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Original Research Communications |
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 µg/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 µg folic acid/d, 500 µg folic acid every second day (250 µg/d), or a placebo tablet with their habitual diet (mean dietary folate intake: 280 µg/d).
Results: Administration of 250 and 500 µg 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 µg folic acid/d [mean (±SEM) deviation from baseline: -11.4 ± 1.98%] and in women (n = 45) who took 500µg 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 µg/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.
Key Words: Supplements • folic acid • folate • neural tube defects • homocysteine • cardiovascular disease • humans • women
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