Question: What role do B vitamins play in blood vessel health?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

A randomized, placebo-controlled study of 40 patients found that daily oral supplementation with 0.8 mg of folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) and 0.4 mg of vitamin B12 was associated with significant increases in coronary blood flow, as compared to placebo. The authors of the study, published in the March 7, 2011, issue of Coronary Artery Disease, conclude: “Long-term treatment with a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12 increase ... coronary blood flow.”

Coronary artery disease develops when arteries become diseased and thrombosed — meaning they are obstructed by a clot of coagulated blood. This leads to decreased blood flow. When the flow decreases to a critical level, a heart attack can occur.

Over the years, I have written often about the importance of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It is important to ensure that you have an adequate intake of both. In fact, this study demonstrates that relatively small doses of vitamin B12 and folic acid can increase coronary blood flow.