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STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sep 07, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Norwegian researchers have found treating heart attack patients with high doses of B vitamins does not lower the risk of another heart attack or stroke.
The data were presented this week during the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.
NORVIT, the Norwegian Vitamin Trial, is the first to examine whether high doses of B vitamins prevent recurrent heart disease.
The lead investigator, Dr. Kaare Harald Bonaa of the University of Tromso, said the study indicates B vitamins should be prescribed only to patients who have B vitamin deficiency diseases.
He said during the last 15 years interest in vitamin B research has rocketed worldwide after studies indicated folic acid and vitamin B-6 might prevent heart disease and stroke.
Scientists said one patient in every three who suffers a heart attack has a recurrent heart attack or stroke within three years after the first attack. It was hoped B vitamins could lower the risk of recurrence.
The NORVIT trial showed, however, B vitamins offered no protection against cardiovascular disease.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
