Folates can stimulate stem cell proliferation separately from their role as vitamins, according to researchers from the University of Georgia that worked on a study in collaboration with Tufts University. They used an in vitro culture and animal model system to get their information. They proved there is a new role for B-complex vitamins in promoting stem cell proliferation.
Key Takeaways:
- Folates, whether supplemental B vitamins or natural folates found in food, are essential for the proper functioning of all cells
- The study shows for the first time that an adult stem cell population is controlled by an external factor arising from outside the animal—bacterial folate
- As a part of the published findings, the researchers created the first system that allows C. elegans germ cells to be cultured
“Folates, whether supplemental B vitamins or natural folates found in food, are essential for the proper functioning of all cells in the body and are critical to prevent birth defects.”
http://phys.org/news/2016-07-role-b-complex-vitamins-stem-cell.html