by Playfuls Staff |
25th November 2006
Folic acid can be used as an easy and inexpensive way to reduce heart disease and strokes, British researchers said.
[more] Researchers, who reported their findings in the British Medical Journal Friday, examined whether the level of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood caused heart disease or stroke.
The team examined different studies to see whether raised homocysteine was a cause of cardiovascular disease. The results of studies that tested the effects of lowered homocysteine levels also were reviewed, said David Wald, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry in London.
The team found that homocysteine caused heart attacks and strokes, based on their review of the studies. Since folic acid reduces homocysteine concentrations, researchers said increasing folic acid intake could reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
"Folic acid is a much undervalued vitamin," Wald said in a news release. "Not only does it prevent the serious birth defect spina bifida, but the evidence that it can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke is becoming increasingly persuasive."
© 2006 UPI
