[PHNUTR-L] Effects of B12 and Folate Status on Anemia and Cognitive Function in the Elderly

[Kathrynne Holden]

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	Effects of Vitamin B12 Status and Folate Status on Anemia and Cognitive 
Function in the Elderly

Reference: 	"Folate and vitamin B-12 status in relation to anemia, 
macrocytosis, and cognitive impairment in older Americans in the age of 
folic acid fortification," Morris MS, Jacques PF, et al, American 
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; 85(1): 193-200. (Address: Martha 
Morris, Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research 
Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. E-mail: 
martha.morris at tufts.edu

Summary: 	In a study involving 1,459 senior subjects, low vitamin B12 
status (defined as serum vitamin B12 concentration <148 pmol/L or serum 
methylmalonic acid concentration > 210 nmol/L) was associated with 
anemia (OR=1.8), macrocytosis (OR=1.8), and cognitive impairment 
(OR=2.5). Interestingly, among the subjects with low vitamin B12 status, 
serum folate levels greater than 59 nmol/L were associated with anemia 
(OR=3.1) and cognitive impairment (OR=2.6), as compared to serum folate 
levels less than or equal to 59 nmol/L. Among subjects with normal 
vitamin B12 status, higher serum folate levels were associated with 
reduced odds ratios of cognitive impairment, as compared to normal serum 
folate levels. Odds ratios were determined after controlling for 
demographic variables, cancer, smoking, alcohol intake, serum ferritin, 
and serum creatinine. These results suggest that among elderly subjects 
having low levels of vitamin B12, high levels of folate appear to be 
associated with anem ia and cognitive decline, while among elderly 
subjects with normal vitamin B12 levels, folate appears to offer 
protection against cognitive decline.
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
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