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Health News Archive 377 - Inflammation
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Folic Acid Reduces Inflammation

Folic acid can lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Furthermore, folic acid can improve insulin sensitivity and lower homocysteine in overweight individuals.

Researchers investigated the effect of folic acid supplementation on insulin sensitivity and markers of inflammation in overweight healthy subjects. The randomized, placebo-controlled, 12-week trial involved 60 healthy volunteers with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers randomly assigned the subjects to receive either a folic acid supplement (2.5 mg per day) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of homocysteine and of some inflammatory molecules were measured at baseline and at the end of the study, together with an estimation of insulin sensitivity.

Subjects receiving folic acid supplementation showed a reduction of homocysteine and an improvement of insulin sensitivity. This treatment was also associated with a significant drop in the circulating concentration of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-8 and C-reactive protein.

According to the researchers, “In healthy overweight subjects a short-term folic acid supplementation reduces the circulating level of some inflammatory mediators independently of weight change, thus suggesting a potential therapeutic role for folic acid in the protection from atherogenesis and cardiovascular diseases.”

Source: Solini A, Santini E, Ferrannini E. Effect of short-term folic acid supplementation on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers in overweight subjects. Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Aug;30(8):1197-202.

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