Could less folate promote healthier aging?

Decreasing folate intake helps to support healthier metabolisms in aging animals, a new study has found.

Published in Life Science Alliance, the research conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists appears to challenge the conventional belief that high folate consumption universally benefits health.

Folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and development, is widely recognised for its role in preventing birth defects. It’s found naturally in foods like leafy greens and it is typically added to refined grains. Despite its prevalence, the long-term health implications of consuming high amounts of folate throughout life are unclear.

By limiting folate in animal models, the researchers saw a decrease in processes related to growth and building new cells, but enhanced metabolic flexibility — which has the potential to promote healthier aging.

“Optimal folate intake may vary depending on an individual’s age. While higher folate is crucial during early life for growth and development, a lower intake later in life may benefit metabolic health and longevity,” said Michael Polymenis, professor and associate head of graduate programs in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

The study supports the concept of precision nutrition, advocating for personalised dietary recommendations. Polymenis said further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and to develop safe and effective therapeutic interventions to promote healthy aging.

How was the study conducted?

To simulate the effects in older adults, the researchers cut folate from the diets of animal models at an age corresponding roughly to human middle-age. A comparison group was raised the same but continued a typical diet inclusive of folate.

The researchers found the female folate-limited models were able to transition quicker between carbohydrate metabolism and fat metabolism across night and day compared to females on a typical diet.

“When you sleep, your metabolism burns fat. And when you’re awake and active, you’re typically burning carbohydrates for quicker energy. As you get older, it takes longer to switch between these fat-burning and carbohydrate-burning states, but this metabolic plasticity seems to be better maintained in animal models on a folate-limited diet,” Polymenis said.

The males on folate-limited diets had an overall increase in their metabolic rate during active periods, potentially helping them to maintain energy levels and physical activity.

Polymenis said he and his team weren’t surprised to see the folate-limited group age healthier.

Looking forward, the team’s next step will be to repeat the experiment in more genetically diverse models, simulating the genetic diversity of humans. The researchers will also expand their study of novel compounds to limit folate intake, which could later transition to clinical trials.

In the meantime, Polymenis said he doesn’t recommend avoiding folate entirely.

“Based on our findings, we believe older adults may need less folate than they’re likely getting now. We still have more to investigate in this area, and we would not advocate for absolute dietary eradication for anyone.”

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