News
Low folate levels in pregnant women may be linked to hyperactive children
30 April 2010
Attention-deficit and hyperactivity problems in children may be associated with low vitamin B9 (folate) levels during pregnancy, suggests a new UK study.
01 November 2014
A new review concludes that the strongest evidence for preventing cognitive decline and/or improving cognitive function is related to increased intakes of vitamin E and folate among individuals with low status of these vitamins.
The review analyzed the results of observational studies and randomized controlled trials that investigated intakes or blood concentrations of vitamin E, folate or vitamin B12 in relation to cognitive change over time (1). The data analysis indicated that elderly adults consuming less than approximately six to seven mg vitamin E per day (less than half of the recommended intake of 15 mg/day) are most likely to experience a benefit for cognitive health from an increased vitamin E intake, either through food or supplementation. Adults with blood folate levels below 12 nmol/L and/or total homocysteine levels above 11.3 μmol/L and/or people with intakes of less than 350 μg folate per day may expect improved brain functions due to increased folate intakes. The literature on the relation between vitamin B12 and cognition is not as clear: studies do not consistently include populations consuming less than 2.4 μg vitamin B12 per day and occasionally rely only on serum B12 levels to assess status, which is a poor indicator of marginal deficiency.
The researchers noted that ideally randomized controlled trials should be designed to target people with an insufficient vitamin status, and changes of parameters of cognitive functions should be based on measurement of levels of serum markers or intakes before, during and after the intervention. A likely explanation for null findings in randomized controlled trials testing effects of nutritional supplements, is that the nutrient status of participants was already at a protective level, and further supplementation conferred no additional benefit. Although most countries have well-established recommended dietary intake levels to avoid frank nutritional deficiency in most of the population, the scientists said that these recommendations do not address the vitamin levels required to maintain brain health and to support optimal cognitive function in aging populations.
30 April 2010
Attention-deficit and hyperactivity problems in children may be associated with low vitamin B9 (folate) levels during pregnancy, suggests a new UK study.
6 August 2010
Popular weight loss diets may be accompanied by inadequate vitamin and mineral intake, suggests a new US study.
15 November 2012
Recent research has indicated a variety of possible health implications linked to vitamin B12 deficiency without apparent symptoms. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common worldwide.