Folic acid is a B vitamin, which is used in the body to produce new cells. It is recommended routinely during pregnancy as its deficiency is found to cause birth defects in babies. A review of eight studies has found that folic acid supplements are also capable to undercutting stroke risk in the elderly.
In 1998 United States and Canada went for fortifying cereals and breads with folic acid after its many benefits were touted. The nutrient is found naturally in green leafy vegetables like spinach, sunflower seeds, dried beans, peas, turnip greens as well as fortified breakfast cereals.
Folic acid is believed to lower the levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is implicated in stroke, cardiovascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis. A stroke is an emergency that occurs in the arteries leading to and within the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, a stoke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States behind cancer and heart disease. The ASA says stroke kills more than 150,000 people a year.
In the study, researchers from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine reviewed eight studies that linked folic acid supplements to a lower risk of strokes. Three of the studies were conducted in the United States and Canada; one in China, three in European countries, one in Australia and New Zealand.
The studies involved a total of 17,000 participants. All participants were aged over 60 years and received wither a placebo or a folic acid supplement for an average of two to six years on a daily basis. Folic acid supplements were administered in doses of 0.5 milligrams per day and 15 mg per day.
the meta-analysis revealed that folic acid supplements were able to reduce the risk of stroke by at least 18 percent. In areas where folic acid fortification is not mandatory as in Norway and China, folic acid supplements reduced the risk of stroke by 25 percent.
Researchers cautioned that folic acid supplements reduced the risk of stroke in individuals who did not have a history. In one trial where participants had a previous history of stroke, these supplements were not as effective. Homocysteine levels measured after the supplements were introduced were found to be 20 percent lower. This translated to a 20 percent reduction in the risk of stroke, the researchers said.
One of the limitations of the study was that none of the eight trials specifically assessed stroke risk. Further studies are needed to assess the direct relationship if any between folic acid supplement s and a lowered stroke risk.
The American Stroke Association estimates that $63 billion will be spent this year toward treating stroke-related medical costs and disability. Folic acid supplements might reduce the risk of strokes, but consumers must consult their doctors before starting on anything. One of the major risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure. Bringing this down may also lower the risk of stroke.
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