Folate Intake Research Articles

Dietary intakes of vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12 and erectile dysfunction: a national population-based study.

While deficiencies in vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 are linked to various human diseases, including anemia, depression, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), literature regarding the association between vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 and erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to determine the dietary intake of vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 and ED in the United States population. We extracted data from the 2001-2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary intakes of B vitamins were collected based on one 24-hour dietary recall. The association between dietary intake of vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12 and ED was examined using multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 3,875 participants were included for analysis, with 1,201 reporting ED and 2,894 not experiencing ED. The multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles of vitamin B6 was 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.99; P for trend =0.03] for the prevalence of ED. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant inverse association between dietary intake of vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12 and the prevalence of ED among men aged ≤60 years, individuals of Mexican American and non-Hispanic White ethnicity, and those without a history of CVD, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The consumption of dietary vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 was significantly linked to decreased risks of ED among younger healthier men, suggesting a potential protective role of these nutrients against ED in United States adults.

Knowledge and practice (KP) of Folic acid intake during conceptive period in Omdurman maternity hospital (OMH)

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and use of folic acid among pregnant women in Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. One thousand pregnant women were interviewed, where a structured questionnaire was developed for the study. Results of the survey indicated that 91.2% of the women knew about folic acid, 16.2% knew that it prevents birth defects, 86.9% knew that it prevents anemia. The majority (88.6%) of women was taking the supplement, 51.3% were taking it regularly, but only 4.7% took it before getting pregnant. Knowledge and use were significantly influenced by age, education level, employment and family income. Preconception use of the supplement was lowest among illiterate and least educated women 7.02%. It was concluded that a high level of knowledge of folic acid was not reflected in regard to successful use of the folic acid supplement. Thus, it is justifiable for the prevention of all those affected by low levels of FA intake to introduce the policy of food fortification as is practiced in many developed countries.

Preconception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defect: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Previous reviews explored the association between maternal use of folic acid and multivitamin supplements and risk of neural tube defect (NTD) in children, with no definitive conclusion. These reviews had produced contradictory results, and there had been no umbrella review. Therefore, the objective of this umbrella review is to combine the inconsistent data on the effect of prenatal folic acid and/or multivitamin supplementation for the prevention of NTD in offspring. Using the PRISMA guideline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Google Scholar reported that the effects of folic acid and/or multivitamin supplementation for the prevention of NTD in offspring were searched. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to find the pooled estimates. The subgroup analysis, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were also assessed. Ten SRM with 296,816 study participants were included. The random-effects model analysis from 10 included systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled effect of either folic acid or multivitamin supplementation for the prevention of NTD globally is found to be 0.43 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.58) (I2 = 93.50%; p ≤0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled effect was found to be 0.23 (0.09, 0.37) in folic acid group, while this estimate is 0.63 (0.53, 0.72) and 0.61 (0.46, 0.75) in groups who took multivitamin. The pooled effect of prevention of NTD was found to be 0.50 (0.34, 0.66) in SRMs aimed at occurrence prevention (primary prevention) group, while this estimate is 0.20 (-0.01, 0.41) among SRMs, which aimed at reoccurrence (secondary) prevention, and 0.61 (0.46, 0.75) among those SRMs aimed to assess the effect folic acid or multivitamin for the prevention of both occurrence and reoccurrence. The pooled effect of either folic acid or multivitamin supplementation for the prevention of NTD was found to be 0.45 (0.03, 0.87) in SRMs of observational studies, while this estimate is 0.43 (0.32, 0.54) among SRMs of randomized controlled trials. This umbrella review of systematic review and meta-analysis found that prenatal folic acid and/or multivitamin supplementation was associated with a 57% reduction in NTD. Participants who took folic acid supplementation were associated with a slightly higher (77%) percentage of reduction in NTD compared with those who took multivitamin (37%). Reductions of 80% and 50% were observed for reoccurrence and occurrence prevention of NTD. Reductions of 57% and 55% of NTD have been found in SRM of RCTs and observational studies. This umbrella review revealed that both folic acid and multivitamin were associated with significantly lower levels of NTD in children. Considering the incorporation of those supplements in NTD prevention strategies during the preconception period is recommended. More large-scale prospective cohort and RCTs are needed to understand the protective effect of multivitamins and/or folic acid on NTD risk addressing the molecular mechanisms and to determine the optimal dose, duration, and timing of maternal multivitamin and folic acid intake for best child NTD risk reduction.

STRESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND DIETARY INTAKE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DYSMENORRHEA AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS

Background: The estimated prevalence of dysmenorrhea ranges from 45% to 93% of women of reproductive age. Approximately 10–15% of women complain about severe pain, resulting in a negative impact on their daily activities. Factors that cause dysmenorrhea are physical activity, nutritional status, dietary intake, stress, and body mass index. This study explores the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and investigates its correlation with physical activity, stress, and Dietary Intake among female students studying nutrition in Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia. Method: This research was cross sectional analytic descriptive study with minimum sample size of 114 female students. Primary data was collected using a set of questionnaires. Dysmenorrhea pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Stress levels were measured by employing the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 42 (DASS 42). Physical activity using The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Dietary data including intakes of energy, iron, folate, and B12 was assessed using non-consecutive 3x24 hours food records, representing 2 weekdays and a weekend. The data were analyzed using chi-square for category data and one-way anova for continuous data. Result: Dietary intake especially vitamin B12 (p=0.02) were associated to the level of dysmenorrhea, whereas stress (p=0.36) and physical activity (p=0.82) was not associated of dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: This study emphasized the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female college students studying Nutrition, revealing important connections between stress, physical activity and dietary intake. Additionally, the research revealed a significant relationship between dietary intake (vitamin B12) and dysmenorrhea.

The Impact of the Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin D3 on Homocysteine Levels and the Health-Related Quality of Life of Levodopa-Treated Patients with Parkinson's Disease-A Pilot Study in Romania.

Previous studies have shown that the levodopa treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) elevates circulating homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders, or thrombosis. The present trial aimed to examine whether the intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 supplements improved homocysteine level and quality of life (QoL). An interventional prospective trial was conducted in multiple centers across Romania. Participants with clinically established PD taking at least 300 mg/day of levodopa for more than 1 year received a daily tablet of a supplement containing 800 UI of vitamin D3, 1000 µg of folic acid, and 15 µg of vitamin B12. They were followed for 6 months and their serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL scores were measured at baseline and at 6 months of treatment. QoL was measured using a 15D questionnaire, which assesses mobility, vision, hearing, breathing, sleeping, eating, speech, excretion, usual activities, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress, vitality, and sexual activity. Twenty-four PD patients with a mean age of 71 ± 5.04 years (54.2% male and 45.8% female) finished the study. After the intervention, the mean score of speech, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, and QoL significantly increased (p < 0.05 for all). Also, the serum homocysteine and vitamin D were significantly enhanced (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Changes in vitamin B12 were not statistically significant at 6 months of treatment (p = 0.996). No gender differences were found among the changes that we have demonstrated for homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL levels (p < 0.05 for all). The findings of this study showed that the dietary intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 remarkably decreased the dimensions of homocysteine and finally increased the total score of QoL in PD patients. We have successfully captured the potential benefits of the supplementation regimen over time and provided insights into the broader implications for managing PD with a focus on nutritional support.

The association between dietary, physical activity and the DNA methylation of PPARGC1A, HLA-DQA1 and ADCY3 in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a nest case-control study

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with DNA methylation and lifestyle. The effects of DNA methylation on GDM, and the interaction between DNA methylation and lifestyle factors are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the association between GDM, DNA methylation and lifestyle factors.MethodsA nest case-control design was performed. Sociodemographic data, dietary intake and daily physical activity information of pregnant women were collected. Bisulfate pyrosequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation level of PPARGC1A, HLA-DQA1, and ADCY3 genes. The differences of DNA methylation levels between the GDM group and the control group were compared. The correlation between clinical characteristics, dietary, physical activity and DNA methylation level was analyzed.ResultsA total of 253 pregnant women were enrolled, of which, 60 participants (GDM: 30; control: 30) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in DNA methylation levels of six methylated sites between the two groups in this study (P > 0.05). Daily intake of potato and poultry were associated with DNA methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants and the control group (P < 0.05). Duration of folic acid intake before pregnancy was correlated with the methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants (r = 0.341, P = 0.04) and the control group (r = 0.431, P = 0.025). Daily oil intake was correlated with the methylation level of CpG 2 (r = 0.627, P = 0.016) and CpG 3 (r = 0.563, P = 0.036) of PPARGC1A in the GDM group.ConclusionThe association between the DNA methylation levels and GDM wasn’t validated. There were associations between dietary and DNA methylation in pregnant women. A large-sample-sized and longitudinal study is warranted to further investigate the impacts of lifestyle on DNA methylation.

