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Folic Acid in Coronary Artery Disease

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate, a B vitamin found in foods such as beans and citrus. Use of folic acid may help reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with the development of coronary artery disease.

  1. Homocysteine

    • Homocysteine occurs naturally in the bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine appear to increase the formation of dangerous blood clots, as well as damage to the linings of arteries and the risk of coronary artery disease, according to FamilyDoctor.org.

    Effects

    • Along with the vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid helps break down blood homocysteine, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

    Unproven Benefits

    • Current evidence does not support use of folic acid supplements as a way to prevent hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or other symptoms of heart disease, the AHA reports. Similarly, the real-world benefits of lowering homocysteine levels are not clearly established.

    Dietary Recommendations

    • Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the AHA recommends that all individuals eat a diet rich in foods that contain folate and other B vitamins, including leafy greens and fruits.

    Additional Benefits

    • Additional potential benefits of folic acid include prevention of birth defects and treatment of leg ulcers and menstruation problems, Medline Plus reports.

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