Folic acid can protect the heart

According to a new study, the serum concentration of the amino acid homocysteine is positively associated with the risk of heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. It is recommended to take folic acid to overcome heart diseases. Bread and other grain products are fortified with folic acid. It is also found in beans and peas, nuts, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, and liver. The folic acid levels in foods, even those that are fortified, are not enough to provide optimum protection against heart disease and stroke. Widespread use of folic acid supplements is recommended to prevent heart diseases.This research is based on a survey of more than 100 studies on the association between homocysteine and cardiovascular disease at Southamptom General Hospital, UK. These studies showed that homocysteine is a cause of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. This survey included two different kinds of studies. One of them looked at the incidence of cardiovascular disease in people with a genetic condition that causes them to have high homocysteine levels. The other looked at the incidence of artery problems in people with a normal genetic makeup but who had high homocysteine levels. Both kinds of studies pointed that reducing homocysteine levels by taking folic acid can reduce the risk of heart disease by 16 percent, of stroke by 24 percent, and of deep-vein blockages by 25 percent. The genetic studies show a moderate increase in risk of cardiovascular disease for a moderate increase in serum homocysteine. Lowering serum homocysteine reduced risk, both in a randomised trial in patients with heart disease and in patients with homocystinuria. The people who will benefit the most are those who already have cardiovascular disease, had a heart attack, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis. The risk of heart disease increases after age 55, and it is advised to take folic acid after that age.