The familiar vitamin helps reduce the risk of early death

Research from a team of experts in the US and Israel found that folic acid (or vitamin B9) supplements can help reduce the risk of dementia and early death.

According to the Telegraph, academics from the Icahn School of Medicine (New York, USA) and the University of Haifa (Israel) found that older people with low levels of vitamin B9 are more likely to develop dementia. Low levels of this vitamin are also associated with an increased risk of premature death.

The study, published in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health, was based on data from more than 27,000 people aged 60 to 75 in Israel. All of these people had no history of dementia prior to joining the project and were sampled for vitamin B9 deficiency. They were followed from January 2013 to October 2017. About 3,418 participants were deficient in this substance.

Foods rich in vitamin B9.

The lack of that was associated with a higher risk of dementia and death from any cause, the researchers found.

Among people with vitamin B9 deficiency, the incidence of dementia is estimated at 7.96 per 10,000 person-years. This figure in people who die from any cause is estimated at 19.2/10,000/year.

The estimated incidence of dementia is 4.24 and death from any cause is 5.36 per 10,000 person-years in those who are not deficient.

As a percentage, the rate of dementia is close to 3.5% and all-cause mortality is just under 8% among people with vitamin B9 deficiency. This compares with rates of dementia of just over 3% and death from any cause which is close to 4% in people who are not deficient.

After accounting for potential predisposing factors such as diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, vitamin B12 deficiency, smoking, and use of folic acid supplements, people with vitamin B9 deficiency were at risk of being diagnosed. diagnosed with dementia 68% higher. In particular, the risk of premature death from any cause in people lacking this substance is 3 times higher.

Vitamin B9 helps the body make healthy red blood cells and has been found in some foods. Foods rich in folic acid include spinach, lettuce, okra, asparagus, radishes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach; nuts such as dried beans, peas, yeast, mushrooms. In addition, many fruits such as bananas, melons, lemons, orange juice, grapefruit or beef liver and kidney also contain this substance.

Experts recommend that pregnant women take folic acid supplements to help the baby's brain, skull, and spinal cord develop properly and stay healthy.

In September 2021, the UK government announced that folic acid would be added to whole-wheat flour across the country. The aim is to help prevent spinal problems in infants. It is estimated that adding folic acid to wheat-based foods, such as bread, will help prevent about 200 neural tube defects each year.

New research suggests that this policy could be even more beneficial. Most adults and children can take folic acid supplements. However, people with cancer, a vitamin B12 deficiency, on dialysis and with a heart stent should consult their doctor before taking this supplement.