Excess Folic acid Supplementation May Not Protect Heart as Previously thought.

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According to Dr Robert Clarke, from the University of Oxford , UK, even though folic acid supplementation did appear to lower homocysteine levels in around 25% of the cases, it did not effectively ward off the various cardiovascular problems, cancer or mortality.

This was endorsed by Dr Jeffrey A Tice (University of California, San Francisco) who also felt that the "high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis using patient-level data... definitively answers most of the questions about the efficacy of Bvitamin therapy." Dr Tice also cautioned the public not to look for quick therapies to prevent disease. He reiterated that an excess of vitamin supplements will not actually make up deficits and improve patient’s health, but may in fact harm them. What cannot be stressed enough is that a nutritious diet, regular physical activity and no smoking will in fact improve health & extend life.

By Vijayalakshmi Iyengar
Sr. Dietitian, NutritionVista.com

NutritionVista

User Comments

05 April, 2011 | Linda | Reply

I presently take a multi vit with 400mcg of folic acid, plus a vit B complex with 400mcg PLUS my Dr has prescribed 2 doses a day of 1 MG each (Yes, that`s MG and not mcg!) I`m reading online that that amount is waaaaay over what is recommended.
I am a type 2 diabetic (for the past 12 years) and am 61 years old with no record of having any heart problems at this point.
What say you???
Thanks! Linda

19 October, 2010 | Swathi Ponappa | Reply

I think taking a small amount of supplementation will not amount to any risk. I have a feeling in all these research studies the amounts they are talking is very high. My brother who is also doctor has advised me to take a supplement of 150 mgs as we need around 400 everyday. Certainly we do not eat Folic acid rich foods everyday in amounts needed, and this amount of supplementation will help us not harm us.

19 October, 2010 | Shailaja | Reply

My father takes a multi vitamin and mineral supplement everyday. It has folic acid in it too. He has undergone an open heart surgery in the year 2008. Is it ok for him to have that supplement? Please advise.

19 October, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Dear Shailaja,normally speaking a good balanced diet will ensure that everybody including your father will get the entire compliment of nutrients, both in terms of quantity & quality. However if he needs any supplementation The doctor will positively tell him about it. I suggest you bring up the matter with his cardiologist or GP.

19 October, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Shailaja,

As mentioned in the article, folic acid supplementation does not improve the cardiovascular or cancer picture in individuals who consume it everyday for long period of time, otherwise we need vitamins and minerals for many other functions in the body. Therefore there is no harm in your father taking the multi vitamin and mineral supplementation.

I hope post surgery your father is following a very balanced and nutritious diet that was advised to him. A diet with lots of veggies and fruits, whole cereals and pulses, low fat diary and products, good fats and good exercise regimen keeps a person very active and healthy.

Thank you for your query.

17 October, 2010 | Nita | Reply

Can you tell me which foods are rich in folic acid?

18 October, 2010 | Poonam | Reply

Foods naturally rich in folic acid are, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, beans, peas, lentils, liver and liver products. Moderate amounts are found in banana, rasberry, strawberry, grapefruit, beets, corn, tomato, broccoli, and bok choy.

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