Folic acid does not improve heart outcomes

Supplements containing the B vitamin folic acid don't reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, death or cancer, according to a new large-scale analysis of studies on the issue. Because it lowers blood levels of the protein homocysteine, which is linked with heart and blood vessel disease and other ills, some scientists hoped that the powerful vitamin might lower the risk of heart disease, stroke or cancer. The current meta-analysis suggests that even taken at high doses, folic acid supplements don't have that effect. according to the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Researchers collected data on 37,485 people who took part in eight trials comparing the value of folic acid supplements against placebo. These trials represented all the large randomized studies available that were designed to lower plasma homocysteine levels for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Over five years, there were 9,326 major coronary events, including strokes and new heart procedures. In addition, 3,010 patients developed cancer and 5,125 people died, according to the report. Even though those taking folic acid saw a 25% reduction in homocysteine levels, they were just as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those receiving a placebo. There was also no significant difference between the groups in the likelihood of developing cancer or dying. The researchers acknowledged that some benefit in taking folic acid might emerge after five years — the length of the study period.

The researchers found no harmful effects from taking folic acid in multivitamin supplements or in folate-fortified foods.

Steve - first of all, I don't know of any clients using folic acid solely to prevent heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Besides women in their fertile years, individuals with a folic acid deficiency, or the elderly, most take folic acid as a complementary nutrient as part of a multivitamin or B-Complex.

As we have mentioned time and time again, meta analyses, such as this one, always need to be looked at with skepticism.

Another major flaw of this study is that taking folic acid alone for therapeutic value, without B-12, and B-6, is not advised because it can create a deficiency. Studies we posted this year in elderly subjects taking folic acid, B-6, and B-12 together showed reductions in brain shrinkage, depression, and hearing loss.

Finally, reducing homocysteine, which the aforementioned study confirmed, has shown to be beneficial for dementia prevention, especially for those with levels that are out of range.