Posted on 01/18/2007 6:42:20 PM PST by blam
Folic acid 'increases memory'
By Nic Fleming, Medical Correspondent
Last Updated: 2:26am GMT 19/01/2007
Folic acid supplements can significantly improve the memory and brain power of older people, according to a study to be published today.
Researchers found that men and post-menopausal women aged between 50 and 70 who took daily doses had the mental abilities of those almost five years their junior.
The supplements also helped maintain speed of information processing, reactions involving movement and overall brain power. These abilities decline with age, and their loss has been linked to a higher risk of dementia.
Folate, the natural form of synthetic folic acid, is found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, chickpeas, yeast extract, brown rice and fruit including oranges and bananas.
The research, published in the Lancet medical journal, was led by Dr Jane Durga, from the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands.
Dr Durga said: "Folic acid improves performance in tests that measure information processing speed and memory - domains known to decline with age.
"Trials similar to our own should now be repeated to provide greater insight into the clinical relevance of folic acid to people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia."
Folic acid supplements were also found to reduce levels of homocysteine, a blood chemical linked both to heart disease and dementia.
Age Concern has warned that increased consumption could have the side effect of masking deficiencies in the vitamin B12 - found in meat, eggs and dairy products - which could actually cause neurological damage.
"Further research is needed to reach a definitive answer on the benefits, or not, of folic acid," said the charity's director-general Gordon Lishman.
On the downside, it plays hell with one's typing.
well the guy that wrote the lead in must not have enough he forgot the d
You mean foley's asses? No wonder he was chasing the page boys 'round the office....
So I guess make a mess a greens this weekend.
PING
Eat lots of spinach. Loaded with Folic Acid.
What increases spelling ability? That out of the way, let's say, hypothetically of course, one remembers everything to the day he was conceived. If he takes sufficient quantities of folic acid, will he remmber beyond that?
My Lil Reminder ping!!
You want Formic acid to increase your memory.
Never heard of a forgetful anteater did you?
LOL
This is confusing. This only applies to those who are vegan's and don't eat meat, eggs and dairy products. Too much folic acid will then mask the neurological damage lack of B12 can cause. At least that's what I remember from my nutrition books.
There's tons of Folic acis in chocolate, meat and stogies.
Best post and very quickly. LOL...I love typo threads.
Realey? I hadns't Noticed that in my psosts.
Ginko Biloba and CO-Q-10 also boost memory as well.
The following link does not relate to this thread http://sacredscoop.com
Yes, but only if he takes vitimin 12-B with the acid-
I have a B12 deficiency, and know 2 others who have one. I'm glad I never took too much folic acid, since long term B12 deficiency can be terrible. Well, so can the short to mid term, but it's less likely to be permanent.
Not that I'm a big fan of yeast sludge, but are you implying that the ban [on folates] might be to protect a bunch of zealots that won't eat balanced meals?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.