Reducing homocysteine levels does not prevent stroke recurrence

doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7435.307

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Scott Gottlieb

New York

Among patients with a previous stroke, reducing levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood with high dose vitamin therapy does not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.

Previous studies have shown an association between raised levels of total homocysteine and the risk of stroke and heart disease (Stroke 2004;35:169-74). Folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), and cobalamin (vitamin B-12) are known to reduce plasma homocysteine levels, but the effectiveness of homocysteine lowering therapy to reduce the risk of stroke has not been confirmed by randomised trials.

Dr James Toole of Wake …