Adding more vitamins and minerals to our diet is easier than it seems. Whether through fruits, veggies, and whole grains or just by popping a dietary supplement, getting these essential nutrients isn’t rocket science. Both vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in keeping us healthy, but vitamins, in particular, are superstars when it comes to fighting off infections, supporting our nervous system, and helping us extract energy from our food, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Interestingly, some vitamins, like folate, have even been linked to longevity. A recent study published in Life Science Alliance suggests that consuming folate in controlled amounts might actually promote healthier aging. The key word here? “Controlled.”
Folate, or vitamin B9, is essential for cell growth and development. It’s especially important for pregnant women, as it helps lower the risk of brain and spinal birth defects, according to the Mayo Clinic. Folate is found naturally in foods like leafy greens, beans, nuts, and fruits like oranges and strawberries. It’s also added to foods such as cereals and pasta and is a main ingredient in many prenatal vitamins. Most people focus on getting more folate, but a team of scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research is raising an eyebrow, suggesting that too much of a good thing might not be so good after all. They argue that the long-term effects of high folate intake are still murky, which begs the question: could cutting back on folate actually be a good thing?
The study, led by Texas A&M professor Michael Polymenis, found that while folate is necessary for growth during early life, reducing intake later on could be beneficial for metabolic health and longevity. In the study, middle-aged animal models were given limited amounts of folate, and the results were pretty interesting. As expected, there was a noticeable slowdown in processes related to growth and cell production, but there was an unexpected boost in metabolic flexibility, which could have some serious perks as we age.
In male animal models, researchers observed an overall increase in metabolic rate during active periods, which improved energy levels and physical activity. The females, on the other hand, experienced a faster transition between burning carbohydrates and burning fat—basically, their bodies became more efficient at switching between energy sources. Polymenis explained that this flexibility tends to slow down with age, but the folate-restricted diet seemed to help maintain it. He noted that when you sleep, your body typically burns fat, and during the day, it switches to carbs for quick energy. As we get older, this switch tends to drag its feet, but the folate-limited animals managed to keep up the pace.
Before you throw out your folic acid supplements, though, the study authors caution that more research is needed to see if these benefits hold true for humans. They’re not suggesting you eliminate folate from your diet entirely—just that we may need to rethink how much we really need later in life. For now, it’s still a balancing act, and until more evidence comes in, moderation seems to be the best approach.
