title: [Effect of folate and related nutrients on cognitive function in older people; systematic review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Folate and other B complex vitamins play important roles in the synthesis of DNA, gene expression, homocysteine detoxification and synthesis of neurotransmitters necessary for the maintenance of cognitive function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Systematic literature review of benefit and/ risks of folate and related nutrients in cognitive function in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  "Medline via Pubmed systematic review" of selected articles from years 2010 and May 2011 and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum and erythrocyte folate levels, and folate intake and cognitive function in older adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve cross-sectional studies, six cohort studies and six randomized double-blind clinical studies that met pre-established criteria were selected for analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review doesn't support a benefit from folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in the elderly. Whereas low folate serum levels may be related to increased risk of cognitive impairment and high levels associated with low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute a further deterioration, it is suggested as precautory measure to re-examine the present level of food fortification with folic acid to maximize benefits and limit potential risks.
authors.affiliation: Grup de Recerca en Nutrició Comunitària i Estrès Oxidatiu, Dpt. Biologia Fonamental i Ciêncies de Salut, Universitat de Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, España. dracastillo@gmail.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Castillo Lancellotti
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Tur Marí
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Uauy Dagach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014815:Vitamins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D005492:Folic Acid