Fortification can combat heart disease

Scientists in Ireland have discovered that fortifying foods with vitamin B12 as well as with folic acid can help combat heart disease.

A team of researchers discovered that a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12 could help reduce the level of homocysteine found in the blood much more effectively than just folic acid on its own. Homocysteine is a compound formed in the body when protein is metabolised.

Writing in the Lancet, Joe McPartlin, Ph.D, and his colleagues suggested that as a result of their research the UK's proposed system of fortifying grain with folic acid should be extended to include B12 as well.

McPartlin's team looked at the correlation between homocysteine levels and folate and vitamin B12 before and after folic acid supplementation.

A group of 30 male and 23 female participants were told to avoid supplements and any foods fortified with folic acid and B vitamins before and during the 36-week study. For 26 weeks, the men were given folic acid at increasing doses, from 100 mcg/d to 400 mcg/d. The women received 500 mcg/d of folic acid over the same period. The supplementation period was followed by a 10-week washout period.

The researchers discovered that in both groups, homocysteine levels were found to be directly related to serum folate concentrations, with more positive levels occurring with folic acid supplementation. However, as the dose of folic acid increased, homocysteine levels became more dependent on B12 for proper metabolism.

Homocysteine concentration depends on folate status, but the research shows that when this dependence shifts to vitamin B12 when individuals supplement their diets with folic acid.

As a result, McPartlin's team suggests that if the UK were to go ahead with its proposal to fortify grain products with folic acid, the UK population would become more dependant on vitamin B12 for maintaining normal homocysteine metabolism.

"A fortification policy based on folic acid and vitamin B12, rather than folic acid alone, is likely to be much more effective in lowering homocysteine concentrations, with potential benefits for reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease,"​ said McPartlin.