Folic acid could prevent Alzheimer's disease
10 January 2007
 Consumption of folic acid, a supplement normally recommended for expectant mothers, could reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to American scientists. Researchers at Columbia University's medical centre in New York, USA, have studied the diet and progress of 965 adults up to the age of 75 and found that those with higher than normal levels of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 are less likely to suffer mental health problems.Folic acid has been linked to improved cognitive abilities, including memory, in previous research exercises, but this is the largest study to find that taking in higher levels of the nutrient folate through both diet and supplements leads to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.Dr Jose Luchsinger, who led the study, advised caution when looking at the results of their tests. "The findings of this study are in contrast to those of some other research. The decision to increase folate intake to prevent Alzheimer's disease should await clinical trials," he added.The full results can be found in the latest issue of the Archives of Neurology medical journal.  © Adfero Ltd© 2008 Adfero Ltd. All rights reserved. Any views and opinions expressed in news articles are not those of Craegmoor Limited and its associated companies. News supplied by Adfero DirectNews.
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