| Free Republic Browse · Search | General/Chat Topics · Post Article |
Skip to comments.
Reduction in folate intake linked to healthier aging in animal modelsMedical Xpress / Texas A&M University / Life Science Alliance ^ | Aug. 7, 2024 | Ashley Vargo / Heidi M Blank et al
Posted on 08/16/2024 5:20:25 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
In a study, scientists found that decreasing folate intake can support healthier metabolisms in aging animal models, challenging the conventional belief that high folate consumption universally benefits health.
Folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and development, is widely recognized for its role in preventing birth defects. It's found naturally in foods like leafy greens, and it is typically added to refined grains.
By limiting folate in animal models, the researchers saw a decrease in processes related to growth and building new cells, but enhanced metabolic flexibility, which Polymenis said could lead to healthier aging.
"Optimal folate intake may vary depending on an individual's age," he said. "While higher folate is crucial during early life for growth and development, a lower intake later in life may benefit metabolic health and longevity."
Folate, or vitamin B9, is an essential dietary component used in the body to form red blood cells, as well as DNA, RNA and proteins.
Blank said the folate-limited group maintained their weight and body fat into old age as opposed to the control group. And despite folate's importance for red blood cell production, the folate-limited models showed no signs of anemia or other negative health consequences.
In 1998, the U.S. mandated that staple foods, particularly grains, be "enriched" or "fortified" with folic acid and other B vitamins following the refinement process. While helpful for some age groups, it might do more harm than good for older adults.
As a result, Polymenis said this research opens a new avenue for developing drugs to limit dietary folate uptake for individuals who don't need as much, rather than cutting foods that contain folate or folic acid, the synthetic version often added to foods and supplements.
In the meantime, Polymenis said he doesn't recommend avoiding folate entirely.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
TOPICS: Health/MedicineKEYWORDS: aging; folate; folateintake; folates
Older persons may to do better with less folic acid/folate. This may help keep weight down.
1posted on 08/16/2024 5:20:25 PM PDTby ConservativeMind
[Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]
To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; BusterDog; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; ...
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.
Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.
2posted on 08/16/2024 5:20:52 PM PDTby ConservativeMind(Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
To: ConservativeMind
Many things “may vary depending on an individual’s age,” he said...
well, yeah.
3posted on 08/16/2024 5:41:50 PM PDTby goodnesswins(DEI....Divide, Enslave, Indoctrinate.....OR ......Didn't Earn It)
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
To: ConservativeMind
healthier aging in animal models
I thought the Alphabet People had gone far enough with men posing in women's swimsuits, but animal models is even more hilarious. :-P
4posted on 08/16/2024 5:48:09 PM PDTby rfp1234(E Porcibus Unum)
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
To: ConservativeMind
Folic acid is synthetic. That’s the key right there.
if your genome carries one of the (I think the number is 5) MTHFR gene mutations, your body cannot process folic acid and therefore cannot process vitamin B. Almost everybody has at least one genetic mutation. I have three. The more folic acid you add to your diet, and the more processed food you consume, the more toxic you become because the body cannot process it out. And they add it to wheat, to cereals, to just about every processed food. But it also means that no matter how much extra vitamin B you are taking, it’s not being used by the body and you just pee it out. This results in a deficit of vitamin B and can result in numerous problems, chiefly anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, depression, panic attacks and other neurological disorders.
You should test for MTHFR mutations and then take a methyl-folate with your B so the body can absorb it. I was a lifelong nail chewer; I used to bite my nails and cuticles until they bled. A couple of weeks on methyl-folate B Vitamins and that habit completely disappeared, as did my anxiety attacks.
I had no idea about the metabolism part, but it totally makes sense.
5posted on 08/16/2024 6:25:49 PM PDTby ponygirl(Stay gold.)
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]
To: ponygirl
Where can you go to get tested for mthfr gene mutations?
6posted on 08/17/2024 1:52:36 PM PDTby WildHighlander57((the more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.) )
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]
To: WildHighlander57
Your doctor has to request the labs. I had an MD request it; pretty sure a Naturopath would do so.
7posted on 08/17/2024 3:09:12 PM PDTby ponygirl(Stay gold.)
[Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
| Free Republic Browse · Search | General/Chat Topics · Post Article |
FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson
