It is believed that a high level of homocysteine in the bloodstream could damage arteries and it has been linked to blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.
Homocysteine is a chemical compound, which is produced naturally by the body. In rare cases, some children may have levels that are out of control, and will be given heavy doses of folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B12 to break it down. Previous research has already shown that level of homocysteine will rise when one of these vitamins is insufficient. However, it is unclear if lowering elevated homocysteine levels in the “general population” will actually prevent heart disease.
A recent study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston showed that giving folic acid and B Vitamins supplements fails to protect women from heart disease. The findings, published on May 6, 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, questioned whether addressing a marker for heart disease (in this case, homocysteine) can really prevent heart attacks or strokes.
The study followed female patients of age 42 or older for more than 7 years. These women, either were at risk for heart disease, or had already experienced heart problems. On a daily basis, 2.5 milligrams of folic acid, 50 milligrams of Vitamin B6, and 1 milligram of vitamin B12 were given to half the 5,442 participants, while a placebo was distributed to the rest.
During the 7-year study, it was observed that though no harm came from the B vitamins, the homocysteine levels fell by nearly one-fifth in the first group, yet there was no noticeable difference in the incidence of heart problems or heart-related deaths, as compared with the placebo group.
It is reported that large-scale studies examining homocysteine and the impact on heart disease are under way in Europe.
In the United States and Canada, folic acid has been added by law to white floor and grain products since the late 1990s. However, European flour is not routinely supplemented. Therefore, it is expected people in Europe will have homocysteine levels are likely higher and the impact of lowering them may be better seen.
Until further data become available, it is perhaps best to base on the available evidence. One should not forget that experimental and observational data do not always translate into therapeutic benefits.
Homocysteine is a chemical compound, which is produced naturally by the body. In rare cases, some children may have levels that are out of control, and will be given heavy doses of folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B12 to break it down. Previous research has already shown that level of homocysteine will rise when one of these vitamins is insufficient. However, it is unclear if lowering elevated homocysteine levels in the “general population” will actually prevent heart disease.
A recent study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston showed that giving folic acid and B Vitamins supplements fails to protect women from heart disease. The findings, published on May 6, 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, questioned whether addressing a marker for heart disease (in this case, homocysteine) can really prevent heart attacks or strokes.
The study followed female patients of age 42 or older for more than 7 years. These women, either were at risk for heart disease, or had already experienced heart problems. On a daily basis, 2.5 milligrams of folic acid, 50 milligrams of Vitamin B6, and 1 milligram of vitamin B12 were given to half the 5,442 participants, while a placebo was distributed to the rest.
During the 7-year study, it was observed that though no harm came from the B vitamins, the homocysteine levels fell by nearly one-fifth in the first group, yet there was no noticeable difference in the incidence of heart problems or heart-related deaths, as compared with the placebo group.
It is reported that large-scale studies examining homocysteine and the impact on heart disease are under way in Europe.
In the United States and Canada, folic acid has been added by law to white floor and grain products since the late 1990s. However, European flour is not routinely supplemented. Therefore, it is expected people in Europe will have homocysteine levels are likely higher and the impact of lowering them may be better seen.
Until further data become available, it is perhaps best to base on the available evidence. One should not forget that experimental and observational data do not always translate into therapeutic benefits.
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