Folic acid reduces cholesterol riskGenetically predicted lipid traits mediate the association between folic acid and atherosclerosis.
We set out to understand how folic acid (FA) levels relate to high cholesterol and the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease. Utilizing a method called Mendelian randomization, which leverages genetic data to uncover causal relationships, we explored the connection between genetically determined FA levels and atherosclerosis risk.
Our findings revealed that higher FA levels are linked to a lower risk of atherosclerosis. Specifically, we observed that individuals with greater FA levels had favorable cholesterol profiles—showing higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C) and lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). This suggests that FA might exert a protective effect on heart health by improving lipid levels.
Interestingly, we found that LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG together mediate a notable portion of this relationship, accounting for just over 13% of the total impact of FA on atherosclerosis. In simpler terms, improving cholesterol could be a significant part of how folic acid helps reduce heart disease risk.
Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy folate levels, as it can be a vital step in reducing cholesterol and, consequently, lowering cardiovascular risks.
Improved health
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Many people are unaware of the dangers posed by high homocysteine levels. I didn’t test for this indicator and discovered I was at great risk. Years of work-related stress had resulted in chronic fatigue due to high levels of homocysteine. Supplementing with folic acid helped convert it to harmless substances. I feel much healthier now and my recent homocysteine tests are normal. I recommend everyone monitor this issue and take timely action.