B vitamins are good for your heart

Taking high doses of vitamin B6 and folic acid significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, according to recent US studies.

The Harvard School of Public Health study analysed data from over 80,000 women and followed them for 14 years. Women who consumed the most folic acid were 31 per cent less likely to have a heart attack than those taking the least amount of folic acid. Those who consumed high levels of vitamin B6 were 33 per cent less likely to have heart attacks than the lowest consumers.

Moreover, women taking high levels of both B6 and folic acid reduced their risk of heart disease by 45 per cent. Those consuming moderate amounts of alcohol and high levels of B vitamins reduced their risk by as much as 75 per cent (BMJ, 1998; 316: 498).

l Vitamin E reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis. A two centre trial from the UK and Germany monitored 20 patients given 600 mg (of vitamin E) twice a day and 22 patients given placebo. It was found that vitamin E reduced inflammation and offered pain relief to patients (Medical Monitor, 18 Feb 1998: 54).