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Vitamins as homocysteine-lowering agents
1Department of Medicine, County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden.
The Journal of Nutrition
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia increases cardiovascular disease risk. Supplementing with folic acid, potentially with vitamin B-12, effectively lowers homocysteine levels, supporting cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- A dose-response relationship exists between plasma homocysteine and cardiovascular risk, suggesting causality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of homocysteine-lowering vitamins.
- To assess the impact of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Review of intervention studies on homocysteine-lowering vitamins.
- Analysis of data on folic acid and cyanocobalamin supplementation.
Main Results:
- Folic acid supplementation effectively reduces both elevated and normal plasma homocysteine concentrations.
- Doses as low as < 1 mg/d of folic acid may be sufficient.
- Combination therapy with folic acid and cyanocobalamin ensures maximal homocysteine reduction and prevents vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid is effective in lowering homocysteine levels.
- Combined folic acid and cyanocobalamin supplementation is recommended for comprehensive homocysteine management and prevention of vitamin B-12 deficiency.