Higher folate intake may reduce hearing loss risk

Increased intakes of vitamin B9 may reduce the risk of hearing loss in elderly men, says a new study.

In the prospective study, a total of 26,273 men aged 40 to 74 completed questionnaires about lifestyle and medical history including professionally diagnosed hearing loss (1). After 18 years, there were 3,559 cases of hearing loss identified. The results showed that there was no significant association between vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and beta-carotene intake and risk of hearing loss. However, men aged >/=60 years with the highest total vitamin B9 (folate) intake showed a reduced risk of developing hearing loss.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in the United States, afflicting more than 36 million people.

1. Shargorodsky J. et al. A prospective study of vitamin intake and the risk of hearing loss in men. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010; 142(2):231–236.