Tips for Health and Longevity: My Take on the Evidence

It is recommended that daily folic acid supplements should be taken before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks post conception to reduce risk of birth defects. However, it has also been hypothesised that a high folic acid intake may have beneficial effects on neurocognitive development. From a recent study by Valera-Gran et al. it was reported that taking higher intake of folic acid benefits cognition and behaviour in children, but that daily doses of folic acid during the periconception period may be detrimental [1]. From discussing their conclusions within wider research, it has been suggested that there is not sufficient evidence to make a recommendation regarding folic acid supplementation based solely on cognition, but that supplementation with 400μg/day should continue to be advised. It could also be said that pregnant women should consume high quantities of folic acid from food during all three trimesters to prevent deficiency and support brain development. The human br...

Regular physical activity has numerous health benefits for older adults, including slowing the age-associated loss of muscle strength and aiding in weight maintenance. Despite this, participation declines with age, which increases risk of frailty, disability and disease, worsening clinical outcomes and impairing the ability to perform activities of daily living. A recent study by Kim et al. found that greater adiposity and low grip strength, a marker of overall muscle strength, were associated with mortality [1]. After discussing these conclusions within the wider literature, it could be recommended that older adults should undertake regular physical activity , including both resistance training and moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking or group classes. This should be complemented by a less sedentary lifestyle , avoiding extended periods of sitting, to ensure maximum benefits are obtained. Following this advice may help reduce rate of functional decline, allowing for independen...