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 A recent Australian study suggests that low folate levels may be one of the culprits behind age-related hearing loss.
Folate is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B and is found in certain grains, fruits, vegetables and other foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and is used in supplements, alone and in combination with other vitamins.
The researchers aimed to establish a more definitive link between age-related hearing loss, folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine. In the Blue Mountains Hearing Study, the researchers evaluated hearing loss and measured concurrent folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine serum concentrations in 2,956 subjects who were at least 50 years old.
The researchers found that subjects with low serum folate levels were at a greater risk of being hearing impaired. Folate deficiency often leads to high levels of serum homocysteine (a natural byproduct). Hence, subjects with high homocysteine levels had a 64 percent increased chance of having hearing loss. Vitamin B12, however, was not found to play a role.
The researchers state that larger studies must be done to further evaluate the potential link between folate deficiency and hearing loss.
The importance of folate in pregnant women has long been established, resulting in frequent supplementation during pregnancy to avoid specific neonatal defects. This study further stresses the importance of folate levels in the general population.
For more information about folate and other essential vitamins, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
- Gopinath B, Flood VM, Rochtchina E, et al. Serum Homocysteine and Folate Concentrations Are Associated with Prevalent Age-Related Hearing Loss. J Nutr. 2010 Jun 23. View Abstract
- Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
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