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Recent research from Texas A&M AgriLife Research indicates that reducing dietary folate could potentially improve longevity and metabolic flexibility. This study, published in Life Science Alliance, challenges the longstanding notion that high folate consumption is universally beneficial.
Led by Dr. Michael Polymenis, a professor and associate head of graduate programs at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the study examined the effects of folate reduction on aging animal models. Polymenis and his team found that while limiting folate intake decreased growth and cell proliferation processes, it significantly improved metabolic flexibility—an indicator of healthier aging.
“Optimal folate intake may vary depending on an individual’s age,” Polymenis noted. “While higher folate is crucial during early life for growth and development, lower intake later in life may benefit metabolic health and longevity.”
Folate, or vitamin B9, is essential for forming red blood cells and synthesizing DNA, RNA, and proteins. It is commonly found in leafy greens and added to refined grains. The study’s findings suggest that excessive folate consumption might not be as beneficial for older adults as previously thought.
In the research, animal models were placed on a folate-limited diet at an age corresponding to human middle age. Compared to a control group with normal folate intake, the folate-restricted models demonstrated enhanced metabolic flexibility, transitioning more efficiently between carbohydrate and fat metabolism. This resulted in better weight and body fat maintenance into old age, without adverse effects such as anemia.
This study aligns with the concept of precision nutrition, which advocates for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual needs and life stages. The research team, including Dr. Heidi Blank, the study’s first author, and other Texas A&M AgriLife researchers, is now focusing on exploring the underlying mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic interventions.
Future research will involve testing folate reduction in genetically diverse models and exploring novel compounds for limiting folate intake. This could lead to new approaches in dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies for healthy aging.
The findings suggest a potential shift in public health recommendations, emphasizing that while folate is crucial at certain life stages, older adults might benefit from adjusted intake levels. However, Polymenis advises against complete folate elimination, stressing the need for further investigation.
For now, this research opens the door to re-evaluating dietary folate guidelines and developing targeted interventions to support aging populations.
Reference: Blank, H. M., et al. (2024). “Late-life dietary folate restriction reduces biosynthesis without compromising healthspan in mice.” Life Science Alliance. DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402868
