Antioxidants · 4 authors, 2 centres
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This cross-sectional study of older adults found that higher serum folate concentrations were associated with lower odds of disability in instrumental activities of daily living and general physical activities, particularly in females, those under 80, normal weight, and non-drinkers.
Using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines, the study found that higher serum folate was inversely associated with disability in instrumental activities of daily living and general physical activities. For instance, the odds ratio for instrumental activities of daily living disability comparing the highest to lowest quartile of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46–0.91). Dose-response analysis showed a gradual decrease in disability risk with increasing folate. Subgroup analyses indicated these associations were primarily found in females, participants under 80 years old, normal weight individuals, and non-drinkers. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design, which cannot establish causality, and reliance on self-reported disability measures.
