The Role of Complementary Vitamins, Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, in Cardiovascular Disease

This chapter describes the role of three important B vitamins, folate, vitamin B 6 , and vitamin B 12 , on the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These three vitamins are all involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, which in turn is related to CVD. The synergistic effect of the B vitamins and other components on the metabolism of homocysteine and their role in CVD are then covered. One way to investigate whether the relation is causal is to evaluate the relation between genotypes related to the tHcy concentration and CVD. The relations between plasma or serum folate, vitamin B 6 , and vitamin B 12 , and CVD have been evaluated in a number of case control and prospective cohort studies. Thus folic acid supplementation may be warranted for patients at high risk for CVD, such as those with hyperlipemia or diabetes. Folic acid supplements can correct the anemia associated with vitamin B 12 deficiency.