Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, has been studied in relation to dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, due to its role in homocysteine metabolism and neuronal health. Several observational studies have reported that low folate levels are associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The proposed mechanism is that folate deficiency may lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which are neurotoxic and may contribute to neurodegeneration.

However, intervention trials using folic acid supplementation in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia have yielded inconsistent results. Some randomized controlled trials have demonstrated modest improvements in cognitive function with folic acid supplementation, especially in individuals with low baseline folate levels or elevated homocysteine. Other trials, however, have found no significant cognitive benefit. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while folic acid supplementation can reduce homocysteine levels, its effect on cognitive outcomes is limited and not clearly clinically meaningful.

Current clinical guidelines do not recommend routine use of folic acid for dementia prevention or treatment unless a deficiency is present. The evidence base is therefore limited, and while the rationale is scientifically plausible, robust proof of efficacy is lacking.

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Products containing Vitamin B9

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