The Claim

In adults with chronic schizophrenia on stable risperidone, daily supplementation with 1 mg of vitamin B12 or 1 mg of folic acid for eight weeks has no significant effect on global cognitive function as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with mean changes ranging from -1.3 to +0.95 points and no statistically significant between-group differences (P = 0.275).

Source: Effects of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Negative Symptoms as the Primary Outcome and Positive and Cognitive Symptoms as Secondary Outcomes in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
82score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In adults with chronic schizophrenia taking risperidone, taking 1 mg of vitamin B12 or 1 mg of folic acid daily for eight weeks does not change scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination.

See the scientific wording

In adults with chronic schizophrenia on stable risperidone, daily supplementation with 1 mg of vitamin B12 or 1 mg of folic acid for eight weeks has no significant effect on global cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with mean changes ranging from -1.3 to +0.95 points and no statistically significant between-group differences (P = 0.275).

Why this might work

Taking vitamin B12 or folic acid raises blood levels of these vitamins, which should boost a cellular process that adds methyl groups to DNA and neurotransmitters. This process affects brain regions involved in thinking and memory, but in people with long-term schizophrenia on risperidone, this boost does not change how well the brain performs cognitive tasks.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Effects of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Negative Symptoms as the Primary Outcome and Positive and Cognitive Symptoms as Secondary Outcomes in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    The study gave people with schizophrenia B12 or folic acid pills for eight weeks and found their thinking and memory skills didn’t get better or worse—just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.