A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that taking a folic acid supplement does not in any way decrease the risk of heart disease or stroke in people with a history of heart problems. The findings of the study contradict those of other studies that have shown that folic acid helps the heart.

Folic acid is a B-vitamin and is used by our body to make new cells. Also called folate, this vitamin is recommended by certain doctors for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study included 12 randomized controlled trials involving 16,958 participants that compared folic acid supplementation with either placebo or usual care for a minimum duration of six months and with clinical cardiovascular disease events reported as an end point. Researchers recommend instead of folic acid that patients use proven preventive strategies including smoking cessation, lipid reduction, treatment of hypertension and diabetes, maintenance of a healthy weight and physical activity.