Abstract
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. However, pharmacologic therapies have been shown to reduce stroke-related complications, and nutrient supplementation is increasingly used in the stroke prevention treatment plan. This study aimed to collect and summarize evidence on the efficacy of B-vitamin supplementation in the prevention and treatment of stroke and hypertension. Based on a preliminary literature search, it was predicted that B-vitamin supplementation helps prevent stroke in hypertensive patients. A systematic review was conducted, searching through PubMed databases for randomized control trials (RCTs) of B-vitamin interventions (vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, folic acid, or folate) and stroke and hypertension outcomes (hypertension, stroke, high blood pressure, vascular stiffness, or arterial stiffness). After search and screening by two independent individuals, we identified 69 RCTs for inclusion in the review. There are 30 RCTs with a direct B-vitamin intervention and stroke and hypertension outcome relationship, 26 RCTs with an indirect relationship, 2 RCTs that came from the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) Trials, 3 RCTs from the VITAmins TO Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS), 8 RCTs from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial. Preliminary findings reveal that folic acid supplementation was associated with a significant benefit in reducing the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients and a decrease in homocysteine concentrations. Concluding findings contribute to current knowledge regarding the use of B vitamin supplements in chronic disease prevention.
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