Studies have suggested an effect of MTHFR C677T genotype on CVD in populations with low dietary folate intake. Therefore, the authors aimed to examine the association between MTHFR, serum folate B12 and CVD related outcomes in a population with no mandatory folic acid fortification policy. MTHFR C677T, serum folate, serum B12, hypertension and dyslipidaemia were measured at baseline. In total, 13, 748 Danish individuals were followed for a mean of 10.5 – 11.7 years for diagnosis of stroke (623 reports), Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) (835 reports) and all-cause mortality (1 272 reports). Results showed the MTHFR genotype was not associated with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, stroke or all-cause mortality. Those with the MTHFR 677TT genotype were found to have a higher risk of IHD, but this was not modified by folate status.
Overall it is hypothesized that the measurement of Red Blood Cell folate would’ve been largely beneficial to this study, as that is a true reflection of active folate levels within the body. Folic Acid also has preferential binding to receptors within plasma (is that correct?), meaning any folic acid that was present in foods or vitamin supplements could have created a disparity in results.
