Atherosclerosis folic acid supplementation

Methyl-tetrahydro folic acid is furthermore, together with vitamin B12 and B6, required to regenerate homocysteine (see Vitamin B12, Fig. 1). Homocysteine results when methionine is used as a substrate for methyl group transfer. During the last few years, homocysteine has been acknowledged as an independent risk factor in atherosclerosis etiology. Folic acid supplementation can help reduce elevated homocysteine plasma levels and is therefore supposed to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis as well [2]. 

A consequence of these studies is that the Food and Drug Administration (fTDA) has recomtnended that commercially available flour and cereal products be fortified w ith folic acid 1-4 tug folic acid/kg flour) for preventing NTDs (Tucker cf ai, 1996). The consumer interested in the folate level in any particular food can view the label on the package. Folic acid supplements have the effect of reducing the level of homocysteine in the blood. This homocysteine effect appears directly relevant to the prevention of atherosclerosis, but may also be relevant to neural tube defects. The reader interested in continuing developments regarding neural tube defects and folate should take note of the relationship between folate and homocysteine, presented in the Vitamin 8 section. 

Homocysteine blood levels (>15 jtmol/L) promote atherosclerosis, perhaps by stimulating proliferation of arterial wall smooth muscle cells. Supplementing the diet with folic acid can reduce high levels. Lpa is a mod-ihed LDL particle that is both atherogenic and pro-thrombic. 

Budoff MJ, Ahmadi N, Gul KM et al. Aged garlic extract supplemented with B vitamins, folic acid and L-arginine retards the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis A randomized clinical trial. PtvveMive edicit 2009 49 101-107. 

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