A study in the Netherlands has found that supplementing folic acid can improve memory in the elderly - see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6278117.stm for the full article.

This new research confirms previous studies that have shown similar results and also confirms what we know - nutrition is really important and especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

To me, it also says that it is not always possible to get all the nutrients you need for optimum health from diet alone - sometimes supplements can be really beneficial. The government has long recognised that folic acid can prevent neural tube birth defects if taken for the 3 months before and after conception, and it recommends levels that far exceed the 'RDA' (see http://www.rcog.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=541).


Folic acid, together with other nutrients including vitamin B6 and B12, is also know to reduce levels of homocysteine, a chemical made in the body that is linked to diseases such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's. More research please!