Category Archives: Folate

B Vitamin and Fish Oils: Brain Protection?

It is often assumed that cognitive decline is a normal part of ageing, and to some extent this is true. However, the decline if often exaggerated considerably by poor diet and Western lifestyle habits. Evidence from populations that eat high … Continue reading

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B Vitamin Fortification of Food

Evidence suggests that intakes of certain essential micronutrients are falling in Western populations. This may be a direct result of the low quality typical Western diet that is eaten by much of the Western population. In particular, the milling and … Continue reading

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More Evidence of Iron and Folic Acid Deficiencies

Is Iron Really the Most Common Nutritional Deficiency in the World? Iron is said to be the most common nutritional deficiency in the World today. This is not surprising in developing countries as the access to red meat is low, … Continue reading

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Folic Acid Deficiency: The Cardiovascular Disease Link

Homocysteine is a product of cellular methionine metabolism. Evidence suggests that high levels of plasma homocysteine are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine may interfere with endothelial physiology through inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, inducing endothelial dysfunction possibly via … Continue reading

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B Vitamin Status of Hypercholesterolaemic Men

Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease because homocysteine can cause damage to the endothelial linings of arteries. Homocysteine in humans can be metabolised to a number of different compounds and these metabolic steps … Continue reading

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A Note on Beetroot

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is known for its deep green and succulent leaves that are often added to salads. Spinach leaves are nutritionally packed full of essential nutrients including magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin K, folic acid and iron. In … Continue reading

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Folic Acid Excretion Enhanced By Alcohol

A deficiency of the B group of vitamins is a common side effect of chronic drinking. It is known that the poor vitamin B status of alcoholics is responsible for many of the neurological difficulties experienced by this group of … Continue reading

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Are Eggs Good For The Heart?

Eggs have been part of the human diet since the chicken was first domesticated in Asia over 4000 years ago. Many people believe that eggs are detrimental to the health because they are energy (calorie), saturated fat and cholesterol dense. … Continue reading

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The Betaine Choline Link

Betaine and choline are closely related compounds from a structural and functional perspective. Betaine is also called trimethylglycine and choline is also called tetramethylglycine. Both compounds function as methyl donors, and when choline donates a methyl group it becomes betaine. … Continue reading

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Make Sure Your Mother Gets Her B12 (Before You Are Born)

Choline is an important component of phospholipids, functions in lipid metabolism and is also able to form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline can be derived from the diet, but is also synthesised endogenously. The synthesis of choline requires methylation and this … Continue reading

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