A daily dose of folic acid could perk up your memory, claim researchers. The largest trial of its kind found that supplements of this B vitamin substantially improved brain function and memory in people over 50. The findings follow a study showing that folic acid can cut the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and add to mounting evidence that it can prevent or alleviate many disorders including heart disease and strokes.

Dutch researchers gave 800mcg of folic acid daily or a dummy pill to 818 people aged over 50 for three years, says a report published January 19th in the Lancet Medical Journal. They found that cognitive functions such as memory and speed of information processing improved in those getting the vitamin supplements. Folic acid is the supplement form of folate, a B vitamin found in dark green vegetables, cereals and fruit which is often destroyed by cooking or processing. Supplements provide a form of folate more easily taken up by the body.

Mothers to-be are advised to take folic acid to reduce the risk of brain and spinal cord defects in their unborn child.

Strawberries may help to delay memory loss in old age, say scientists at California’s Salk Institute.

The berries contain an antioxidant, fisetin, which enhanced the brain power in mice. Fisetin is to be investigated further as a natural cure for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.