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Cognitive function in Chilean elderly with low B12 and high folate status
Author(s) -
Allen Lindsay Helen,
Sanchez Hugo,
Albala Cecilia,
Hertrampf Eva,
Lera Lydia,
Lavados Manuel,
Castillo JL,
ShahabFerdows Setareh,
Uauy Ricardo
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.97.4
Subject(s) - vitamin b12 , medicine , cognition , depression (economics) , folic acid , gerontology , psychiatry , economics , macroeconomics
Other investigators reported an association between low vitamin B12 and higher folate status with poorer cognitive function, raising concern about folic acid fortification for elderly. The objective was to examine these associations in elderly at risk of B12 deficiency and consuming highly fortified flour (2.2 mg folic acid/kg flour). Subjects aged 70–79 y were randomly selected from 15 health centers. Screening identified exclusions; serum B‐12 >700 pmol/L, MiniMental State Exam (MMSE) <20, diabetes, health problems. Cognitive tests were administered to 311 eligible subjects. Overall 30% were B12 deficient and 25% B12 marginal (<148 and 148–220 pmol/L); 18% had high serum folate (≥42 nmol/L). Depression (GDS‐15 ≥5) affected 30%, sig. more in women, B12 deficiency, and high folate (p=0.03) but without B12‐folate interaction. MMSE <25 pcle was unrelated to B12 or folate but there was sig. interaction (p<0.055) between B12 ≤148 pmol/L and folate ≥42 nmol/L controlling for depression and education (n=9). Language (Boston) was poorer with high folate, and verbal memory (CERAD) with B‐12 deficiency (no interaction). No associations were found with working memory, attention, executive function. We conclude B12 and folate status were independently associated with some cognitive performance scores. Only MMSE revealed an interaction but significance was weak and sample size small. Funded by FONDECYT 1070592.