Folate linked with better reading scores in kids

Folate and vitamin B-12 are important for nervous system functioning at all ages, with important roles in functions such as neurotransmitter synthesis. Although studies suggest a relation between folate and vitamin B-12 and cognitive function in the elderly population, there is relatively less evidence regarding these vitamins and children’s cognitive function. 

The purpose of the study was to examine the associations of serum folate and vitamin B-12 with cognitive performance in children 6–16 years old in the NHANES III, conducted from 1988 to 1994, prior to the implementation of folic acid fortification. Serum folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations were measured in 5365 children, along with performance, on the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. 

Higher serum concentrations of folate were associated with higher reading and block design scores. For example, compared with the lowest quartile of folate, children in the highest quartile scored 3.28 points or 0.19 SD units higher on the reading test. Vitamin B-12 was not associated with any of the test scores. 

In the largest study to date, higher folate concentrations were associated with better reading and block design scores. These associations appear to be biologically plausible and merit further study. The Journal of Nutrition 4/2013