Folic Acid Supplementation Slows Cognitive Decline

Research highlighted this month in Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that low folic acid concentration in serum is a possible risk factor for age-related cognitive decline.1 Folic acid supplementation is associated with a decrease in concentrations of plasma homocysteine, an amino acid, which causes the degeneration of the memory and information-processing speed domains of the brain.


The original placebo-controlled study, published in The Lancet2 measured the mental function of 818 adults, aged between 50-70 years, before starting supplementation and again after three years. Serum folate concentrations increased by 576% and plasma total homocysteine concentrations decreased by 26% in participants with a dietary folic acid intake of 800 micrograms. People taking folic acid supplements over three years showed a significantly better result in information processing speed and sensorimotor speed than in the placebo group.


The research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the importance of folate to the nervous system at all ages, including ageing, cognitive function and some dementias.3 Furthermore, raised levels of homocysteine in the blood are also now linked with serious conditions such as heart disease.4


Cantassium MICRO FOLIC ACID™ is the only easy to swallow, micro formulation which offers the recommended daily allowance - 400 micrograms - as a once-a-day, inexpensive mini-tablet available that comes in a convenient click-pack that fits into a pocket or handbag. It costs just ??4.25 for a three-month supply and is available at Boots and in leading chemists nationwide. Further information and practitioner samples are available on microfolicacid


References


1 (2007) Folic acid supplementation for 3 years slows age-related cognitive decline. Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism. 3, 380.

2 Durga, J., et al., (2007) Effect of 3-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: a randomised, double blind, controlled trial. The Lancet. 369, 208-216.

3 Reynolds, E., (2007) Folate and ageing. The Lancet. 369, 1601-1602.

4 Wald, D., et al., (2006) Folic acid, homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: judging causality in the face of inconclusive trial evidence. BMJ. 333, 1114-1117.