Folic acid, the debate continues
supplementation with folic acid, received a boost this week with
the publication of new research showing that the positive effects
of folic acid in reducing homocysteine levels and improving
endothelial function can continue up to a year after therapy.
The case for the folic acid fortification of foods, or at least for supplementation with folic acid, received a boost this week with the publication of new research showing that the positive effects of folic acid in reducing homocysteine levels and improving endothelial function can continue up to a year after therapy.
Research carried out by Dr Kam S. Woo of the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong and published in the May issue of the American Journal of Medicine appears to show that the long-term use of folic acid can have a beneficial effect on the atherosclerotic process - the clogging of the arteries.
Woo's team focused on 29 study participants suffering from hyperhomocysteinemia (an elevated level of homocysteine concentration in the blood), testing their homocysteine levels and vascular responses after supplementing them 10mg of folic acid every day for a year.
The researchers found that the participants showed a significant increase in plasma folate levels and a significant decrease in homocysteine at the end of the year compared to their levels before treatment began.
