Low-dose folic acid could reduce homocysteine levels

The findings may also have an impact on cognitive function with epidemiological studies reporting that high levels of homocysteine associated with suspected or confirmed dementia. Indeed, the Framingham study reported that people with homocysteine levels above 14 micromoles per litre of serum had twice the risk of dementia.

The new study, published in the journal Nutrition Research (Vol. 26, pp. 460-466), reports that even a low-dose folic acid supplement (400 micrograms) could lead to significant reductions in hyperhomocysteinemic elderly people.

Analysis of specific genotypes also showed a significant effect. The researchers looked at potential genetic defects in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine involving the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation. People with the so-called TT homozygote genotype with low folate status are reported to have higher homocysteine concentrations than the other genotypes, putting this subset at increased risk of CAD and cognitive decline.

Steve - the genotype is an important point. Roughly 20-25% of the human population has a genetic defect that does not allow proper abosorption of folic acid to folate. It takes three enzymatic processes for folate to be absorbed (Folic acid>L-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate>5-formyl tetrahydrogfolate). There are specific formulations that contain all three forms, which bypasses the genetic defect for premium absorption. One such product is Metagenics ActiFolate.