Scientists studied over 2,000 American children and teens to see how different forms of folate (a B vitamin) relate to where their bodies store fat. They found something surprising: folate stored in red blood cells was linked to more body fat, especially around the belly, while folate floating in the blood was connected to less body fat in the same areas. This suggests that how our bodies process this important vitamin might play a role in weight and fat distribution during childhood and teenage years.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different forms of folate (a B vitamin) relate to where children and teens store body fat
  • Who participated: 2,138 American children and teenagers (about half boys, half girls) from a large national health survey
  • Key finding: Kids with higher folate in their red blood cells had 13-17% more body fat, while those with higher folate in their blood serum had 11-19% less body fat
  • What it means for you: The type and form of folate in your body may influence fat storage, but more research is needed before making dietary changes