Folic Acid May Benefit Hemodialysis Patients

LONDRINA, BrazilFolic acid intervention normalized plasma homocysteine levels and significantly increased total plasma antioxidant capacity levels in most of the 46 hemodialysis patients involved in the treatment. Researchers from the State University of Londrina gave 26 patients 10 mg of folic acid three times weekly for six months after dialysis treatments; 20 other patients were given placebo. Homocysteine levels, total plasma antioxidant capacity and hydroperoxide plasma levels were assessed throughout the six-month period. Researchers found folic acid lowered plasma homocysteine levels and heightened total plasma antioxidant capacity, compared to placebo. There was no significant effect on hydroperoxide levels. Researchers concluded the data necessitates further study to determine folic acids role in decreasing cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study was published ahead of print in Nutrition (doi:10.1016/j.nut.2007.01.002).