Posted on 08/16/2024 5:20:25 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
In a study, scientists found that decreasing folate intake can support healthier metabolisms in aging animal models, challenging the conventional belief that high folate consumption universally benefits health.
Folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and development, is widely recognized for its role in preventing birth defects. It's found naturally in foods like leafy greens, and it is typically added to refined grains.
By limiting folate in animal models, the researchers saw a decrease in processes related to growth and building new cells, but enhanced metabolic flexibility, which Polymenis said could lead to healthier aging.
"Optimal folate intake may vary depending on an individual's age," he said. "While higher folate is crucial during early life for growth and development, a lower intake later in life may benefit metabolic health and longevity."
Folate, or vitamin B9, is an essential dietary component used in the body to form red blood cells, as well as DNA, RNA and proteins.
Blank said the folate-limited group maintained their weight and body fat into old age as opposed to the control group. And despite folate's importance for red blood cell production, the folate-limited models showed no signs of anemia or other negative health consequences.
In 1998, the U.S. mandated that staple foods, particularly grains, be "enriched" or "fortified" with folic acid and other B vitamins following the refinement process. While helpful for some age groups, it might do more harm than good for older adults.
As a result, Polymenis said this research opens a new avenue for developing drugs to limit dietary folate uptake for individuals who don't need as much, rather than cutting foods that contain folate or folic acid, the synthetic version often added to foods and supplements.
In the meantime, Polymenis said he doesn't recommend avoiding folate entirely.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Many things “may vary depending on an individual’s age,” he said...
well, yeah.
I thought the Alphabet People had gone far enough with men posing in women's swimsuits, but animal models is even more hilarious. :-P
if your genome carries one of the (I think the number is 5) MTHFR gene mutations, your body cannot process folic acid and therefore cannot process vitamin B. Almost everybody has at least one genetic mutation. I have three. The more folic acid you add to your diet, and the more processed food you consume, the more toxic you become because the body cannot process it out. And they add it to wheat, to cereals, to just about every processed food. But it also means that no matter how much extra vitamin B you are taking, it’s not being used by the body and you just pee it out. This results in a deficit of vitamin B and can result in numerous problems, chiefly anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, depression, panic attacks and other neurological disorders.
You should test for MTHFR mutations and then take a methyl-folate with your B so the body can absorb it. I was a lifelong nail chewer; I used to bite my nails and cuticles until they bled. A couple of weeks on methyl-folate B Vitamins and that habit completely disappeared, as did my anxiety attacks.
I had no idea about the metabolism part, but it totally makes sense.
Where can you go to get tested for mthfr gene mutations?
Your doctor has to request the labs. I had an MD request it; pretty sure a Naturopath would do so.
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