Illness Is Optional Health Blog

Is a Deficiency of Folic Acid to Blame for Falls in the Elderly?

Posted by admin on June 7, 2010

It was discovered that folic acid deficiency was significantly correlated with risk of fall. In fact for every one point drop in blood levels of folic acid there was a 19% increase in risk of fall. Other factors that were correlated to falls was vitamin D deficiency and depression.
(Ann Nutr Metab, 2009; 54(1): 59-66)

Dr. Ray’s Notes:

Is folic acid deficiency to blame for many falls in the elderly? Well, even with this research I could not be sure. Is it possible that people with low folic acid have some other dietary or lifestyle situation that is correlated with the risk? Yes, it is possible.
But…

Why take the risk? Folic acid is inexpensive, free from side effects and beneficial on many levels. Simply make sure that you are getting at least 800 mcg of folic acid in your diet and/or supplements. Every one of the multi-vitamins that I recommend contain at least 800 mcg of folic acid to meet these requirements. These Mutli-vitamins are listed in the Virtual Pharmacist Section of our website.