The team from Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry looked at the effect of raised homocysteine levels on heart disease and stroke. In analyzing several studies, the researchers came to the conclusion that raised levels of homocysteine is a cause of heart attacks.
Since folic acid reduces homocysteine concentrations, increasing folic acid consumption can be expected to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers believe that the evidence points toward recommending folic acid to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke. Folic acid is already recommended in pregnant women to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Dr Wald, senior lecturer in preventive cardiovascular medicine and consultant cardiologist at Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, said: “Folic acid is a much undervalued vitamin. 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.”