Reduction of plasma homocyst(e)ine levels by breakfast cereal fortified with folic acid in patients with coronary heart disease

Article Abstract:

Fortification of breakfast cereal with folic acid may effectively lower total homocysteine in the blood, a risk factor for coronary heart disease. The FDA has already recommended the addition of folic acid to cereals to reduce the incidence of some birth defects. Researchers tested three levels of fortification of cereal, compared to unfortified cereal, in 75 men and women with coronary artery disease. The highest dose, five times the FDA recommendation, reduced total homocysteine levels by 14%. Fortification at the FDA-recommended level did not significantly reduce total homocysteine.

Evaluation

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Eat right and take a multivitamin

Article Abstract:

Daily consumption of fully fortified breakfast cereals or multivitamin supplements is an effective way to increase folic acid consumption, which may reduce some birth defects and lower the risk for coronary heart disease. The FDA requires folic acid fortification of enriched foods to ensure that pregnant women receive enough of the nutrient to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects. Dietary folic acid may also lower blood levels of homocysteine, which may reduce the risk of blood vessel blockage. Optimal intake of folic acid probably requires dietary supplementation.

Editorial, Dietary supplements

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The relationship between maternal and neonatal umbilical cord plasma homocyst(e)ine suggests a potential role for maternal homocyst(e)ine in fetal metabolism

Article Abstract:

Homocysteine may be extracted from the maternal circulation by the fetus and used in fetal metabolism. Researchers studied the amino acid and related nutrients in 35 healthy pregnant women. The concentration of homocysteine fell as blood passed from the maternal vein to the umbilical vein to the umbilical artery, suggesting it was taken up by the fetus. Higher concentrations of homocysteine in maternal blood were associated with lower neonatal weight. Lower levels in maternal blood may indicate greater fetal uptake and growth.

Fetus, Food and nutrition

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