Such vitamins can be found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, and they can lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with a greater risk of heart disease in some studies. However, there is still no hard evidence that lowering homocysteine reduces heart risk, experts cautioned during the announcement. Until results of controlled clinical trials become available, emphasis should be placed on meeting current RDAs for folate as well as vitamins B6 and B12, by intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes and fortified grains and cereals,'' the advisory panel says.
Folic acid is found in green leafy plants, citrus fruit, fruit juice and legumes.
Vitamin B6 is found in whole grain, cereals, bread, and liver. And B12 comes from animal sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk. However, experts caution that such treatment is still experimental. Homocysteine testing is not widely available and is not recommended on a routine basis. But homocysteine testing may be appropriate in certain high-risk individuals, including those with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease, impaired kidney function, lupus, and malnutrition.