The effect of folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine in an elderly population

• Published in: QJM : An International Journal of Medicine 2002-01, Vol.95 (1), p.27-35
• Main Authors: Rydlewicz, A., Simpson, J.A., Taylor, R.J., Bond, C.M., Golden, M.H.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular Diseases - blood; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Coronary heart disease; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Folic Acid - administration & dosage; Folic Acid - pharmacology; Heart; Hematinics - administration & dosage; Hematinics - pharmacology; Homocysteine - blood; Homocysteine - drug effects; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Medical sciences; Methylmalonic Acid - blood
• ISSN: 1460-2725; 1460-2393
• DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/95.1.27

Background: Increased plasma homocysteine is associated with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and venous thrombosis. Folic acid is the most effective therapy for reducing homocysteine levels. The lowest effective supplement of folic acid is not known, particularly for the elderly who have the highest prevalence of these conditions. Aim: To explore the effects of daily supplements of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 μg folic acid on plasma homocysteine in an elderly population. Design: Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Methods: Participants (n=368) aged 65–75 years were randomly allocated to receive one of the treatments for 6 weeks. Plasma homocysteine was recorded after 3 weeks and 6 weeks of supplementation. Results: Only the 400 μg and 600 μg groups had significantly lower homocysteine levels compared to placebo (p=0.038 and p