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.

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.