Folic Acid Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Li Y, Huang T, Zheng Y, Muka T, Troup J, Hu FB
Published in Journal of the American Heart Association
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials including 82,334 participants.
Key Findings
Folic acid supplementation reduced stroke risk by 10% and overall cardiovascular disease by 4%, with no reduction in coronary heart disease or all-cause mortality.
Conclusions
Folic acid lowers stroke risk modestly, particularly in populations without grain fortification; it does not prevent coronary events.
Limitations
Heterogeneous background folate status; most trials used combined B-vitamin regimens.
Supplements Studied
Folic acid supplementation reduced the risk of stroke by 10% and overall cardiovascular disease by 4%.
Outcomes Measured
Folic acid supplementation lowered homocysteine and reduced stroke risk by 10%.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.