Is There a Relationship Between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and Clinical Attachment Loss in Patients with Periodontitis?

Objective The pathogenesis of periodontal diseases is partially driven by oxidative stress. However, studies on the relationship between periodontitis and the inflammatory load of diet are still insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the diet’s inflammatory load and periodontitis and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Methods This cross-sectional study included 119 participants diagnosed with periodontitis according to the 1999 classification. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated using three-day food consumption records and divided into quartiles (Q1, Q2, and Q3). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight and height (kg/m2). Clinical attachment loss (CAL) score was determined, and the patients were grouped with those CAL scores as 7 < CAL and ≥7 CAL. Results Of the 119 patients with periodontitis, aged 46.24 ± 12.84 years, 45.3% were found to have an anti-inflammatory diet profile (n = 54). When the daily energy and nutrient intake of individuals were examined, it was found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (p = 0.004), black tea (p = 0.021), and green pepper (p = 0.029) was higher in those with CAL < 7 compared to those with CAL ≥ 7. There was no relationship between the patients’ DII and CAL values. Daily energy, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, Fe, Zn, and Mg intake in patients with an anti-inflammatory diet in Q1 were higher than in Q2 and Q3 (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study found no relationship between DII levels and CAL scores. However, it was observed that periodontitis patients following an anti-inflammatory diet had higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, and C, as well as zinc and magnesium which are nutrients known to be effective against inflammation. These patients also had CAL scores below 7. Therefore, reducing the inflammatory load of the diet may prevent the development of periodontitis, and further research in this regard would be beneficial.

Periconceptional maternal supplement intake and human embryonic growth, development, and birth outcomes: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

Is periconceptional multiple-micronutrient supplement (MMS) use including folic acid (FA) compared to FA use only associated with increased embryonic growth, development, and birth weight in a high-risk population? Women with MMS intake show no significant differences in first-trimester morphological embryo development, but increased first-trimester embryonic growth trajectories and fewer neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), less than the 3rd percentile (<p3), compared to women using only FA. Periconceptional maternal FA intake in the general population is associated with increased embryonic and fetal growth, and reduced risks of neural tube defects, other congenital malformations, low birth weight, and neonates born SGA. A prospective tertiary hospital-based cohort study (the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort) was conducted from January 2010 to December 2020. We included 1076 women from the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort, before 10 weeks of pregnancy with follow-up until delivery. Embryonic growth was assessed by measurement of crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV), and embryonic morphology was described by Carnegie stages using longitudinal three-dimensional ultrasound scans and virtual reality techniques. Birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. General characteristics and supplement use were extracted from research questionnaires. This study showed increased embryonic growth trajectories (adjusted models, CRL: β = 0.052, 95% CI 0.012-0.090, EV: β = 0.022, 95% CI 0.002-0.042) in women using MMS compared to those using only FA. Moreover, a 45% reduced risk of a neonate-born SGA (<p3) was shown in women using MMS compared to FA users (adjusted OR = 0.546, 95% CI 0.308, 0.969). Embryonic morphological development (Carnegie stages) and the occurrence of miscarriages did not differ between women using MMS or solely FA. Following the heterogeneity of the composition and dose of MMS preparations, it is unclear which specific micronutrient, combination, or dose explains the increased embryonic growth trajectory and reduction in risk for SGA. This also hampers the possibility of differentiating between the effects of FA alone or as a component of MMS. Our findings emphasize the importance of periconceptional maternal MMS use as a potential preventative intervention against reduced embryonic growth and neonates born SGA. Therefore, we recommend the periconceptional use of MMS in women at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. However, awareness of potentially harmful side effects of high doses and combinations of micronutrients is essential, therefore the optimal composition and dose need to be investigated, and careful surveillance is recommended. This research was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and the ZonMw grant Open Competition 2018 (09120011910046). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. NTR4356.

