The headlines from the last few days would make you think so: “Folic Acid may boost brain power”, “Folic acid boosts minds of over-50’s”, “Folic acid improves memory in elderly”, “Folic acid boosts cognition in older adults”.

The truth, however, is that this new study published in The Lancet shows that folic acid provided cognitive benefits for those with high homocysteine levels. Patients (drawn from the Netherlands) that had normal homocysteine levels were not included in the study.

Is your homocysteine normal or elevated? If it is high, this study (along with several older studies) indicates your brain will likely benefit from folic acid supplementation.

Interestingly, however, there are many metabolic experts who believe that if your homocysteine level is at the upper limits of normal, there is still a benefit to be had from taking extra folic acid.

The metabolism of folic acid and homocysteine are closely intertwined. It has been shown that those who don’t consume enough folic acid will in turn have elevated homocysteine levels.

What are some good natural food sources of folic acid?

• Black-eyed peas, boiled, 1 cup: 210 mcg
• Lentils, 1/2 cup cooked: 179 mcg
• Beans, white, boiled, 1/2 cup 144 mcg
• Black-eyed peas, 1/2 cup cooked 120 mcg
• Broccoli, cooked, 1 cup 104 mcg
• Spinach, cooked, 1/2 cup 103 mcg
• Romaine lettuce, 1 cup 76 mcg
• Orange juice, 1 cup 75 mcg
• Wheat germ, raw, 2 Tbl 50 mcg
• Papaya cubes, 1 cup 53 mcg

[Source for Folate Food Content: Northwestern University]

The Lancet Folate study: Durga J, et al “Effect of 3-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial” Lancet 2007; 369: 208-216.

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