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Updated: May 31, 2026
06:35
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
Folic acid supplementation improves vascular function in professional dancers with endothelial dysfunction
Anne Z Hoch1, Paula Papanek, Aniko Szabo
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. azeni@mcw.edu
Summary
Folic acid supplementation significantly improved vascular endothelial function in professional dancers with endothelial dysfunction. This finding suggests a potential role for folic acid in cardiovascular disease risk prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor to cardiovascular disease.
- Professional dancers may be at risk for endothelial dysfunction due to intense physical demands.
- Folic acid plays a crucial role in vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of folic acid supplementation on endothelial function in professional dancers.
- To assess if folic acid can improve brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study involving 22 professional ballet dancers.
- Assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) via high-frequency ultrasound.
- Supplementation with 10 mg of folic acid daily for 4 weeks for subjects with abnormal FMD.
Main Results:
- 64% of dancers exhibited abnormal FMD (<5%) at baseline.
- Following 4 weeks of folic acid supplementation, FMD significantly improved in all subjects (P < .0001).
- Mean FMD increased from 2.9% ± 1.5% to 7.1% ± 2.3% after supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid supplementation (10 mg/day) for 4 weeks effectively improves vascular endothelial function in professional dancers.
- These findings highlight the potential of folic acid in preventing cardiovascular disease in athletic populations.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term implications and optimal dosing.
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