Association of food folate with asthma in US children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. Currently, contradictory findings exist regarding the association between food folate and asthma. Therefore, we hypothesize a positive correlation between food folate and asthma. Purpose To investigate the possible relationship between food folate intake and the development of asthma in children and adolescents in the United States. Methods Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed cross-sectionally by covariate adjustment using multivariate logistic regression, restricted triple spline curves, threshold effects, and stratified analyses. Results There were 8,821 participants, of whom 1,697 (19.2%) self-reported having received a diagnosis of asthma from a physician or other health professional. After accounting for potential confounders, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for asthma in the second (T2, 111–178 µg/day) and third (T3, >178 µg/day) groups were 1.15 (1–1.33) and 1.23 (1.04–1.46), respectively, compared with the group with the lowest food folate intake (T1, <111 µg/day). In addition, the association between food folate intake and asthma showed an inverse L-shaped curve (non-linear relationship, p = 0.003), and stratified analysis further validated the robustness of the results. The OR of asthma in subjects with food folate intake less than 263.9 µg/day was 1.002 (1.001–1.004). Conclusion In children and adolescents in the United States, there is a non-linear association (inverted "L" shape) between food folate intake and asthma, with an inflection point at 263.9 micrograms per day.

Folate intake and colorectal cancer risk according to genetic subtypes defined by targeted tumor sequencing

BackgroundFolate is involved in multiple genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic processes, and inadequate folate intake has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. ObjectiveWe examined whether folate intake is differentially associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk according to somatic mutations in genes linked to CRC using targeted sequencing. DesignParticipants within 2 large CRC consortia with available information on dietary folate, supplemental folic acid, and total folate intake were included. Colorectal tumor samples from cases were sequenced for the presence of nonsilent mutations in 105 genes and 6 signaling pathways (IGF2/PI3K, MMR, RTK/RAS, TGF-β, WNT, and TP53/ATM). Multinomial logistic regression models were analyzed comparing mutated/nonmutated CRC cases to controls to compute multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity of associations of mutated compared with nonmutated CRC cases was tested in case-only analyses using logistic regression. Analyses were performed separately in hypermutated and nonhypermutated tumors, because they exhibit different clinical behaviors. ResultsWe included 4339 CRC cases (702 hypermutated tumors, 16.2%) and 11,767 controls. Total folate intake was inversely associated with CRC risk (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.96). Among hypermutated tumors, 12 genes (AXIN2, B2M, BCOR, CHD1, DOCK3, FBLN2, MAP3K21, POLD1, RYR1, TET2, UTP20, and ZNF521) showed nominal statistical significance (P < 0.05) for heterogeneity by mutation status, but none remained significant after multiple testing correction. Among these genetic subtypes, the associations between folate variables and CRC were mostly inverse or toward the null, except for tumors mutated for DOCK3 (supplemental folic acid), CHD1 (total folate), and ZNF521 (dietary folate) that showed positive associations. We did not observe differential associations in analyses among nonhypermutated tumors, or according to the signaling pathways. ConclusionsFolate intake was not differentially associated with CRC risk according to mutations in the genes explored. The nominally significant differential mutation effects observed in a few genes warrants further investigation.

A Comprehensive Investigation of Dietary Micronutrient Intakes and Risk of Alcoholic Liver Disease

BackgroundThe investigation of dietary micronutrient intakes and risk of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) based on observational studies was limited. ObjectivesOur study aimed to explore the associations of 30 dietary micronutrients intakes with risk of ALD, interactions between dietary micronutrients and genetic variation, and mediation effects of blood and urinary biomarkers on the associations between dietary micronutrients and risk of ALD. MethodsA case-control study was conducted within the UK Biobank cohort, with 231 incident ALD cases and 1386 controls. Dietary data were collected using a dietary questionnaire that relied on a 24-h dietary recall of the previous day. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations of dietary micronutrient intakes with risk of ALD. We conducted stratified analyses on the associations between dietary micronutrient intakes and risk of ALD by PNPLA3 rs738409 and tested the interactions between dietary micronutrients and genetic variation. In addition, we conducted mediation analyses to investigate the mediating effects of biomarkers on the associations between dietary micronutrients and risk of ALD. ResultsOur findings indicated significant inverse associations of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin equivalent, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iodine, and manganese with risk of ALD (all false discovery rate-Ptrend < 0.050). We also found a significant interaction between PNPLA3 rs738409 and magnesium (Pinteraction = 0.028). Creatinine (enzymatic) in urine, aspartate aminotransferase, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were the top 3 biomarkers with the highest number of significant mediation effects on the associations between the dietary micronutrients and risk of ALD. ConclusionsDietary intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin equivalent, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iodine, and manganese were inversely associated with risk of ALD.

