Background: Folate and other B complex vitamins play important roles in the synthesis of DNA, gene expression, homocysteine detoxification and synthesis of neurotransmitters necessary for the maintenance of cognitive function.
Aim: Systematic literature review of benefit and/ risks of folate and related nutrients in cognitive function in older adults.
Material and methods: "Medline via Pubmed systematic review" of selected articles from years 2010 and May 2011 and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum and erythrocyte folate levels, and folate intake and cognitive function in older adults.
Results: Twelve cross-sectional studies, six cohort studies and six randomized double-blind clinical studies that met pre-established criteria were selected for analysis.
Conclusions: This review doesn't support a benefit from folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in the elderly. Whereas low folate serum levels may be related to increased risk of cognitive impairment and high levels associated with low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute a further deterioration, it is suggested as precautory measure to re-examine the present level of food fortification with folic acid to maximize benefits and limit potential risks.