Folate Helps Nurture Cardiovascular Health for Postmenopausal Women

Folate is a water soluble B vitamin. Low intake or low levels of folate, elevated homocysteine and high blood pressure contribute to cardiovascular disease. High homocysteine levels* are associated with an increased risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, and venous thrombosis (blood clot). The amount of homocysteine in the blood is regulated by folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.

A placebo-controlled study completed in Italy investigated whether in healthy postmenopausal women a three week administration of folate at a dose of 15 mg/day was capable of modifying 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. The study also investigated the relationship of folate to homocysteine and insulin metabolism.

The study found the folate supplement significantly decreased nocturnal systolic blood pressure -4.48 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure -5.33 mm Hg and mean blood pressure -5.10 mm Hg. The placebo did not  produce any changes in blood pressure.

Folate also reduced homocysteine and insulin resistance.
The recommended dietary allowance for folate is 400 mcg a day.
Doses equal to or greater than 1 mg require a prescription. Keep in mind, this study used high-dose short-term folate administration.

*The endothelium is a thin layer of protective cells inside the artery. Plasma total homocysteine concentration of 10-30 µM produces endothelial dysfunction, including impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and decreased thrombomodulin anticoagulant activity.

Sources:
High-dose short-term folate administration modifies ambulatory blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
A Cagnacci MD
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 1266–1268

Folate dependence of hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular dysfunction
in cystathionine -synthase-deficient mice
Steven R. Lentz, Rochelle A. Erger
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol
Vol. 279, Issue 3, H970-H975, September 2000