Folic Acid Can Help People Avoid Strokes

A recent study out of China found that people with high blood pressure reduced their risk of a first stroke by taking folic acid supplements alongside a common hypertension medication.

Folic acid can help a person’s body create new cells, according to the National Institutes of Health Office on Dietary Supplements.

Richard Libman, MD, vice chairperson of neurology at the North Shore-LIJ Health System, says these findings could have some impact on a large population.

“One could certainly argue that any decrease in the risk of stroke is worthwhile, especially when it’s provided by a relatively inexpensive vitamin,” Dr. Libman says.

Other than supplements, people can incorporate folic acid into their diet by eating foods such as dried beans, nuts, enriched grain products and leafy green vegetables.