Folic Acid Important for Bones

An interesting 5 year Italian study¹ of postmenopausal women found that the rate of bone loss correlated to levels of folic acid deficiency.  It is already known that elevated homocysteine It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine that is synthesized from methionine An essential amino acid which serves as a methyl donor and is involved with the biosynthesis of other nutrients. Improper conversion is associated with production of homocysteine and atherosclerosis. which requires adequate Folic Acid, B12, and B6 to function properly. Elevated levels have been associated with heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders. (often due to folic acid deficiency) increases the risk for bone fractures.  This study found that folic acid deficiency alone, independent of homocysteine It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine that is synthesized from methionine An essential amino acid which serves as a methyl donor and is involved with the biosynthesis of other nutrients. Improper conversion is associated with production of homocysteine and atherosclerosis. which requires adequate Folic Acid, B12, and B6 to function properly. Elevated levels have been associated with heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders., was a key link. 

Bottom line – get your folic acid as part of your overall health plan.  However, avoid cheap vitamins using synthetic folic acid and stick with the natural co-enzyme forms (such as calcium folinate – pure folinic acid), as these are forms your body is used to using and do not pose any of the risks that are now emerging with synthetic folic acid.

All B vitamins assist energy production, in turn assisting any activity in the body that needs energy, such as building bones.  It appears folic acid has a special benefit.  Of course, many nutrients help build bones and reduce bone inflammation.  For more information on bone-related health read my article “Tips for Strong and Healthy Bones – New Breakthroughs in Bone Health.”