Originally published August 21 2005
Folic acid can protect against Alzheimer's
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The B-vitamin folic acid, found in high concentrations in leafy green vegetables, chicken liver, legumes, asparagus and orange juice, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a study shows.
The study looked at a number of nutrients, including vitamins E, C, B6, B12 and carotenoids, but it was folic acid that stood out as having the strongest association with a reduced risk of getting Alzheimer's.
Those who consumed at least the recommended daily allowance of 400 micrograms had 55% less risk of getting Alzheimer's than those who consumed less than 400 mcg.
"It looks like there's a threshold effect (needed) to get a benefit," said lead author Maria Corrada, an epidemiologist at the University of California-Irvine's Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia.
"Folic acid is captivating," said Piero Antuono, a professor of neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"What makes it attractive is the lure of simple intervention for a complex disease."
Although the new study does not prove that folic acid prevents Alzheimer's, it adds to other research suggesting that the nutrient may be beneficial, he said.
Since 1998, breads, flours, cereals, pasta, rice and other grains have been fortified with folic acid in the U.S. as a measure to prevent neural tube birth defects.
However, it is believed that many people still may be folate-deficient.
Among those in the study, the average daily intake was 318 mcg, although the study was begun before folic acid was added to grains.
In June, a Dutch study found that middle-aged people who took 800 mcg of folic acid a day for three years improved significantly on memory test scores.
Other studies have linked high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood that has been implicated in heart disease, stroke and vascular disease, with Alzheimer's.
"At this point we have strong indicators, but it is not proof," said William Thies, vice president of medical and scientific affairs at the Alzheimer's Association.
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