Good for the elderly
Recent research has revealed that folic acid has a positive effect on mood and cognitive performance, particularly in older persons who suffer from depression and cognitive impairment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, folic acid, a B vitamin, aids the body in the production of healthy new cells.
However, there appears to be consensus that it aids in the improvement of cognitive function in senior persons who have high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in their blood, which may signal a greater risk of stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, there appears to be consensus that it aids in the improvement of cognitive function in senior persons who have high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in their blood, which might signal a greater risk of stroke, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease.
Folic acid is used in the prevention and treatment of low folate levels in the blood (folate deficiency) and excessive homocysteine levels in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) (hyperhomocysteinemia). Individuals who are pregnant or who are about to become pregnant should take folic acid to help prevent significant birth abnormalities such as spina bifida from occurring.
Due to the fact that blood homocysteine levels tend to rise with age, it is especially necessary for older persons to take 400 micrograms (g) of folic acid daily as part of a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement in addition to eating a folate-rich diet.
According to their findings, while only approximately 4% of seniors consume more folic acid than the FDA advises (400 micrograms daily), one-quarter of seniors with high folic acid status also have low levels of vitamin B12, creating a potentially deadly combination.
The Relationship Between Folic Acid and Dementia Studies have shown that regular folic acid intake can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease by as much as 60%. Folic acid, along with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E, appears to be one of the most effective vitamins for Alzheimer’s and dementia, according to the research.
A deficiency in folic acid has been linked to an increased risk of developing memory loss or dementia later in life.
Folic acid is used to: cure or prevent anemia caused by a lack of folate in the diet. To avoid developmental abnormalities (known as neural tube defects) such as spina bifida, it is important to assist your unborn baby’s brain, skull, and spinal cord in their appropriate development.
Anemia is a condition in which your blood is unable to provide adequate oxygen to all of your tissues and organs. Your body will not function as efficiently as it should if it does not receive adequate oxygen. Megaloblastic anemia is a condition caused by low amounts of folic acid in the blood. Red blood cells are bigger than normal in people who have this disease.
On the relationship between folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation and the progression of kidney disease, available interventional studies have shown no clear benefit or even harmful effects on renal outcomes, whereas observational studies have shown a correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and the risk of developing kidney disease.