Low-dose folic acid supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations: a randomized trial.
Am J Clin Nutr
; 69(1): 99-104, 1999 Jan.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9925130
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
An elevated plasma total homocysteine concentration is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and neural tube defects. A high daily intake of supplemental folic acid is known to decrease total homocysteine concentrations.OBJECTIVE:
We studied the effect of low-dose folic acid administration (250 or 500 (microgram/d) for 4 wk on plasma total homocysteine concentrations and folate status. We also investigated whether total homocysteine concentrations and blood folate concentrations returned to baseline after an 8-wk washout period.DESIGN:
In this placebo-controlled study, 144 healthy women aged 18-40 y received 500 microgram folic acid/d, 500 microgram folic acid every second day (250 microgram/d), or a placebo tablet with their habitual diet (mean dietary folate intake 280 microgram/d).RESULTS:
Administration of 250 and 500 microgram folic acid/d for 4 wk significantly increased folate concentrations in plasma (P < 0.001) and red blood cells (P < 0.01). Total homocysteine concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in women (n = 50) who took 250 microgram folic acid/d [mean (+/-SEM) deviation from baseline - 11.4 +/- 198%] and in women (n = 45) who took 500 microgram folic acid/d (-21.8 + 1.49%). Eight weeks after the end of the intervention period (week 12), plasma total homocysteine concentrations in the folic acid-supplemented groups had not returned to baseline (week 0).CONCLUSIONS:
Doses of folic acid as low as 250 microgram/d, on average, in addition to usual dietary intakes of folate significantly decreased plasma total homocysteine concentrations in healthy, young women. An 8-wk washout period was not sufficient for blood folate and plasma total homocysteine concentrations to return to baseline concentrations.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Dietary Supplements
/
Folic Acid
/
Homocysteine
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Clin Nutr
Year:
1999
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Netherlands