Folic acid and B12 improve mood in the elderly

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Folic acid and B12 improve mood in the elderly

Deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B12 are common, even in healthy people.

Both nutrients are important for the nervous system and many studies have already shown a link between depression and low folic acid and vitamin B12 levels.

Further support for this link comes from the following trial:

More than 200 hospitalised patients, with an average age of 75, were given either a normal hospital diet plus a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement, or a normal hospital diet plus a placebo pill, for a period of six weeks.

At the end of this period, significant differences were found between the two groups for symptoms of depression. Patients in the multivitamin and mineral supplementation group reported the most beneficial effects.

The researchers also found that levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 had increased significantly in this group, but had actually decreased in the group receiving the placebo.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 are key nutrients involved in the conversion of homocysteine in the body. Excess homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk for many diseases, including depression.

H Factors

Homocysteine Modulators

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