The American Heart Association does not recommend widespread use of folic acid and B vitamins to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. We advise a healthy, balanced diet that includes five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. For folic acid, the recommended daily value is 400 micrograms.
Good sources are citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and grain products.
In January 1998, wheat flour became fortified with folic acid to add an estimated 100 micrograms per day to the average diet. Supplements should only be used when diet isn't adequate to achieve these intakes. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. This risk was independent of other risk factors, but was notably higher in smokers and persons with high blood pressure.