Folic acid supplementation and hearing

The Facts:
* Low folate levels have been associated with poor hearing.
* A well-controlled study in The Netherlands in 728 older men and women investigated the effects of folic acid supplementation (800 µg/day) on hearing.
* After 3 years, the age-associated decline in hearing was slowed in patients receiving folic acid supplements.

Shaun’s comment: “WHAT WAS THAT, DEAR?” could become a thing of the past due to the findings from this important research. This large study, conducted in Holland, found that taking folic acid supplements at a dose of 800µg per day led to a slow-down in the natural decline in hearing that occurs when we get older. Importantly, this study was conducted in a country that does not have folate fortification of food, and so the participants had initial folate levels around half lower than those found in people in other countries. However, it is further evidence that you should make sure that you are getting enough folate.

Study reference:
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/146/1/1