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 Folic acid may not help prevent strokes, according to a recent analysis of scientific literature.
Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in food and folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin found in fortified foods and supplements. Sources include cereals, baked goods, leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (bananas, melons and lemons), legumes, yeast, mushrooms, organ meat (beef liver, kidney), orange juice and tomato juice.
The researchers analyzed 13 human studies that tested the effects of folic acid on stroke risk in a total of 20,415 adults.
The researchers found that 784 people who took folic acid had strokes, compared to 791 in people who did not take supplements. Although folic acid was linked to a mild benefit for stroke prevention, the effects were not statically significant.
The authors also noted that beneficial effects appeared to be greater when folic acid was combined with other B vitamins, particular vitamins B6 and B12. The researchers called for further research in this area.
For more information about folate, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Hers & Supplements database.
- Lee M, Hong KS, Chang SC, et al. Efficacy of Homocysteine-Lowering Therapy With Folic Acid in Stroke Prevention. A Meta-Analysis. Stroke. 2010 Apr 22. View Abstract
- Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
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