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The study involving younger women found that those who consumed most total folic acid (more than 1,000 mcg per day) from both diet and supplements had a 46% lower risk of HTN than those who consumed least total folic acid (less than 200 mcg per day). In study with older women, consuming most folic acid afforded an 18% risk reduction compared with consuming least. In women whose dietary folic acid was less than 200 mcg per day, a combined dietary and supplemental folic acid intake of at least 800 mcg per day reduced HTN risk, relative to a combined intake of less than 200 mcg per day, by 45% in study with younger women and 39% in study with older women. In women who did not take supplements, getting currently recommended 400 mcg per day from food was not protective against HTN in either study.
This analysis of results from two studies provides evidence that folic acid can significantly reduce HTN risk in women. It further suggests that supplementing with folic acid is an effective way to increase intake to a level that protects against HTN. Future studies should further examine relationship between folic acid intake and HTN risk, as well as possible role for folic acid supplements in reducing blood pressure in people with HTN.
-- For more Vitamin Information and other Vitamin Articles, visit Vitamin Herb University.
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor's degree from University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, VT, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
For more Vitamin Information and other Vitamin Articles, visit Vitamin Herb University.
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to VHU's Healthnotes Newswire.