Mid-Life Intake of Folate and Vitamin B12 May Help Avert Alzheimer's Later in Life
According to researchers, higher levels of vitamin B12, especially in combination with high folate levels, may be associated with better cognitive performance many years later among older women. The loss of one's cognitive ability later in life is usually associated with Alzheimer's disease. The scientists arrived at their conclusion after examining the relationship between blood folate and vitamin B12 levels and cognitive function among 619 older subjects who participated in a long-term study of diet and brain aging.
Source: Alzheimer's & Dementia – The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, Volume 1, July 2005
Folate And Carotenoid Deficiencies Associated With Rising Heart Disease Levels In Central And Eastern Europe
Researchers recently conducted a survey of coronary mortality in 16 countries and diet in 19 countries to see if lower intakes of identified cardioprotective nutrients would be associated with the coronary epidemic in Central and Eastern Europe. Based on their analysis they concluded that a diet containing low levels of folate and carotenoids may be a major contributing factor to elevated coronary risk seen in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Folate is a part of the B complex vitamin group and carotenoids are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in plant foods.
Source: America Dietetic Association, Volume 104, Issue 12, 2004
Folate Intake Appears To Lower Blood Pressure In Women
According to research presented at the American Heart Association's 58th Annual High Blood Pressure Conference, young women who consume more than 800 micrograms of folate per day can cut their risk of developing high blood pressure by almost a third compared to those who take in less than 200 micrograms per day. Source: www.americanheart.org
Vitamin B Supplementation May Help Reduce The Risk Of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health recently examined the relationships between dietary folate, vitamin B-6 and B-12 and peripheral arterial disease. They reviewed data from 46,036 men and, during 12 years of follow-up, documented 308 cases of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can affect the aorta and its major branches and often occurs along with arteriosclerosis. Results of the review showed that for each 400 mcg/d increment of folic intake, PAD risk decreased by 21 percent, and men with the highest folate intake had a 33-percent lower risk of PAD than men with the lowest intake. There were also weak inverse associations between intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 and PAD risk. Source: www.nutrition.org