To read the abstract, go to Folate and vitamin B12 status in relation to anemia, macrocytosis, and cognitive impairment in older Americans in the age of folic acid fortification.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Editorial:  Folic acid fortification: the good, the bad, and the puzzle of vitamin B12

In the same issue of the journal, A. David Smith compares folic acid fortification of flour products to clinical drug trials without proper monitoring procedures for all possible outcomes. Folic acid fortification has undoubtedly reduced the prevalence of infants born with neural tube defects. However, questions other than the impact  of increased folic acid intake on seniors with vitamin B12 deficiency have been raised by recent research. In 2004, the question about the relationship of folic acid intake on cancer was raised by YI Kim. Other findings have suggested that excess folic acid intake from supplements or from fortified food can suppress normal immune function. Mr. Smith urges that research on the relationship between folate and vitamin B12 be continued and the issues surrounding folate fortification and the potential effect on seniors be addressed.

Citation:

Folic acid fortification: the good, the bad, and the puzzle of vitamin B-12. Smith AD. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007 Jan;85(1):3-5.

INTERACTIONS AMONG ZINC, IRON AND LEAD IN RELATION TO CHILDREN'S COGNITION AND BEHAVIOR

There is growing evidence regarding the positive impact of iron and zinc on children's cognition and a national panel has recently recommended further investigation, particularly for low-income children at special risk for deficiencies. A study reported in the January issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the first to examine the interaction among three metals, zinc, iron and lead, and their effects on both cognitive scores and behavior in children. 

Of the forty-two children included in the study, four had low zinc and iron stores, 27 were low in iron only, four were low in zinc only, and seven children had normal levels of both. Four children had high blood lead concentrations.

The combination of zinc, iron and lead explained the 24% variance in children's verbal scores with iron and zinc each separately explaining significant unique variance. Zinc levels associated inversely with boys' anxiety levels. The authors suggest that the levels of zinc needed to maintain children's health may not be sufficient for their cognitive and emotional functioning.  Lead was significantly negatively associated with girls' sociability. The children with both low zinc and iron had highest blood lead concentrations. The theory that adequate zinc and iron levels protect against lead absorption and the negative effects of lead on cognition is consistent with previous findings.

The authors caution that these findings are preliminary and were based on a small sampling. Though further research is needed to confirm the results, they suggest that dietary recommendations to parents of preschool children should consider intakes needed for behavioral and cognitive functioning as well as children's growth and health.

Citation:

Zinc, Iron, and Lead: Relations to Head Start Children's Cognitive Scores and Teachers' Ratings of Behavior. Hubbs-Tait L, Kennedy TS, Droke EA, Belanger DM, Parker JR. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2007 Jan 107(1):128-33

To read the abstract, go to Zinc, Iron, and Lead: Relations to Head Start Children's Cognitive Scores and Teachers' Ratings of Behavior.

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