Scientific Publications
Supplementation with [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or folic acid equally reduces serumhomocysteine concentrations in older adults
European Journal of Nutrition, 69(1), 64-73
Purpose Elevated blood concentrations of homocysteine is a modifiable risk factor for
coronary artery disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Folic acid (FA)
supplementation reduces hyperhomocysteinemia. [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6S]- 5-MTHF) is an alternative to FA due to possible advantages for older adults. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of [6S]-5-MTHF and FA supplementation in reducing the serum homocysteine in healthy older adults. Methods Volunteers, aged 50-65, had normal results of routine laboratory tests, normal serum folate, and did not use supplements with FA and/or other B-vitamins for at least 6 month before the study. Forty subjects were divided into two groups: receiving 400 μg/d FA supplements and the equimolar amount of [6S]-5-MTHF supplements. Fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of the study. The serum total homocysteine was measured by means of the fluorescence polarization
immunoassay.
Results In both groups, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the mean serum total
homocysteine level after a 4-week intervention period was observed. Supplementation with FA was not significant (p = 0.243 between the groups), but slightly more effective
in homocysteine lowering than capsules with [6S]-5-MTHF, i.e. by 13.4% and 7.8%, respectively. The response of serum homocysteine to supplementation with FA or 5-MTHF was more pronounced among persons with starting Hcy level ≥10.8 μmol/L than in those with Hcy <10.8 μmol/L. Conclusions In adults, the increased intake of folate, given daily as FA or in the form of [6S]-5-MTHF in supplements, is equally effective in reducing the serum homocysteine concentration.
European Journal of Nutrition, 69(1), 64-73
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