Folic Acid Can Cut Heart Attack Risk
(London, Reuters, 11/24/06)

David Wald, of the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry in London, and team, reviewed data from large studies that examined the link between homocysteine and cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes. The scientists report that evidence from the trials indicates that folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, reduces homocysteine, which can harm artery linings.  Their conclusion that folic acid protects the cardiovascular system by lowering homocysteine levels is further supported by trials involving people with a mutation that raises their homocysteine and increases their risk of cardiovascular problems. The scientists report that taking enough folic acid can even offset the effect of this genetic abnormality.