Question: Can Folic Acid Improve Longevity?
Answer: Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B which is obtained from leafy green vegetables. It is an essential ingredient for cell growth and division. It is thought that a diet high in folic acid may prevent cancer and prevent mental deterioration with aging. It may also be called folate or Vitamin B9.
Reviews of the folic acid studies in individuals with heart disease show no evidence that folic acid improves life expectancy. However, enough studies have not been done on individuals without heart disease to know if folic acid may help prevent cardiovascular conditions. Folic acid has been shown to reduce levels of homocysteine, thereby (theoretically) decreasing heart attack risk.
