Irish researchers have debunked claims that having high blood levels of folate-folic acid-increases the risk of poor brain function in older adults, especially in those with low levels of vitamin B12. It found no evidence that having high blood levels of folate affected the risk of cognitive decline in those with low levels of vitamin B12. Cognitive performance was not worse in older people with low vitamin B12 combined with high folate (representing 1.5pc of older adults in Ireland). Those with normal vitamin B12 levels and high folate levels (7.6pc of older adults) performed better cognitively than the others. Older adults can have difficulty in absorbing vitamin B12 due to diminished digestive function or medications.

Source: Irish Independent June 15, 2020 12:11 UTC