Folic acid vit b6
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Impact of Folic Acid and Vitamin B6 on Cardiovascular Health and Other Conditions
Introduction to Folic Acid and Vitamin B6
Folic acid and vitamin B6 are essential nutrients that play critical roles in various bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and the reduction of homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other health conditions. This article synthesizes research findings on the effects of folic acid and vitamin B6 supplementation on cardiovascular health, inflammation, and other health outcomes.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Homocysteine Reduction and Cardiovascular Events
Several studies have investigated the potential of folic acid and vitamin B6 to reduce cardiovascular events by lowering homocysteine levels. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-2 trial, a large randomized clinical trial, found that combined therapy with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 reduced plasma homocysteine levels by approximately 25% to 30% but did not significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke . Similarly, a meta-analysis of randomized control trials concluded that while the combined supplementation of these vitamins did not significantly affect the incidence of cardiovascular disease events or myocardial infarction, it did reduce the risk of stroke by 14%.
Subclinical Atherosclerosis
In a study focusing on healthy siblings of patients with premature atherothrombotic disease, homocysteine-lowering treatment with folic acid and vitamin B6 was associated with a decreased occurrence of abnormal exercise electrocardiography tests, suggesting a reduced risk of atherosclerotic coronary events. However, there was no significant effect on other markers of subclinical atherosclerosis such as the ankle-brachial pressure index and carotid and femoral ultrasonography.
Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Biomarkers of Inflammation
The Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS) examined whether long-term combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 could alter plasma biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite a significant reduction in homocysteine levels, the study found no difference between the treatment and placebo groups in changes in biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, or fibrinogen.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation (100 mg/day) significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin B6 in this population.
Other Health Outcomes
Breast Milk and Maternal Nutritional Status
A study on low socioeconomic lactating women found that supplementation with ascorbic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid significantly increased the concentrations of these vitamins in breast milk. This suggests that dietary changes or supplementation may be necessary to maintain recommended levels of these vitamins in breast milk, especially in populations with low dietary intake.
Youth Stroke and Hyperhomocysteinemia
In young stroke patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, both low and high doses of combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 were effective in significantly reducing plasma homocysteine levels. The treatment was well-tolerated with no significant side effects, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition.
Conclusion
The combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B6, often with vitamin B12, has been shown to effectively reduce homocysteine levels. However, its impact on reducing major cardiovascular events remains inconclusive, with some studies indicating a benefit in reducing stroke risk but not other cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, vitamin B6 may have anti-inflammatory effects in specific conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to fully understand the broader health implications of these vitamins.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic