Folic Acid and Heart Disease
Folate is found in many foods; however, the synthetic form of folate found in many dietary supplements is folic acid. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, and dried peas and beans are natural sources of folate. Adequate amounts of folate must be present in order for the body to make new red blood cells in order to avoid anemia (especially during pregnancy).
Folate is also responsible for the breakdown of a substance called homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Folic acid supplementation significantly lowers homocysteine levels in humans; however, controversy exists as to whether or not folic acid supplementation decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The authors of a new study analyzed data from all previously published studies on folic acid supplementation and heart disease. While many of the studies were small and of short duration, the authors concluded that there was sufficient evidence to justify the lowering homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation.