Did you know that you can cut your risk of stroke in half? All you have to do is make sure you are not deficient in two vitamins.
A recent study showed that if you are in the lowest levels group of these particular B vitamins, your risk of stroke doubles. The study followed 779 subjects free of cerebral ischemia (low blood flow). The researchers followed the subjects for six years.
The study found that low plasma levels of vitamin B12 may increase your risk of cerebral ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). The risk doubles if the B12 deficiency is in combination with low plasma folate levels.
This should be a no brainer for doctors. But its not. Amazingly, few doctors ever consider low B12 or folate levels.
Low vitamin B12 levels can be common in those over 50, as its harder to absorb vitamin B12 as you age. I suggest that everyone over 50 get their vitamin B12 checked. The best test for B12 is the MMA (methylmalonic acid) test. It does more than test B12 levels. It actually measures B12 activity.
High homocysteine levels can be another common indicator of low B12 as well. Supplements do work, but because absorption is not optimal, B12 shots are more effective. I even take it myself periodically. Folic acid is well absorbed orally. A high-quality multivitamin, like Healthy Resolve, will supply ample amounts of folate.
Ref: Weikert, C., H. Boeing, et al. B Vitamin Plasma Levels and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in a German Cohort, Stroke, 2007 September 20; [Epub ahead of print].