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

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Data from the meta analysis derived collectively from 6 major study groups (including over 37500 respondents) viz:- CHAOS-2, VISP, WAFACS, HOST, HOPE-2, WENBIT, NORVIT, and SEARCH, showed that there were a total of 9000 plus cases with vascular challenges (around 3990 major coronary challenges, over 1500 cases of strokes and over 5000 re –vascularisations), over 3000 cases of cancer and over 5000 deaths – these in spite of folic acid supplementation varying from 0.8 -40 mgs per day.

Results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, October 2010.

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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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