Vitamin E and Folic Acid ~ HGH Academy

Heart disease is often related to high levels of homocysteine in the blood. So, it makes sense to supplement our diets with vitamin B folic acid to avoid getting heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. To maintain a healthy heart function, we should first work at reducing the homocysteine level in our blood.

Homocysteine is a normal byproduct that is released when the amino acid methionine is metabolized. However, high levels of it in our blood can be dangerous, and prevention of the dreaded diseases usually starts with targeting the homocysteine levels.

Studies have shown time and again that a per unit increase in the level of homocysteine is accompanied by an increase of up to 42% in the rates of ischemic heart disease. High levels of homocysteine also increase the risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Some scientists believe that folic acid, when taken as a daily supplement, can help to reduce homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke and DVT. However, there has been mixed reviews on the efficacy of folic acid as very few studies have actually shown that folic acid prevents these conditions. As such, the American Heart Association does not recommend taking folic acid specifically for this purpose.

Source: British Medical Journal 2002;325:1202-1206.