Stroke is the third leading cause of death in adults in the United States, and more than 600,000 strokes occur each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. But recently the journal Stroke reported that consuming at least 300 micrograms of folic acid each day could reduce a person's stroke risk by 20%.

Almost 10,000 men and women participated in a national nutrition study that spanned 20 years. Throughout the study, participants provided information about food intake for 24-hour periods. Later, the scientists examined the folic acid (or folate) content of the foods eaten. They also interviewed the participants and collected information about their overall health, such as whether they suffered from health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or obesity or whether they had had a stroke. If the person died during the course of the study, the cause of death was reported to the researchers.

The study participants consumed an average of 203 micrograms of folic acid each day, and people who consumed more folic acid per day tended to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than people who consumed less folic acid. The findings concluded that people who consumed at least 300 micrograms of folic acid each day had a 20% lower risk of stroke and a 13% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Folic acid, a B vitamin that helps produce and maintain cell production, is found in foods such as leafy greens (including spinach and turnip greens), broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, liver, dry beans and peas, fortified cereals and grain products, and fortified juices. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day and that pregnant women consume at least 600 micrograms.

Related information: Senior Care/Aging | More about folic acid

Sources:  Bazzano LA, He J, Ogden LG, Loria C, Vupputuri S, Myers L, Whelton PK. Dietary intake of folate and risk of stroke in US men and women: NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Stroke May 2002;33(5):1183-9; discussion 1183-9.