Lower folate levels in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#case-control-studies #cohort-studies #cross-cultural-comparison #dietary-supplements #female

Lower folate levels in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis

Cao et al., 2016 | Psychiatry Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Cao Bing, Wang Dong-Fang, ... Lu Qing-Bin. Lower folate levels in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2016-Nov-30;245:1-7. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2016.03.003

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the association between folate level and schizophrenia in order to provide the evidence for the treatment of schizophrenia. Data were extracted from all the studies meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The association between the folate level and schizophrenia was evaluated by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The 20 published articles of our meta-analysis included 1463 (53.4%) cases and 1276 (46.6%) controls. The folate level was significantly lower in schizophrenia cases than in healthy controls. Subgroup analysis showed the folate level was lower in cases from Asia subgroup than in healthy controls. Sensitivity analysis showed that the current results were credible and reliable and the funnel plots indicated no publication bias in our meta-analysis. Our study indicates that schizophrenia patients may have lower folate levels. More epidemiological and laboratory studies are still needed to confirm whether it is necessary to supplement folate in schizophrenia patients.

Key Findings

More epidemiological and laboratory studies are still needed to confirm whether it is necessary to supplement folate in schizophrenia patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy controls
Sample Size 1463
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Folic Acid Deficiency
  • Humans
  • Reference Values
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenic Psychology

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: folate

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09