A newly published study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is calling attention to a large cross-sectional study reporting that older adults with higher serum folate are more likely to have a lower “epigenetic age deviation”.1
The study shines a light on the importance of folate in cellular and epigenetic health – unlocking new opportunities for supplement formulators to innovate in the healthy aging space.
Folate and Epigenetic Age
— Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, Senior Manager, Nutrition Science, Balchem HNH“This latest study analysed the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) – a large, gold-standard data set – using powerful, cutting-edge machine learning tools known as epigenetic clocks.”
“Epigenetic clocks examine the levels of DNA methylation at specific points on the genome that change with age to help quantify variations in biological versus chronological aging. This difference is known as epigenetic age deviation (EAD).2 This recent study was particularly interesting as it tested for associations between EAD and nutritional biomarkers associated with one carbon metabolism. This essential biochemical pathway supports many physiological processes, including balanced methylation.”
Analyzing data from over 2,000 adults aged 50-85 years old, researchers found that increased serum folate (a promotor of one carbon metabolism) was associated with lower EAD in several of the epigenetic clock tools examined. Conversely, increased levels of blood homocysteine (an indicator of one carbon metabolism deficiencies) were associated with higher EAD in several epigenetic clock tests as well.
“These findings underscore the importance of folate in epigenetic health,” comments Ciappio.
“Folate plays an essential role, supplying methyl groups to be used in DNA methylation, a fundamental process which regulates gene expression and supports genomic stability.3,4 As we age, our global DNA methylation levels decrease.5 This is where folate’s methyl-donor function comes into play – helping to maintain cellular health and optimize the integrity of our genetic material.”
The New Frontier of Healthy Aging
— Lauren Eisen, Sr. Marketing & Business Development Manager, Minerals and Nutrients at Balchem.“In recent years, terms like ‘cellular health’ and ‘epigenetic health’ have started to move from scientific literature into the healthy aging mainstream.”
“This study signals the potential for folate to drive innovation in this space through its methyl-donor function. The key point here is that every methyl counts. That’s why we developed our first-of-its-kind, choline-enriched folate salt, Optifolin+®, which delivers seven times the methyl groups found in other folate products – uniquely positioning the ingredient to promote balanced and effective methylation throughout life.”
