The Effect of Folic Acid on Atherosclerosis, Cognitive Performance and Hearing

Low levels of B vitamins, in particular folate, and high levels of plasma total homocysteine, have been associated with a variety of age-related diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular disease, dementia and hearing impairment. Extra folate, for example in the form of folic acid, is known to decrease the concentrations of plasma total homocysteine.

We examined whether 0.8 mg/d folic acid could slow down atherosclerotic progression and the above mentioned age-related processes.

Inclusion criteria

• 50-70 years
• Men and post-menopausal women
• Women with a surgically removed uterus were required to be >=55 years

Exclusion criteria

• Plasma total homocysteine <13 or >26 umol/L
• Serum vitamin B12 <200 pmol/L
• Self-reported current use of drugs which affect folate metabolism
• Self-reported current use of drugs believed to influence intima-media thickening, i.e., lipid-lowering drugs, hormone replacement therapy
• Self-reported medical diagnosis of renal, intestinal, thyroid disease
• Self-reported medical diagnosis of current cancer
• Self-reported current use of supplements containing B vitamins
• Self-reported inability or unwillingness to fast for 12 hours
• <80% compliance using placebo pills during a 6-week run-in period
• Not giving written informed consent
• Participation in other research studies