Folic Acid Supplementation and DNA Methylation
Author Information
Author(s): Jung Audrey Y., Smulders Yvo, Verhoef Petra, Kok Frans J., Blom Henk, Kok Robert M., Kampman Ellen, Durga Jane
Primary Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does long-term folic acid supplementation increase global DNA methylation in individuals with elevated plasma homocysteine?
Conclusion
Long-term folic acid supplementation does not increase global DNA methylation in individuals with elevated homocysteine levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Folic acid supplementation did not change global DNA methylation levels after three years.
- Participants were matched on age and smoking status to control for these variables.
- Significant increases in serum and erythrocyte folate were observed in the folic acid group.
Takeaway
Taking folic acid for a long time doesn't change how our DNA is marked, even if we have high levels of a certain chemical in our blood.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either folic acid or placebo for three years, and DNA methylation was measured in their blood.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of participants based on specific health criteria.
Limitations
The study focused only on individuals with elevated homocysteine and did not explore effects in those with lower levels.
Participant Demographics
Dutch men and post-menopausal women aged 50-70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.79
Confidence Interval
95%CI = −0.05, 0.07
Statistical Significance
p=0.79
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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