Heart Disease and Vitamins B6 and B12

Clinical Study Title:
Preventive health care, 2000 update: screening and management of hyperhomocysteinemia for the prevention of coronary artery disease events. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care

Plain English Summary:

This article reviewed literature about the use of vitamin supplements such as b6 and b12 on the homocysteine levels and the overall risk of heart disease. It has been confirmed that raised levels of homocysteine in the blood is related to an increased risk of heart disease. The use of daily vitamin supplements can help to lower levels of homocysteine in the body. Specifically, the use of vitamin b12 in conjuction with vitamin b6 can help to counteract hyperhomocysteinanemia, or raised levels of homocysteine in the blood. This further suggests that a daily supplement of a vitamin b6-b12 combo can help to reduce risk factors and overall risk of heart disease.

Authors:
Booth GL. Wang EE.

Institution:
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ont.

Country of Publication:
Canada

Source:
CMAJ. 163(1):21-9, 2000 Jul 11.