Much research has been done to show the effect of vitamin B12 and the effect of homocysteine on heart disease. This research has shown that vitamin B12 may not only be beneficial for the treatment of heart disease but also in preventing heart disease.
In 'Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 show Potential as Heart Disease Treatment" on Sciencedaily.com it says, "'For most people, especially those with heart disease, taking a folic acid and vitamin B12 supplement is projected not only to be safe and save lives, but also to save money because it prevents heart disease and the costs associated with expensive medical treatments and procedures,' said Lee Goldman, MD, senior author of the study and professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine" (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010822081046.htm)
According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, people who have high levels of homocysteine are also 1.7 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke. Vitamin B12 lowers the homocysteine levels and so lowers the risk of getting heart disease.
In order to control homocysteine levels it is recommended that you take a good multi-vitamin including vitamins B6, folic acid and B12. Vitamin B12 can also be taken in the form of tablets or an injection. The tablets should contain 25-50 micrograms of Vitamin B12 and 0.8mb folic acid.
There is research to indicate that vitamin B12 alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of heart disease although it does lower homocysteine levels. One should therefore ensure that besides taking B12 supplements that one also leads a generally healthy life, follows a nutritious diet and is not obese. Lowering homocysteine levels through the use of B vitamins is just one way to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Research has shown that vitamin B12 is effective in lowering homocysteine levels. Since high homocysteine levels are partly responsible for heart disease one should therefore ensure that you get the required amount of vitamin B12 either in your diet or through supplementation with tablets and vitamin B12 injections. This will help to reduce your risk of heart disease if in addition you follow a generally healthy lifestyle.
Glossary:
Homocysteine: amino acid in the blood which can promote heart disease when levels in the body are too high.