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Higher folic acid levels and academic success

Teenagers who have high levels of folic acid appear to do better in school than those with lower levels.

Higher folic acid levels and academic success

Teenagers who have high levels of folic acid appear to do better in school than those with lower levels.

Folic acid is one of the B vitamins and is a key component in making DNA and RNA. Insufficient folic acid is a cause of certain birth defects of the spine and brain, including spina bifida. Among the elderly, folic acid consumption appears to affect mental ability, and low levels of this vitamin have been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts. In addition, people can obtain folic acid from breads, cereals and other grain products enriched with folic acid, as well as folic acid supplements.

Teenagers often have high levels of the blood protein homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease, and low levels of folic acid. In previous studies, folic acid levels have been linked to mental ability; however, until now this had not been linked with improved school performance. Folate plays a really critical role in brain development and brain function.

Also, in young children, folate deficiencies are associated with poorer neurocognitive function and neurocognitive development. In fact, folate deficiencies may be involved in the development of autism. A diet rich in folate might be important for brain functioning throughout life.

To find out whether folate might do some good, researchers collected data on folic acid levels in 386 teens aged 15 years in Sweden. The researchers also looked at any possible effects of socioeconomic status and genetics. It was found that teenagers who had the highest levels of folic acid also got the best grades. None of the other factors they examined accounted for their finding.
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These results provide new information that points to the importance of keeping a closer watch on folate status in childhood and adolescence. They may also have direct implications for school meal provisions, school teaching programmes and information to parents. However, there is no scientific evidence that taking folate supplements will be beneficial so further research in the area is needed.

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