Supplements containing the B vitamin folic acid may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots associated with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood.
While homocysteine is a normal byproduct of metabolism of the amino acid methionine, high levels of it in the blood can be dangerous. Studies have shown that with each unit increase of homocysteine, the risk of ischemic heart disease, which reduces blood flow to the heart, increased by 32 to 42 percent. Risks for stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots in deep veins that can be life threatening, showed similar increases.
Folic acid helps to break down homocysteine, and it is thought that homocysteine levels can be lowered with daily folic acid supplements, thereby reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke and DVT.
However, the review notes that because few studies have shown that folic acid prevents these conditions, the American Heart Association does not recommend taking the vitamin specifically for this purpose.
British Medical Journal 2002;325:1202-1206 Full Text Article
Although many traditional groups like the American Heart Association have not yet endorsed screening for homocysteine and using folic acid for treatment, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of evidence to support the use of folic acid not only for heart disease and stroke, but also for Alzheimer’s Disease as the link below expands on.
However, the absolute best way to obtain folic acid is not through supplements but through fresh, uncooked vegetables. Generally, one pound of vegetables per day for every 50 pounds of body weight is a good starting point. I know this sounds like quite a bit, but when you are vegetable juicing this is an easy amount to achieve.
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