Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
Published on: April 4, 2025
Folic acid supplementation and chronic kidney disease progression
Christina M Wyatt1, J David Spence2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
Insights
Folic acid supplementation with enalapril in hypertensive adults showed significant reductions in stroke risk and chronic kidney disease progression. This contrasts with previous studies on B vitamins in kidney disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Previous research indicated no benefit or potential harm from B vitamin supplementation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for CKD progression and cardiovascular events like stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of folic acid supplementation combined with enalapril on stroke risk and CKD progression in hypertensive adults.
- To reconcile discordant findings regarding B vitamin supplementation in CKD populations.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale randomized trial conducted in China.
- Inclusion of adult patients with hypertension, comparing enalapril alone versus enalapril plus folic acid.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant, albeit small, reductions in the risk of first stroke.
- Demonstrated significant reductions in the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid addition to enalapril therapy may offer protective benefits against stroke and CKD progression in hypertensive individuals.
- Discrepancies with prior studies may stem from differences in study populations and interventions.
Abstract:
In contrast to prior studies demonstrating no benefit or even increased harm from B vitamin supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease, a large randomized trial from China recently demonstrated small but statistically significant reductions in the risk of first stroke and chronic kidney disease progression with the addition of folic acid to enalapril in adults with hypertension. Differences in the study population and study intervention may explain these discordant results.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...

