Folic acid with or without vitamin B12 for the prevention and treatment of healthy elderly and demented people
Malouf R, Grimley Evans J
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane review of randomized trials of folic acid with or without B12 on cognition and mood in healthy and demented older people.
Key Findings
No consistent benefit of folic acid on cognitive function or mood in healthy or cognitively impaired elderly, despite homocysteine lowering.
Conclusions
Folic acid supplementation does not reliably improve cognition in older adults.
Limitations
Trials varied widely in dose, duration and cognitive measures; several were small.
Supplements Studied
There was no consistent evidence that folic acid, with or without vitamin B12, improved cognitive function in healthy or cognitively impaired older people.
No consistent benefit of folic acid on cognitive function or mood in healthy or cognitively impaired elderly, despite homocysteine lowering.
Outcomes Measured
There was no consistent evidence that folic acid improved cognitive function in older people.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.