Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cardiovascular disease (correspondence)

Researchers gave 5,522 adults with heart disease or diabetes either daily B vitamins or a dummy pill for about five years. The vitamins lowered homocysteine, a blood substance linked with heart risk. They did not significantly reduce the combined risk of heart attack, death from heart disease, or other major heart problems. Strokes were somewhat less common among people taking the vitamins, but this was not enough to show broad heart protection.

What this means for you: Taking B vitamins to prevent heart attacks is not supported by this trial. Unless a doctor has found a specific vitamin deficiency, this is not a strong reason to buy these supplements for heart protection.