—as already described in detail above:

• Folic acid contributes to the normal function of the immune system (the body’s defenses)
• Folic acid contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Folic acid plays a role in cell division
• Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation

Through its antioxidant activity, folic acid can help reduce oxidative damage to cells that can trigger an inflammatory response. This is particularly important in chronic diseases where oxidative stress plays a significant role.

Furthermore, folic acid can influence the expression and production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby reducing inflammation—which is particularly beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, as well as for vascular health.

Improving Inflammatory Health, Supporting the Immune System

Finally, what advice would you give to readers interested in improving their inflammatory health or supporting their immune system?

Dr. B. Fiebich: People can meet their folic acid needs by consuming folic acid-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fortified grain products. In some cases, particularly with existing deficiencies or increased needs, supplementation may be beneficial. However, this should be discussed with a doctor to determine the correct dosage and avoid potential interactions.

In addition to a balanced and healthy diet, regular physical activity is also important for supporting the immune system.