Taking supplements of folic acid and other B vitamins can lower homocysteine – an amino acid in the blood that, at elevated levels, is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. So scientists have been testing a popular hypothesis – that consuming B vitamins might offer protection against heart disease.
But a major review by the Cochrane Collaboration has shown that vitamin B supplements have no effect on preventing heart attacks or strokes. The review analyzed eight randomized clinical trials that included a total of 24,210 subjects who were at risk for heart disease or already had heart disease. The subjects took either B vitamins at varying dosages or a placebo. The B-vitamin supplements did not reduce the risk of developing heart attacks or strokes or of deaths associated with cardiovascular disease.
Of course, it’s important to get sufficient B vitamins through your diet. In addition, women who can become pregnant need at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects – for which a supplement is usually recommended. But there is no reason to take supplements of folic acid or other B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels.
Source: Healthcommunities
vitamins are so very important, thanks for the great info, dr. bob!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThe B-vitamins have alot of different functions.
Taking vitamins can help insure you are getting your R.D.A. of vitamins.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob Moulas
Is it true that taking a baby asprin every day will also help?
ReplyDelete