Homocysteine-Lowering with B Vitamins: No Benefit

Blood homocysteine levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and intake of several B vitamins lowers homocysteine levels. Thus, we can logically ask whether vitamin B supplements reduce risk for adverse cardiovascular events. In two new studies, researchers address this question.

An international randomized trial involved 5522 patients with histories of documented vascular disease (coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral) or with diabetes plus another risk factor. Patients received either a combination pill (containing folic acid [2.5 mg], vitamin B₆ [50 mg], and vitamin B₁₂ [1 mg]) or placebo daily. After 5 years, mean homocysteine levels were about 25% lower in the vitamin group than in the placebo group. However, no signi…