Vitamin B6 and folate reduce stroke, heart disease deaths

Foods rich in folate and B-6 may reduce the risk of death from stroke and heart problems, a new study revealed recently. The study conducted by Japanese researchers is published in the recent issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association has found that these vitamins are associated with lower incidence of heart failure and death from stroke.
Sources of folate include vegetables, fruits, whole or enriched grains, fortified cereals, beans, and legumes. B-6 sources include fish, vegetables, liver, meats, whole grains, and fortified cereals.
The researchers say B6 and folate may fight cardiovascular disease by lowering levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that is affected by diet, but also heredity. Homocysteine is believed to cause damage to the inner linings of arteries, promoting blood clots.
The researchers say the correlation between intake of folate and B vitamins with cardiovascular disease is controversial and that evidence of benefits has been limited to Asian populations. Given their findings, the researchers say there is an urgent need for more research aimed at replicating the results of their study in different populations.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM), the health arm in the U.S. of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B6 per day, depending on age and sex. The IOM says extremely high-dose folate supplements should be avoided and recommends adult intake of 400 micrograms daily.
Source: Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.