Published on June 3rd, 2013
In February 2013, the Journal of Nutrition reported that folate levels correlated with cognitive test scores in children. Previous research has shown that both folate and vitamin B12 are associated with cognitive function in the elderly. Vitamin B12 and folate play an important role in nervous system functioning including neurotransmitter synthesis.
The subjects included 5,365 children between 6 and 16 years of age. The investigators measured serum vitamin B12 and folate levels. The children underwent cognitive evaluation using the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised.
The researchers found that higher serum folate levels correlated to higher reading and block design scores in the children. More specifically, the children with the highest serum folate levels scored 3.28 points higher on the reading test compared to the children with the lowest folate levels. The investigators did not find an association between serum vitamin B12 levels and test scores.
The researchers concluded, “In the largest study to date, higher folate concentrations were associated with better reading and block design scores. These associations appear to be biologically plausible and merit further study.”
Reference:
Nguyen CT, et al. Nutr. 2013 Feb 6. [Epub ahead of print.]
http://www.wholehealthinsider.com/single-vitamins/folate-levels-impact-cognitive-test-scores/?
