Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this study looked at how certain nutrients involved in a process known as ‘one-carbon metabolism’ – a pathway that relies on B vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12 – might be linked to biological aging. Researchers used data from over 2,300 adults in the United States aged 50 and older, measuring both their blood levels of nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine, and several ‘epigenetic aging’ markers. These markers, based on DNA changes, are thought to provide a more accurate picture of how quickly someone is aging biologically, compared to their actual years of life.
The results suggested that higher folate levels were tied to slower biological aging. For example, doubling serum folate was linked to a lower score on several aging measures. Folate was also associated with slightly longer telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. On the other hand, higher homocysteine levels – a marker of B-vitamin deficiency – were linked to faster biological aging across several measures.
The study also found that lifestyle and health factors affected these relationships. The positive effect of folate weakened when researchers adjusted for smoking, alcohol use, and kidney function, for example. Smoking, in particular, influenced the connection between homocysteine and aging, while kidney disease affected the role of vitamin B12.
To check out Dr. Rath’s Cellular Health recommendations for daily intake of folate, vitamin B12, and other key micronutrients, see this page on our website.
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While folate’s role in supporting fetal growth and development is well established, a new Stanford-led study suggests it may also help slow biological aging in older adults.
[Source: nutraingredients-usa.com]
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Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this study looked at how certain nutrients involved in a process known as ‘one-carbon metabolism’ – a pathway that relies on B vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12 – might be linked to biological aging. Researchers used data from over 2,300 adults in the United States aged 50 and older, measuring both their blood levels of nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine, and several ‘epigenetic aging’ markers. These markers, based on DNA changes, are thought to provide a more accurate picture of how quickly someone is aging biologically, compared to their actual years of life.
The results suggested that higher folate levels were tied to slower biological aging. For example, doubling serum folate was linked to a lower score on several aging measures. Folate was also associated with slightly longer telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. On the other hand, higher homocysteine levels – a marker of B-vitamin deficiency – were linked to faster biological aging across several measures.
The study also found that lifestyle and health factors affected these relationships. The positive effect of folate weakened when researchers adjusted for smoking, alcohol use, and kidney function, for example. Smoking, in particular, influenced the connection between homocysteine and aging, while kidney disease affected the role of vitamin B12.
To check out Dr. Rath’s Cellular Health recommendations for daily intake of folate, vitamin B12, and other key micronutrients, see this page on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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