Folic Acid May Prevent Hypertension in Addition to Reducing the Risk of Birth Defects
25 Febbraio 2005 - 12:18AM
PR Newswire (US)
Folic Acid May Prevent Hypertension in Addition to Reducing the
Risk of Birth Defects JAMA Publishes Study Showing Reduced Risk of
High Blood Pressure From Increased Folic Acid Consumption in Foods
and Supplements BOHEMIA, N.Y., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Folic acid,
a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth and recognized
for its ability to reduce the risk of birth defects, has been shown
to have another significant health benefit for women: decreasing
the incidence of hypertension. The importance of taking folic acid
was elevated in 1992 when the United States Public Health Service
recommended that all women of childbearing years should take 400
micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily to prevent having a
pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect. Today, new research is
indicating that folic acid can also help prevent other birth
defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. In addition, according
to researchers from Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard
Medical School, higher folic acid intake from food and supplements
appears to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. The study was
published in the Jan. 19 issue of The Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA) (293, 3:320-9, 2005)
(http://jama.ama-assn.org/). The recommended dosage of folic acid
can be obtained by eating a variety of foods as part of a healthy
diet, including dark, leafy green vegetables, orange juice,
strawberries, legumes and grains. Since sometimes it is hard to
ensure getting the right amount of this nutrient in our daily
diets, taking a dietary supplement such as Sundown(R) Folic Acid is
the simplest way to ensure the daily recommended dosage is reached.
It is available in 400 mcg and 800 mcg dosages -- making it easy
for consumers to promote their health and wellness. The many
benefits associated with folic acid intake, including the recently
published hypertension risk reduction study and the well-documented
prevention of neural tube defects, are showing promise for women's
health, but the widespread impact of low-carbohydrate diets may
negate some of these benefits. For example, most low-carb diets
eliminate foods, such as grains, rice and pastas, that are sources
of B-vitamins. As a result, women might not be aware they are
deficient in folic acid and at risk for birth defects while in
their childbearing years. If one is devoted to a low-carb
lifestyle, taking 400 mcg to 800 mcg of Sundown Folic Acid daily is
recommended. About the Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard
Medical School Study John P. Forman, M.D., of Brigham and Women's
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston and colleagues analyzed
data from two studies (93,803 younger women aged 27 to 44 years in
the Nurses' Health Study II [1991-1999] and 62,260 older women aged
43 to 70 years in the Nurses' Health Study I [1990- 1998]). The
participants did not have a history of hypertension. Baseline
information on dietary folate and supplemental folic acid intake
was derived from food frequency questionnaires and was updated
every four years for a total of eight years. The purpose of this
study was to determine whether higher folic acid intake is
associated with a lower risk of hypertension. Results: The
researchers found that younger women who consumed at least 1,000
micrograms per day of total folic acid (dietary plus supplemental)
had a 46 percent decreased risk of hypertension, compared with
those who consumed less than 200 micrograms a day of total folic
acid. Older women with high total folic acid intake also had an 18
percent reduced risk of hypertension. In the study, researchers
found that the women who only consumed folic acid from food, rather
than supplements, had difficulty attaining high enough levels to
lower their blood pressure. As more studies unfold on folic acid,
this essential B-vitamin is demonstrating healthy heart and
circulation benefits by helping to maintain proper levels of
homocysteine in the blood.* Women of all ages can promote their
health and well-being by taking at least 400 micrograms of folic
acid each day and by following the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans ( http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines ) to ensure
they are eating a variety of foods. Visit
http://www.sundownnutrition.com/ to learn about Sundown Folic Acid
in 400 mcg and 800 mcg dosages; and Sundown Folic Acid Xtra, which
is enhanced with B-2, B-6, B-12 and choline. About Rexall Sundown
Rexall Sundown, a trusted, long-standing name in the nutritional
industry, is a subsidiary of NBTY, Inc. (NYSE:NTY), a leading
vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of high-quality,
value-priced nutritional supplements in the United States and
throughout the world. The company markets approximately 1,500
products under several brands. Rexall Sundown has consistently been
awarded the highest quality rating of its facilities by Shuster
Laboratories, Inc., a leading independent quality compliance
auditing firm used by pharmaceutical and supplement companies. *
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease. DATASOURCE: Rexall Sundown CONTACT:
Barbara Farnsworth, GBA Public Relations, +1-561-241-8900, or , for
Rexall Sundown Web site: http://www.sundownnutrition.com/
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