Spatial Transcriptomics and Single-Nucleus Multi-omics Analysis Revealing the Impact of High Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Offspring Brain Development.

Folate, an essential vitamin B9, is crucial for diverse biological processes including neurogenesis. Folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy is a standard practice for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). However, concerns are growing over the potential risks of excessive maternal FA intake. Here, we employed mouse model and spatial transcriptomics and single-nucleus multi-omics approaches to investigate the impact of high maternal FA supplementation during the periconceptional period on offspring brain development. Maternal high FA supplementation affected gene pathways linked to neurogenesis and neuronal axon myelination across multiple brain regions, as well as gene expression alterations related to learning and memory in thalamic and ventricular regions. Single-nucleus multi-omics analysis revealed that maturing excitatory neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) are particularly vulnerable to high maternal FA intake, leading to aberrant gene expressions and chromatin accessibility in pathways governing ribosomal biogenesis critical for synaptic formation. Our findings provide new insights into specific brain regions, cell types, gene expressions and pathways that can be affected by maternal high FA supplementation.

A potential association between recent increased incidence of breast and uterine body cancers in Japanese women and changes in dietary saturated fat and folate intake: A meta-analysis

Recent increases in breast and uterine body cancers among Japanese women suggest the involvement of some modifiable factors in cancer development, including drinking and smoking habits, which are generally associated with Westernized lifestyles. Using national data on annual cancer incidence, this study examines the associations between recent changes in cancer incident rates and dietary habits. Data on age-specific incidence and mortality rates of breast, uterine body, colon, and lung cancers from 2004 to 2019, as well as annual changes in the intake of animal protein, plant protein, saturated fatty acids, and folate from 2001 to 2019 among Japanese women, were obtained from e-Stat, a portal site of Japanese Government Statistics. The analysis indicates that the incidence rates of breast and uterine body cancers among Japanese women increased from 2004 to 2019, displaying distinct distribution patterns with two peaks for breast cancer and one peak for uterine body cancer. The rising incidence rates of both cancers were positively correlated with annual changes in animal protein and saturated fat intake and inversely correlated with changes in plant protein and folate intake. Health-care professionals should be aware of the notable and characteristic increase in breast and uterine body cancer incidence among Japanese women and emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications to counteract Westernized dietary habits.

Eating habits in recreational athletes

Aim: Physical activity (PA) is an important factor in maintaining health, and combined with a balanced diet, it forms the basis of a healthy lifestyle. A diet not aligned with proper nutritional guidelines and the intensity of PA can affect the body's functioning, hinder recovery after training, and increase the risk of injury. This study examines the PA among recreational athletes and explores their eating habits. Methods: An observational study was conducted using Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) minutes/week to determine the level of PA. Dietary data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The study involved 62 respondents, categorized into groups of moderately, intensively, and very intensively active recreational athletes and despite recognizing the importance of PA recreational athletes exhibited inadequate dietary habits. Higher intake of fats, cholesterol, and saturated fatty acids was observed, as well as lower intake of carbohydrates than recommended. Most vitamins and some mineral intakes exceeded recommendations. Significant differences between groups were noted only for folate and saturated fatty acid intake. Conclusion: Nutritional education by professional nutritionists is essential for recreational athletes to correct improper eating habits. The findings of this study can be applied in similar socioeconomic-cultural regions.

Dietary folate intake and serum klotho levels in adults aged 40-79 years: a cross-sectional study from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2016.

This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary folate intake and serum Klotho levels in adults from aged 40 to 79 years in the United States, seeking to elucidate the intricacies of their interaction. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2016. The survey research determined folate intake through a 24-h dietary recall and nutrient density modeling, and assessed Klotho levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between folate intake and Klotho levels was evaluated using weighted linear regression, and complemented by analysis via smoothed curve models for nuanced understanding. The study encompassed 10,278 participants, with an average age of 57.64 years, revealing a noteworthy positive correlation between dietary folate and serum Klotho levels. The regression coefficient stood at 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.05, 0.18) post-adjustment for various covariates. When dietary folate intake was categorized into quartiles, the second, third, and fourth quartiles exhibited statistically significant differences compared to the lowest quartile. This indicates that higher folate intake correlates with increased serum Klotho levels. These findings underscore the potential benefits of elevating folate intake to enhance serum Klotho levels. Stratified analysis indicated that this association was more pronounced among males aged 60 years or older and individuals with hypertension. The findings suggest a significant correlation between increased dietary folate intake and elevated serum Klotho levels in adults aged 40-79 years. Hinting at the potential nutritional influences on the aging process and associated health conditions. This calls for further exploration into the mechanisms and broader implications of this association.

