Folic acid is one of the B vitamins. Because it is water soluble, a source is needed every day. It is found in many foods including fortified breakfast cereals, peas, brussel sprouts, fruits and many others. Folic acid is needed for many cell functions especially during cell growth and proliferation; low levels of folic acid have been linked to many diseases.
Coronary Artery Disease
The coronary arteries are the major vessels bringing oxygenated blood into the heart. Coronary artery disease is a chronic process whereby plaques of fat are deposited on the walls of blood vessels, leading to their hardening and narrowing. One in 6 deaths was caused by coronary heart disease in 2006, estimates the American Heart Association. A number of treatment options for coronary artery disease are available including surgery, medication and changes in lifestyle.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a metabolite of an amino acid, methionine, which is found in the blood. High levels of homocysteine appear to be toxin for nerves and damaging to blood vessels, resulting in an increased risk of coronary artery disease, strokes and dementia.
Folic Acid and Homocysteine
Homocysteine levels are influenced by genetic factors and diet. Levels of homocysteine can be reduced by supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6 and B-12. Folic acid and the other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body.
Homocysteine and Risk
A March 2003 article in "Drugs of Today" describes the use of homocysteine as a marker of risk for coronary artery disease. However, according to studies referenced in a June 2003 article in "Addiction Biology," certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, could affect homocysteine levels.
Folic Acid and Coronary Artery Disease
Clarke and colleagues in the October 2010 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine" reviewed the data from eight large studies. They found that though folic acid reduced homocysteine levels, it had no effect on coronary artery disease. They noted that after a follow-up of five years, there was no reduction in vascular or coronary events, such as strokes or heart attacks, in those who took folic acid, even though their levels of homocysteine dropped.
References
- American Heart Association: Heart Attack and Angina Statistics
- "Clinics in Labatory Medicine"; Homocysteine; Maron BA, Loscalzo J; September 2006
- "Drugs Today"; Association Between Homocyst(e)ine Levels and Risk of Vascular Events; Kaplan ED; March 2003
- "Addiction Biology"; The Effects of Tobacco Smoke on the Homocysteine Level--A Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis; Sobczak AJ; June 2003
- "Archives Internal Medicine"; Effects of Lowering Homocysteine Levels with B Vitamins on Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Cause-Specific Mortality: Meta-Analysis of 8 Randomized Trials Involving 37,485 Individuals; Clarke R, et al.; October 2010
