Long-term effects of B-vitamin supplementation on vascular health in stroke patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kathleen Potter, Graeme J. Hankey, Daniel J. Green, John Eikelboom, Konrad Jamrozik, Leonard F. Arnolda
Primary Institution: University of Western Australia
Hypothesis
Does long-term homocysteine-lowering treatment with B-vitamins reduce carotid intima-media thickness and increase flow-mediated dilation in stroke patients?
Conclusion
Long-term homocysteine-lowering treatment with B-vitamins did not significantly improve flow-mediated dilation or carotid intima-media thickness in stroke patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Vitamin-treated group had a significantly lower mean plasma homocysteine concentration than the placebo group.
- Post-treatment CIMT and FMD did not differ significantly between groups.
- A meta-analysis suggested B-vitamin supplements should reduce CIMT and increase FMD, but long-term effects were not significant.
Takeaway
Giving stroke patients B-vitamins for a long time didn't help their blood vessels get better, even though it worked for a short time.
Methodology
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measuring carotid intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilation after at least two years of B-vitamin supplementation.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been a motivated subgroup, potentially affecting generalizability.
Limitations
The study did not measure baseline CIMT and FMD, and only 30% of eligible subjects participated.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly male, with a mean age of 65 years and a history of stroke or TIA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 7.5 to 8.4 for homocysteine levels
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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