Reducing Disease Risk in the Elderly
Clinical Study Title:
Folate: a key to optimizing health and reducing disease risk in
the elderly.
| Plain
English Summary: |
There is documented
research about the use of folate, found in food, or
folic acid, found in supplements, in the reduction
of risk of certain chronic medical illnesses in all
people. These illnesses include heart problems, greater
risk for cancer, as well as cognitive decline. While
it is preferable to gain nutrients from food sources,
this is not always possible due to diet problems,
or genetic difficulties in absorption of naturally
occurring substances. However, folic acid is needed
in such small quantities, that obtaining too much
may sometimes alter absorption of other nutrients.
It is suggested then to obtain the folic acid needed
each day to also obtain supplements of other vitamins,
such as B12. This is easiest accomplished in a multivitamin
that contains both folic acid and B12. Maintaining
a diet which is has the daily recommended dose of
folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of certain
cancers, heart problems, and cognitive decline. |
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Authors:
Rampersaud GC. Kauwell GP. Bailey LB.
Institution:
Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
Country of Publication:
United States
Source:
Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 22(1):1-8, 2003 Feb.
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