Identification of SIBO Subtypes along with Nutritional Status and Diet as Key Elements of SIBO Therapy.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a pathology of the small intestine and may predispose individuals to various nutritional deficiencies. Little is known about whether specific subtypes of SIBO, such as the hydrogen-dominant (H+), methane-dominant (M+), or hydrogen/methane-dominant (H+/M+), impact nutritional status and dietary intake in SIBO patients. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between biochemical parameters, dietary nutrient intake, and distinct SIBO subtypes. This observational study included 67 patients who were newly diagnosed with SIBO. Biochemical parameters and diet were studied utilizing laboratory tests and food records, respectively. The H+/M+ group was associated with low serum vitamin D (p < 0.001), low serum ferritin (p = 0.001) and low fiber intake (p = 0.001). The M+ group was correlated with high serum folic acid (p = 0.002) and low intakes of fiber (p = 0.001) and lactose (p = 0.002). The H+ group was associated with low lactose intake (p = 0.027). These results suggest that the subtype of SIBO may have varying effects on dietary intake, leading to a range of biochemical deficiencies. Conversely, specific dietary patterns may predispose one to the development of a SIBO subtype. The assessment of nutritional status and diet, along with the diagnosis of SIBO subtypes, are believed to be key components of SIBO therapy.

In vivo determination of the bioavailability of folic acid through the utilization of the PBPK model in conjunction with UPLC

This paper employed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) to investigate the transformations of folic acid and its metabolites in vivo. Additionally, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed to accurately measure the body's retention rate and conversion rate of folic acid, tetrahydrofolate, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Furthermore, the bioavailability of folic acid in the body was assessed by combining this method with an evaluation technique for animal models. The study found that the gastric metabolism time was 2 h, while the small intestinal metabolism duration was 4 h. The maximum conversion rate was observed in plasma and liver after 6 h, and in the brain after 8 h. This serves as a framework for creating a model to assess the bioavailability of folic acid in living organisms, to enhance the safety and efficacy of folic acid intake.

Folate Biomarkers, Folate Intake, and Risk of Death From All Causes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Existing evidence on the relation between folate intake and biomarkers with mortality risk is controversial. Previous cohort studies were examined regarding folate intake and biomarkers in relation to risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease- (CVD), and cancer-related mortality through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was performed of the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases up to July 2023. Prospective cohort studies examining the association of folate biomarkers (in serum, plasma, red blood cells) and intake with risk of all-cause, CVD-, and cancer-related mortality were considered. A random-effects model was applied to combine study-specific risk estimates. Dose-response relations were assessed by 1-stage weighted mixed-effects meta-analysis. A total of 25 cohorts with 423 304 participants, 36 558 all-cause, 12 662 CVD-, and 2426 cancer-related deaths were included. No significant association was observed between the highest levels of folate biomarkers and all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77-1.06; n = 17; I2 = 89.4%; P < .001), CVD-related mortality risk (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.06; n = 11; I2 = 0.0%; P = .57), and cancer-related mortality risk (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.69-1.05; n = 6; I2 = 57.8%; P = .04) compared with the lowest. Furthermore, each 10 nmol/L increase was marginally related to a 12% reduced all-cause mortality risk but not to CVD- and cancer-related mortality risk. A significant inverse association was found between highest intake of dietary folate and the lowest, and risk of all-cause (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.96; n = 3; I2 = 63.6%; P = .06) and CVD (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.57-0.93; n = 4; I2 = 80.2%; P = .002) mortality. This meta-analysis revealed a significant inverse relation between dietary folate intake and risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. Such an association was not found in the case of folate biomarkers. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023401700.

Lower Dietary Intake of Folate and Choline Is Associated With a Higher Ratio of Triglycerides to HDL-Cholesterol

Lower Dietary Intake of Folate and Choline Is Associated With a Higher Ratio of Triglycerides to HDL-Cholesterol

Estimation of Folic Acid Intake and Blood Concentration in Korean Adults Using a Newly Established Folic Acid Database

Estimation of Folic Acid Intake and Blood Concentration in Korean Adults Using a Newly Established Folic Acid Database