Folic Acid 101

By Mindy Hermann, R.D.

Over the years, several vitamins and minerals have been in the spotlight for their role in heart health. Recent research has focused on folic acid, a B vitamin found naturally in leafy vegetables, orange juice, and legumes and added to grain products and breakfast cereals. Adequate levels of folic acid appears to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is related to higher risk of heart disease. Together with vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid helps break down homocysteine. Research findings are not yet conclusive on whether lowering homocysteine reduces heart disease risk.