The many B’s
Numerous vitamins B, B-3 (niacin), B-6, B-9 (folic acid) and B-12 have been associated for years with better heart health. These vitamins can become even more important if it is determined the role of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid found naturally in the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cerebrovascular attack and peripheral vascular disease. A higher level of homocysteine in blood, the greater risk. Several vitamins, particularly B-6, B-12 and folic acid can reduce blood levels of homocysteine. What is not currently known, however, is whether taking these vitamins reduces the risk of heart disease?
Vitamin B-3 (niacin)
Sometimes doctors prescribe high doses of niacin to help people improve fat levels in their blood. Niacin can LDL cholesterol lowering.
Raising HDL cholesterol or high density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it can remove cholesterol deposits from artery walls and can send it to the liver for disposal.
To achieve these effects, niacin should be taken in doses greater than 1,000 mg per day. At these doses, niacin is considered a medication, not a supplement, and should only be taken under the advice of your doctor. High doses of niacin can be toxic. Adverse effects include headaches, cramps, nausea, itching, liver damage, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood sugar and irregular heartbeat. Blood tests are needed to monitor the results of regular niacin.
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B-6 works with vitamin B-12 and folic acid to reduce homocysteine levels in blood. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the optimal intake of vitamin B-6 to prevent heart disease ranges between 1.5 mg and 50 mg per day.
Check with your doctor before taking vitamin B-6 if you have intestinal problems, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, sickle cell anemia or are under severe stress as a result of disease, burns, accidents or injury. High daily doses, especially over 250 mg per day, can cause peripheral nerve damage (neuropathy).
Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
Folate is an important element in the formation of red blood cells. Folate is found naturally in foods, while folic acid is a synthetic formula found in nutritional supplements and fortified foods. Folate and folic acid can reduce homocysteine levels in blood.
Some studies have shown a decreased risk of heart disease among people with higher intakes of vitamins B-9 and B-6, both from diet and multivitamin supplements. Supplement with 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, which is the typical amount in most multivitamins, no risk and could be considered for people with heart disease, despite the current lack of evidence of benefit.
For vitamin B-9, the recommended daily value is 400 mcg. Good sources are citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and grains. Now is fortified wheat flour with folic acid, which can add an estimated 100 mcg per day to an average diet.
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B-12 has a minor role in the levels of homocysteine and lower it only helps people who are deficient in this vitamin. The absence of vitamin B-12 can cause anemia, and supplements are recommended for vegetarians that eliminate all animal foods from their diets. Injections of vitamin B-12 are recommended for people whose digestive tracts due to surgery, bowel disease or an inherited cannot absorb the vitamin.
Posted in 
Tags: