Valproic acid appears to decrease the body's absorption of folate,9 and other antiseizure drugs can also reduce levels of folate in the body.10-14 The low serum folate caused by anticonvulsants can raise homocysteine levels, a condition believed to increase the risk of heart disease.15 Adequate folate intake is also necessary to prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencepha