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Scientific News  Health care Other illnesses and advices FOLIC ACID CAN HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE, STROKE - UU RESEARCH.
FOLIC ACID CAN HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE, STROKE - UU
RESEARCH.
Folic acid is not only a safeguard against spina bifida and other birth
defects in babies - it may also prevent heart disease and strokes, two of
Northern Ireland’s biggest killers.
Research at the University
of Ulster has shown that folic acid and
three other related B-vitamins can prevent the accumulation of a high blood
level of homocysteine, a new risk factor for heart disease and strokes.
The risk of high homocysteine is similar to the risk of high cholesterol - but
the good news is that it is much easier to lower homocysteine levels through
increased intake of folic acid.
As well as folic acid, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 can help to prevent a build
up of homocysteine.
Professor Helene McNulty, Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the
School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ulster, said: “As the folic
acid story unfolds, it is becoming clear that its importance goes beyond its
major role for mothers-to-be and that, in fact, it is not just a woman’s
nutrient.
“New and emerging roles for this important vitamin include its probable role
in protecting against heart disease and strokes by preventing the accumulation
of homocysteine.”
Professor McNulty’s research confirmed that a fourth B-vitamin – riboflavin
– can also play an important role in protecting against heart disease and
strokes.
Around 12% of people have a particular genetic make-up which predisposes them to
high homocysteine levels. Riboflavin, which is found in dairy foods like milk
and yoghurt, prevents the build up of homocysteine in people with this genetic
make-up.
Professor McNulty said: “The evidence appears to suggest that if riboflavin
intake is good the genetic predisposition towards elevated homocysteine may be
overcome. This is a classic example of what scientists call a gene-nutrient
interaction”.
“To protect against elevated homocysteine in all individuals, including those
with the genetic predisposition, a good intake of all four B-vitamins is
recommended.”
This research was carried out with funding from the Northern Ireland Chest,
Heart and Stroke Association and the EU.
Contact:
Press
Office, Public Affairs, Telephone: (028)
9036 6178, Email: pressoffice@ulst.ac.uk
Source of the given news and the copyrights belong to a
University
of Ulster
Publishing date: October 9, 2002
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