Is folic acid good for seniors?

As we age, our bodies go through a series of changes that can make it harder to get all the nutrients we need from our diets alone. While some seniors turn to vitamins and mineral supplements, others wonder if folic acid is necessary in their golden years.

In this article, we’ll explore what folic acid is, how it works in the body as well as examine whether or not seniors should take this supplement. So grab your reading glasses (if you need them) and let’s dive into the wonderful world of folic acid!

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid belongs to a group of B-vitamins and plays an essential role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and overall cell growth. The vitamin was first discovered in 1933 when scientists needed a cure for spina bifida; they found that pregnant women lacking folate were at highest risk.

Nowadays, many foods are fortified with synthetic versions of folate – otherwise known as ”folic acid.” This widely available form makes obtaining adequate amounts much easier than those early days!

How Does Folate Work?

To understand why folate (and by extension: folic acid) might help seniors who are deficient obtain extra health benefits – one must first know how it works!

When consumed through food or supplements – folic acid/folate acts like an enzyme-catalyst helping ‘methyl groups’ donate themselves on various biomolecules(i.e., DNA). In simpler terms- reducing risk for certain cancers while aiding optimal cellular function.(1)

Folate deficiency leads to chronic illnesses such as cancer & developmental issues during pregnancies(2).

What Are Some Benefits of Folate/Folsic Acid?

While generalized research shows promising results regarding potential benefits; each study conducted examines more specific sections/aspects regarding its effects/side-effects.
Here are some potential advantages of consuming Folates:

Reduced Risk for Heart Disease

Studies show full-heartedly that individuals with elevated folate levels in their blood have lower heart disease risks(3).
This particular beneficial effect is more prevalent when consumed from food sources such as greens, legumes & nuts.

Possible Memory Enhancements

It’s not just the young’uns who can benefit from a little memory support. When seniors supplement their diet with folic acid studies reveal positive effects appear in cognitive function tests.(4)

However, note how this dietary supplementation lacks parallelism to standardized drug/targeted treatments (i.e., one might need to combine additional nutrients or therapies depending on personal needs).(5).

Supportive Maternal Health

As previously mentioned: pregnant women lacking sufficient dietary intake of folate risk higher chances of neural tube defects resulting in mental & physical impairments/abnormalities.(6)

Therefore: if you know any soon-to-be grandmothers be sure they’re getting enough nutrition; like folic acid😉!

How Much Folic Acid Should Seniors Take?

No baseline exists since it greatly depends on individual circumstances and genetic history!

While most daily nutrient standards encourage about 400mcg(females) or 600mcg(males); special recommendations alter based on existing medical conditions.
As per National Institutes of health(NIH), those struggling to absorb B-12 due to atrophic gastritis should increase their dosage- but only under strict medical guidance(i.e., following a deficiency diagnosis). Similarly, Epilepsy medications often limit one’s ability to properly metabolize Vitamin-Bs such as Folate.(7)
In tandem folks on these drugs are advised by experts to consume around ten times the recommended amount each day!.

Folks experiencing kidney diseases should also consult with professionals before increasing dosages. Increased intakes mixed without doctor approval could lead detrimental detrimental side-effects worsening with time(8).

Folic Acid Supplements for Seniors: Yay or Nay?

Well, the answer is…it depends. If a senior individual cannot get sufficient folic acid through dietary means and showcases low folate levels – this calls necessitates discussion with their healthcare provider to obtain proper guidance on supplement intakes.(9)

Another thing to keep in mind is that some seniors may have difficulty absorbing certain vitamins and minerals from supplements. As discussed earlier, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia caused by pernicious (Autoimmune) gastric disease; both vitamins crucial fighting against neuropathy & cognitive decline.(10). Which further cements our health outcomes being more complicated than simply ingesting one nutrient.

So, instead of ruling it out altogether- experts suggest modifying lifestyles best catered towards achieving optimum nutritional needs sustainably.

That’s All Folks!

We hope we were able to clear up any confusion you had about whether or not folic acid could be beneficial for seniors. Ultimately, it comes down to each person’s unique circumstances and talking with their physician (or) registered dietitian before deciding if adding folic into your daily routine adds any value!
Now go forth armed with new nutrition knowledge as well as corny jokes around Vitamin-Bs- What’s riboflavin’s preferred instrument?

A-pick-le-lu!

(1): Beaudin AA et al.Nutr Metab (Lond).2014;(11)2
(2): Duthie SJ et al.Proc Nutr Soc2002;(61) SupplC81-C89
(3): Pietrzykowski P.D.Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig .2020;71(3)(p189-197)
Marinaccio L.G Ital Cardiol.2010;(11suppl1)p24S-31s.
(4): Eussen SJ et al.Am J Clin Nutr.2007;(85)Suppl1161-67
(5): Mingrone G.BMJ 2018;360(k217)
(6): Gardiner PM, Nelson L.Curr Diab Rep.2010;(10)p216-22.
(7): Bauman WA et al.J Am Coll Nutr.2020 Nov-Dec;39(8p742S-754S)
(The Linus Pauling Institute);Barrett KE;Boitano S/ Brooks H.L;;
Baffert,C(Greater San Diego Epilepsy Foundation).
(8) :Smith C and Song X .Ann Pharmacother2019:53;p983-992
American kidney Fund
www.kidneyfund.org
National Kidney Foundation(https://www.kidney.org/)
https://davita.pk/
http:/medlineplus.gov/
(NIH):
factsheets nih gov/factsheet/vitaminb12.Office of Dietary Supplements–Folate).

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