Folic Acid And Vitamin B12: Partners In Reducing The Risk Of Heart Disease
In a recent research letter published in the medical journal The Lancet, researchers acknowledged that folic acid has been known to lower heart disease by reducing the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine have been implicated in raising the risk of heart disease because of its potential to damage arteries and increase the risk of blood vessel blockages. Researchers also stated that when adequate amounts of vitamin B12 were taken along with folate, further reductions of homocysteine might be achieved. Source: The Lancet, January 19, 2002.
Heart Patient Arteries Helped By Vitamin Combination
A new study, conducted in the cardiology division at the University of California at San Diego, found that a six-month regimen of vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid could help prevent the recurrence of blocked arteries in patients who have undergone coronary angioplasty. According to researchers, the treatment appears to work by lowering levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that has long been implicated in heart attacks. For more information go to the Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, August 28, 2002.
Study Suggests That Folic Acid And Vitamin B6 May Help Lower The Risk Of Breast Cancer
Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found evidence that the intake of folic acid and vitamin B6 contributes to the lowering of a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. The researchers also found that folic acid itself appears to protect women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer caused by alcohol consumption. Even though more research is needed to further support the findings, they suggest that women who want to protect themselves against the breast disease should pay particular attention to their folic acid and B6 intake. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute , Vol. 95, No. 5, pp. 373-380. Read More
B Vitamins May Help Decrease The Risk Of Stroke
According to researchers from Harvard, the long-term dietary intake of folate and vitamin B12 may help decrease the risk of ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain. Source: Stroke, Volume 35, 2004. Read More
Low Serum Vitamin B-12 Levels Associated With Increased Hip Bone Loss
In a recent study conducted at the University of California researchers found an association between low serum vitamin B-12 levels and increased rates of hip, but not calcaneal, bone loss in older women. Approximately 80 women with a median age of 71 participated in this study. Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, 2004. Read More
Folate And B12 Effective In Cutting Fracture Risk Following Stroke
According to a research study conducted in Japan, the intake of the supplements folate and vitamin B12 appears to reduce the risk of hip fractures in elderly patients following a stroke. According to the authors of the study, stroke increases the risk of subsequent hip fracture by 2 to 4 times. 628 patients aged 65 or older participated in this double-blind, randomized controlled study. More studies are needed before the research can be widely promoted as conclusive. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 293, March 2005. Read More