Vitamin B Deficiency And Stroke Prevention: New Report Says Folic Acid Supplementation Can Reduce Risk Of Stroke

Main Category: Stroke
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 13 Jun 2007 - 0:00 PST

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A new meta-analysis by an international team of researchers has determined that folic acid supplementation can effectively reduce the risk of a first stroke by 18 percent. Published in the Lancet, the meta-analysis, which centered on eight randomized controlled trials consisting of 16,841 individuals, also determined the risk of stroke was reduced by 25 percent in certain subgroups:

-- Subgroups that received folic acid supplements for more than three years

-- Subgroups that had blood homocysteine levels decrease by 20 percent or more

-- Subgroups who lived in regions with no folate grain fortification

Studies published in peer-reviewed journals have determined that patients with a variety of diseases are often deficient in folic acid, other B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and the omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA). Doctors are now using the prescription supplement Animi-3(R) to precisely deliver these nutrients to different patients.

"In this meta-analysis, researchers have identified folic acid supplementation as a potentially life-saving dietary aid," said PBM Pharmaceuticals President Jack Schramm. "We understand folic acid deficiency is common, so we specially designed our prescription Animi-3 formula to deliver 1 milligram of folic acid, along with DHA and other nutrients, to patients who are deficient in one or more of these ingredients."

Animi-3 is indicated for improving nutritional deficiencies in folic acid, DHA (omega-3 essential fatty acid), Vitamin B-12, and/or vitamin B-6. Research has shown that addressing these particular nutritional deficiencies may also reduce cardiovascular risk.

Each capsule of Animi-3 contains essential B vitamins:

-- Folic Acid (1 mg)

-- Vitamin B6 (12.5 mg)

-- Vitamin B12 (500 mcg)

Each capsule of Animi-3 also contains essential omega-3 acids (500 mg):

-- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 350 mg

-- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 35 mg

FDA "Qualified Health Claims" B vitamins & Vascular Disease. As part of a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of vascular disease. FDA evaluated the above claim and found that, while it is known that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol reduce the risk of heart disease and other vascular diseases, the evidence in support of the above claim is inconclusive. Docket No. 99P-3029.

PBM Pharmaceuticals
http://www.animi-3.com

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