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Folate and cobalamin synergistically decrease the risk of high plasma homocysteine in a nonsupplemented elderly
José M Huerta1, Sonia González, Elena Vigil
1Departamento de Biología Funcional, Area de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
Clinical Biochemistry
|September 17, 2004
Summary
Adequate intake and serum levels of folate and vitamin B12 work together to lower high total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) in older adults. This synergy reduces cardiovascular disease risk in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
- Elderly individuals are susceptible to high tHcy due to impaired vitamin status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adequate folate and cobalamin levels and tHcy in the elderly.
- To determine the independent and interactive effects of folate and cobalamin on tHcy.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 140 elderly individuals from nursing homes.
- Dietary intake assessed via food frequency questionnaire.
- Serum folate, cobalamin, and tHcy measured from fasting blood samples.
Main Results:
- Mean tHcy was 13.3 micromol/L; higher serum folate correlated inversely with tHcy.
- Adequate intake or serum levels of both folate and vitamin B12 reduced the risk of high tHcy.
- Synergistic effect observed: combined adequate levels offered greater risk reduction than expected.
Conclusions:
- Adequate folate and cobalamin intake and serum levels synergistically decrease high tHcy risk in the elderly.
- This finding highlights the importance of combined vitamin status for cardiovascular health in older adults.