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THE STRESS VITAMINS In 1989, researchers thought so little of folic acid that the National Academy of Sciences cut in half its recommended daily intake of the B vitamin. Growing evidence now suggest the B vitamins may help strengthen the mind and the immune system, and they may reduce the risk of deadly disease. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Researchers have long known about a rare genetic disease that causes extremely high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Most victims die in childhood of heart attacks, because homocysteine can damage the arteries and may thicken the blood. Starting in 1990, a stream of studies has transformed high homocysteine levels from a rare genetic threat to a major public-health concern. The first of those reports, including a large study from Harvard University, showed that even a moderately elevated level of homocyteine in adults increases the risk of heart attack. Scientists already know that homocysteine levels are controlled by several ordinary B vitamins. So in theory, failure to get enough of the vitamins could push those levels to dangerous heights. CANCER Folic acid and vitamin B-12 help the body convert homocysteine to methionine; that amino acid helps maintain the genes that prevent cells from turning cancerous. In theory, an inadequate supply of B vitamins will reduce methionine and, in turn, increase the risk of cancer. MIND AND MOOD The body needs folic acid, B6 and B12 to manufacture neurotransmitters, chemicals that control alertness and mood by speeding nerve signals through the brain. Studies show some people who are seriously depressed or show signs of dementia have deficiencies of folic acid or B12. Correcting those deficiencies can ease the depression or improve concentration and memory. More important for the average person, even a mild lack of B vitamins may cloud the mind. IMMUNITY Even people with only marginally low levels of B-vitamins show signs of weakened immune function, mainly reductions in the number and activity of certain disease fighting white blood cells. The above article was taken from "Consumer Reports June 1995, Consumer Reports, On Health - B Makes the Grade". Well known as the great stress vitamin, it is water soluble so it needs to be taken 2 to 3 times each day to be effective. |
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