Prevalence and predictors of low folate levels among stroke survivors in a country without mandatory folate food fortification: Analysis of a Ghanaian sample

Vitamin supplementation with folic acid (FA) reduces hyperhomocysteinemia (Hcy), a vascular risk factor with a strong, graded, and independent association with stroke and other vascular diseases.1 Available data suggest that a 25% reduction in total plasma homocysteine level is accompanied by a 19% lower stroke risk.1,2 Evidence from clinical trials on the effect of folate supplementation on mitigation of stroke risk has however been conflicting. A synthesis of clinical trial data has shown that supplemental FA had a neutral effect on reducing vascular events in countries with a mandate for folate fortification of food, for example the United States.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research