Folic Acid Supplements Reduce Stroke Risk

 Based on the results of a meta-analysis study, it is known that folic acid supplements can reduce stroke risk by 18% - 25%. However, the benefits for other cardiovascular conditions is not known clearly.
Stroke risk reduction is emerging from a meta-analysis of eight randomized trials that looked at folic acid supplementation, with or without other B vitamins. The study was conducted by scientists from Northwestern University, and the results reported in the journal The Lancet edition June 2, 2007.
In a multilevel analysis of trials that included 16,841 men and women, researchers divided the group into:
Sub group receiving folic acid supplements for more than 3 years
Sub groups have levels of homocysteine ​​decreased by 20% or more
Sub-groups living in areas without folic acid fortification
The study determined that patients with various diseases often suffer from deficiency of folic acid, other B vitamins (like vitamin B6 and vitamin B12), as well as omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA).
The eight trials that included patients with initial conditions, ie one trial with a history of stroke and seven others with coronary heart disease and end stage renal disease or esophageal dysplasia. Decreased risk of stroke as a whole is as much as 18%. In addition, the risk of stroke 25% lower on 7 trial that there was no history of stroke.
Although it has been shown that folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of stroke, debate continues whether folic acid can improve the cardiovascular outcome of the final assessment. Some studies found opposite results, while epidemiological studies support the proposal that the risk factors and different strength of the relationship between stroke and cardiovascular disease. The researchers speculate that, although the reason for the difference are not entirely understood, they are referring to the fact that stroke is associated with pathology in the small blood vessels, whereas cardiovascular disease tends to involve large blood vessels.
The next clinical trial is expected to be carried out in areas without fortification, and among individuals without a history of stroke to test the effectiveness and causal association between folic acid supplementation on stroke.

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