We explored the relationship between folate and vitamin B12 levels and their impact on cardiovascular health by studying participants from São Paulo, Brazil. Specifically, we aimed to understand how these vitamins relate to changes in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a key marker for early atherosclerosis.
Over a median follow-up of eight years, we observed that the majority of participants had adequate levels of these vitamins, thanks in part to mandatory folic acid fortification in food. Our findings indicated that individuals with the highest serum folate levels experienced a slower increase in cIMT compared to those with the lowest levels. In particular, the fourth quartile of serum folate showed a significant association with reduced cIMT progression.
Interestingly, we found no such effect with vitamin B12. Additionally, dietary folate intake was not linked to changes in cIMT. This suggests that while folate might play a beneficial role in cardiovascular health, vitamin B12 does not appear to have the same effect in this population.
Overall, our study highlights the potential importance of maintaining adequate folate levels for cardiovascular health, especially in regions with fortified food. However, it's essential to note that there were no significant deficiencies in these vitamins in our cohort, which underscores the effectiveness of food fortification programs.