Heart health news - updates - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, Dec, 2002

Women who don't get enough vitamin E are more at risk for early development of atherosclerosis, according to a recent study.

Atheroselerosis is the buildup of fatty plaques in arteries that inhibits blood flow, which in turn raises the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) causes cellular damage that contributes to plaque buildup. The study shows that vitamin E can neutralize this damage, thus helping to prevent heart disease.

Alberto Ianriuzzi, MD, PhD, and other researchers at Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy, wrote about the study in the September 2002 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Study participants received most of their vitamin E from legumes, vegetables and olive oil.

The article stresses that additional vitamin E for those who do not already have a deficiency may have no protective effect.

Another way to guard against heart disease is to increase your consumption of folic acid, according to a study conducted in Ireland. A safeguard against spina bifida and other birth defects, folic acid also may be able to prevent both heart disease and strokes. Researchers at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland found that folic acid and two other related B vitamins can prevent the accumulation of high levels of homocysteine in the blood--a risk factor for heart disease and strokes.

The risk of high homocysteine is similar to the risk of high cholesterol, but fortunately it's much easier to lower homocysteine levels with folic acid and vitamins [B.sub.6] and [B.sub.12]. "As the folic acid story unfolds, it's becoming clear that its importance goes beyond its major role for mothers-to-be and that it's not just a woman's nutrient," says Helene McNulty, PhD, professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the university's School of Biomedical Sciences.

The university announced the completion of the study on September 23, 2002.