Clinical Study Title:
Cost-effectiveness of vitamin therapy to lower plasma homocysteine levels for the prevention of coronary heart disease: effect of grain fortification and beyond.

Plain English Summary:

There are many factors for coronary heart disease, including a high homocysteine level, which can be altered by habits. This study examined the effect of folic acid along with vitamin B12, in the form of cyanocobalamin, on coronary heart disease related events. Analysis of a diet fortified with these nutrients resulted in the reduction of coronary heart disease of about 8 % in women and 13% in men. The use of these vitamins will also result in a total of $2 billion dollars saved by the US each year. Taking a daily supplement including both folic acid and vitamin B12 would reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as well as provide a cost effective means of maintaining health.

Authors

Tice JA. Ross E. Coxson PG. Rosenberg I. Weinstein MC. Hunink MG. Goldman PA. Williams L. Goldman L.

Institution

Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco

Country of Publication

United States

Source

JAMA. 286(8):936-43, 2001 Aug 22-29.