Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 03, 2024 3 months, 2 weeks, 4 days, 19 hours, 48 minutes ago
Supplements: A Potential Shield Against Stroke
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with alarming statistics showing an increase in cases. Every year, approximately 795,000 strokes occur, leading to one death every three minutes and thirty seconds. The survivors often face severe disabilities requiring long-term rehabilitation and chronic care. This
Supplements News report explores the importance of preventing strokes, focusing on a recent study that examined the role of folic acid.
Folic acid supplementation can reduce risk of stroke by 22 percent
The Study at a Glance
A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from Wenzhou Central Hospital in Zhejiang, China, and Weihai Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shandong, China, sought to analyze the relationship between folic acid intake and stroke prevention. This systematic review and meta-analysis included data from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide a clearer picture of folic acid's effectiveness in preventing strokes.
Key Findings - Dietary Folic Acid Intake
The study combined data from 12 observational studies involving 312,320 participants. The results indicated that a high intake of dietary folic acid was associated with a 17% reduction in the incidence of stroke. Interestingly, the protective effect of dietary folic acid was more significant in regions without grain fortification. In these areas, the risk of stroke was reduced by 20% among those with higher folic acid intake.
Folic Acid Supplementation
The analysis of 12 RCTs, which included 75,042 participants, showed no significant association between folic acid supplementation and stroke prevention in general. However, in areas where grains are not fortified with folic acid, supplementation proved effective, reducing the risk of stroke by 22%. This suggests that the benefits of folic acid are more pronounced in populations with lower baseline levels of this vital nutrient.
Understanding Folic Acid and Stroke - The Biological Mechanism
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in homocysteine metabolism. Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of stroke. Folic acid helps lower homocysteine levels, thereby protecting blood vessels and reducing stroke risk.
Observational Studies vs. RCTs
Observational studies have consistently shown a protective effect of dietary folic acid against stroke. However, RCTs have produced mixed results. The discrepancy could be due to differences in study design, populations, and baseline folic acid levels. Areas without mandatory grain fortification tend to show more significant benefits from both dietary intake and supplementation.
The Global Perspective - Grain Fortification Policies
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Grain fortification with folic acid varies globally. In regions where grains are not fortified, the population may have lower folic acid levels, making supplementation more beneficial. Countries with mandatory fortification policies have already reduced the incidence of folic acid deficiency-related health issues, which might explain the less pronounced effect of supplementation in these areas.
Practical Recommendations
To harness the protective effects of folic acid, individuals should focus on including folic acid-rich foods in their diets. Leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals are excellent sources. For those in areas without grain fortification, folic acid supplements might be advisable, particularly for individuals at higher risk of stroke.
Public Health Implications
This study underscores the importance of public health policies promoting folic acid intake. In regions without grain fortification, authorities should consider implementing such policies to enhance the population's folic acid levels, thereby reducing stroke incidence.
Conclusion
The study findings highlight the significant role of dietary folic acid in reducing stroke risk, particularly in areas without grain fortification. While folic acid supplementation did not show a broad protective effect in all regions, it was beneficial where dietary intake was insufficient. This comprehensive analysis adds to the growing body of evidence supporting folic acid as a crucial factor in stroke prevention.
Increasing dietary folic acid or appropriate supplementation can be a cost-effective and widely applicable strategy for stroke prevention, particularly in regions without grain fortification. Public health policies should focus on ensuring adequate folic acid intake to reduce the global burden of stroke.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Nutrition.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1288417/full
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/international-study-shows-high-doses-of-vitamin-b9-folic-acid-increases-covid-19-risk-and-also-covid-19-mortality-risk
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/alert-new-study-warns-that-vitamin-b9-or-folic-acid-supplementation-can-actually-increase-risk-of-sars-cov-2-infection-by-1-5-times-and-mortality-by-2
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-by-university-of-california-davis-warns-mothers-to-be-that-too-much-folic-acid-during-pregnancy-could-harm-brain-development-of-embryos
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