Having an adequate intake of B vitamins may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Research appearing in the Italian Heart Journal Supplement (2005; 6(1):1-16) shows an inverse correlation between atherosclerosis and a deficit of some of the B vitamins, most notably folic acid, B12 and B6. These vitamins are necessary to convert homocysteine to cysteine and taurine. Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid—linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease. It comes from methionine, but it is not a problem if the body has enough B vitamins to convert it to cysteine or taurine (amino acids that are useful to the body).

A study in the November 26, 2006 issue of the British Medical Journal says the evidence from cohort, genetic, and randomized controlled studies is strong enough to support the idea that folic acid can help to protect from heart disease. Once again, the lowering of homocysteine can help protect from atherosclerosis. While the British researchers describe the effect as modest and that better studies are needed, they point out that folic acid is inexpensive and harmless.