THE EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS WITH FOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN B12 ON PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL IN AN EGYPTIAN ELDERLY GROUP

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Food Science and Nutrition Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

 Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations have been confirmed as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and other vascular disorders. High plasma homocysteine concentrations can be largely attributed to inadequate intake of folic acid and vitamin B12. On the other hand, data from several studies indicate that plasma homocysteine increases with age, independent of vitamin status.
56 subjects (30 males and 26 females) similar in socio-economic class (upper-middle), with an age range of 60– 70 years completed the study course. All were healthy working professionals. Clinical, nutritional and anthropometric evaluations were carried out. Biochemical analysis for blood homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid were performed. All the evaluated parameters were performed at the beginning of the study and after four months of supplementation with biscuits and dietary intake rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid. The results of study show that before the supplementation, the plasma homocysteine level was 13.8 ± 2.2 μmol-1 this level was significantly high, which indicating a state of mild hyperhomocysteinemia, then returned to its normal values after four months of supplementation with increased dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Significant decrease in plasma tHcy and increase in vitamin B12 and folic acid levels is recorded after the four months of supplementation P (< 0.01).
In conclusion, the daily consumption of B12 and folic acid supplements appears to be the most effective factor for reducing tHcy concentration.
As a result vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation for elderly is recommended

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