Recommendation for folate

Call It “The D’oh! Factor”

In the e-Alert “The O Factor” (6/15/04), I told you about new research that found an increased risk of hip fractures in older people with elevated homocysteine levels.

But I was off the mark when I shared a supplement recommendation from HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D. To address high homocysteine, I told you that Dr. Spreen suggests taking 1.6 grams of folate daily. That should have been 1.6 MILLIGRAMS (mg) per day.

1.6 grams would be overdoing it a bit.

As Dr. Spreen pointed out in a follow up e-mail, “Getting your hands on 1.6 grams would involve almost 2,000 pills (in the U.S.).”

In the e-Alert “The B List” (2/2/04), Dr. Spreen noted that a daily folate dose of 5 mg would probably be best for those who use the supplement to address cardiovascular problems. And because folate can mask a deficiency of vitamin B-12, a daily supplement of B-12 is also recommended – especially when taking a higher dose of folate.

So because of the B-12 issue – and because folate is so important for heart health – I thought it best to let you know that you needn’t take 2,000 pills each day. Hopefully you haven’t tried to.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute