Scientists discovered that getting enough folic acid (a B vitamin) might prevent nerve damage in people with diabetes and certain genetic conditions. Using mouse models, researchers found that mice with reduced ability to process folic acid developed nerve problems, but adding extra folic acid to their diet prevented this damage. Interestingly, diabetic mice also benefited from higher folic acid intake. The study suggests that people with diabetes may need more folic acid than previously thought to protect their nerves from damage. This finding could lead to new dietary recommendations for diabetes management.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether extra folic acid in the diet could prevent nerve damage in mice with diabetes or genetic conditions affecting how their bodies use folic acid
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice of two types: some with genetic changes affecting folic acid processing, and others bred to develop diabetes. Both male and female mice were studied.
  • Key finding: Mice that received extra folic acid in their diet did not develop nerve damage, while mice without the extra folic acid developed painful nerve problems. This worked for both the genetically modified mice and the diabetic mice.
  • What it means for you: People with diabetes might benefit from eating more foods rich in folic acid or taking supplements, though human studies are needed to confirm this. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or starting supplements.

The Research Details

Researchers used specially bred laboratory mice to study nerve damage. Some mice had genetic changes that made it harder for their bodies to process folic acid, while others were bred to develop type 2 diabetes. Starting at 6 weeks old, scientists tracked whether these mice developed nerve problems and tested whether adding extra folic acid to their food prevented damage.

The researchers examined nerve tissue under microscopes and analyzed which genes were turned on or off in the nerve cells. They also tested different nutrients, including extra folic acid and a substance called uridine, to see which ones helped or hurt the mice’s nerves.

Both male and female mice were studied separately because the researchers suspected the disease might affect them differently.

Using mouse models allows scientists to study disease processes in a controlled way that wouldn’t be possible in humans. These particular mice were chosen because they naturally develop conditions similar to human nerve damage from diabetes and genetic folic acid problems. By understanding how folic acid prevents nerve damage in mice, researchers can develop better treatments and dietary recommendations for people.

This study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a highly respected scientific journal. The research used multiple types of mice and measured nerve damage in several ways, making the findings more reliable. However, because this is animal research, the results may not work exactly the same way in humans, and human studies would be needed to confirm these findings.

What the Results Show

Mice with genetic changes that reduced their ability to process folic acid developed nerve damage starting at 6 weeks of age. Female mice were more severely affected than males. When researchers added extra folic acid to these mice’s diet, the nerve damage was prevented entirely.

Diabetic mice also developed nerve damage, but this damage looked different from the nerve damage in the genetically modified mice. However, extra dietary folic acid also prevented nerve damage in the diabetic mice, suggesting that diabetes creates a special need for more folic acid.

Interestingly, when researchers gave mice extra uridine (a different nutrient) instead of folic acid, the mice developed nerve damage regardless of their genetics or folic acid status. This suggests that folic acid specifically is important for nerve protection, not just any nutrient.

When scientists examined the nerve tissue closely, they found that genes related to nerve support cells (called glial cells) were expressed differently in mice with folic acid problems compared to normal mice. The nerve cells also showed changes in genes that control how they sense pain and communicate with each other. These changes were different between males and females, which may explain why females had worse nerve damage.

Previous research has shown that folic acid is important for preventing birth defects and supporting nerve health. This study adds new information by showing that folic acid may also be critical for preventing nerve damage in people with diabetes. The finding that diabetes creates a special need for extra folic acid is new and suggests that current dietary recommendations for people with diabetes may need to be updated.

This research was conducted in mice, not humans, so the results may not apply exactly the same way to people. The study didn’t test different doses of folic acid to find the optimal amount. Additionally, the researchers didn’t study how long the protective effects of folic acid last or whether there are any risks from taking too much folic acid. More research in humans is needed before changing medical recommendations.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, people with diabetes should discuss folic acid intake with their doctor. Eating more foods rich in folic acid (like leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains) may be beneficial. However, this is preliminary animal research, and human studies are needed before making definitive recommendations. Do not start folic acid supplements without consulting your healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications.

People with type 2 diabetes should pay attention to this research, as it suggests they may need more folic acid than previously thought. People with family histories of nerve damage or genetic conditions affecting folic acid metabolism may also benefit from discussing folic acid intake with their doctor. This research is less immediately relevant to people without diabetes or genetic folic acid processing issues, though adequate folic acid is important for everyone.

In the mouse studies, nerve damage prevention was observed over several weeks. In humans, it’s unclear how long it would take to see benefits from increased folic acid intake. Realistic expectations would be several weeks to months of consistent dietary changes before noticing improvements in nerve health.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily folic acid intake in micrograms (target: 400+ mcg daily for most adults, potentially higher for those with diabetes based on this research). Log foods rich in folic acid such as spinach, broccoli, lentils, chickpeas, and fortified cereals.
  • Add one folic acid-rich food to each meal: spinach in breakfast eggs, lentil soup for lunch, and roasted broccoli with dinner. Use the app to set reminders and track which foods you’ve included.
  • Monitor folic acid intake weekly and note any changes in nerve sensations (tingling, numbness, or pain in feet and hands). Share this data with your healthcare provider during regular check-ups to assess whether increased folic acid intake is helping prevent or slow nerve damage progression.

This research is based on animal studies and has not yet been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you have diabetes or are experiencing nerve pain or numbness, consult with your doctor before making dietary changes or starting supplements. Folic acid supplements can interact with certain medications, including some diabetes and cancer treatments. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re taking.