Folic Acid And Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases of the heart and vascular system. Folate is one of three B vitamins that regulate homocysteine, an amino acid measured in blood. An elevated homocysteine level increases ones risk for cardiovascular disease, specifically coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. These conditions result from atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. Evidence suggests that elevated homocysteine may promote atherosclerosis, thereby damaging arterial lining and promoting blood clots.

High homocysteine is not yet listed as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association, or AHA, does not recommend taking folic acid supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease. AHA advises eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of folate-rich foods. The recommendation to supplement must be discussed with a doctor.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When they become blocked, chest pain and heart attack will occur.

Stroke

Stroke is known as a brain attack. Stroke occurs if a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks. Either of these situations will interrupt blood flow to the brain. Without blood flow, brain cells begin to die and brain damage results.

Perpherial Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease refers to a narrowing of vessels that carry blood beyond the heart -- to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys. Symptoms include cramping and pain or fatigue in the leg or hip muscles. Left untreated, peripheral vascular disease can lead to gangrene or amputation.

Folate and Folic Acid

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that is found naturally in foods like green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas and citrus fruits. One-half cup of lentils provides 179 mcg folate; ½-cup cooked garbanzo beans provides 141 mcg; ½-cup cooked asparagus provides 134 mcg; ½-cup spinach provides 132 mcg; ½-cup cooked broccoli provides 84 mcg; and 6 fl. oz. orange juice provides 83 mcg. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods, such as breakfast cereal, rice, pasta and bread. Folic acid in fortified breakfast cereals ranges from 200 to 400 mcg; two slices of bread provides 40 mcg; 1-cup pasta provides 60 mcg; and 1 cup rice provides 60 mcg.

Folate Deficiency and Recommended Intake

Infants from zero to six months need 65 mcg of folate daily; at seven to 12 months 80 mcg is needed; from one to three years 150 mcg is required; from four to eight years 200 mcg is required; between nine to 13 years 300 mcg is required; and adolescents and adults age 14 and up require 400 mcg of folate per day. Women require 600 mcg during pregnancy and 500 mcg during breastfeeding. In addition to low homocysteine levels, folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia; a condition where the red blood cells are larger and fewer than normal. This causes decreased oxygen-capacity resulting in fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. Folate deficiency can occur in individuals with poor nutrition, alcoholism, in pregnancy women and in people with cancer.