The effects did not differ by sex or by age group .
Conclusions Evidence on the effects of supplementation of low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate on haematological parameters in community-dwelling older people is inconclusive .
Background / objectives Low vitamin B12 and folate levels in community-dwelling older people are usually corrected with supplements .
However , the effect of this supplementation on haematological parameters in older persons is not known .
The effect of folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine in an elderly population.
BACKGROUND Increased plasma homocysteine is associated with coronary artery disease , peripheral vascular disease and venous thrombosis . Folic acid is the most effective therapy for reducing homocysteine levels . The lowest effective supplement of folic acid is not known , particularly for the elderly who have the highest prevalence of these conditions . AIM To explore the effects of daily supplements of 0 , 50 , 100 , 200 , 400 and 600 microg folic acid on plasma homocysteine in an elderly population . DESIGN R and omized double-blind placebo-controlled trial . METHODS Participants ( n=368 ) aged 65 - 75 years were r and omly allocated to receive one of the treatments for 6 weeks .  Plasma homocysteine was recorded after 3 weeks and 6 weeks of supplementation . RESULTS Only the 400 microg and 600 microg groups had significantly lower homocysteine levels compared to placebo ( p=0.038 and p<0.001 , respectively ) . Using multiple linear regression and each individual 's total folic acid intake ( diet plus supplement ) , a total daily folic acid intake of 926 microg per day would be required to ensure that 95 % of the elderly population would be without cardiovascular risk from folate deficiency . DISCUSSION A daily folic acid intake of 926 microg is unlikely to be achieved by diet alone . Individual supplementation or fortification of food with folic acid will be required to reach this target
The effects did not differ by sex or by age group .
Conclusions Evidence on the effects of supplementation of low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate on haematological parameters in community-dwelling older people is inconclusive .
Background / objectives Low vitamin B12 and folate levels in community-dwelling older people are usually corrected with supplements .
However , the effect of this supplementation on haematological parameters in older persons is not known .