Effects of oral folate supplementation on serum total homocysteine and cholesterol levels in hyperhomocysteinemic children.

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinemia may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease even among children. Increased levels of total serum homocysteine (tHcy) may initiate atherosclerosis by modulating increased cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Folate supplementation has been found to reduce homocysteine levels. However, no data have been reported about the relationship between folate supplementation and cholesterol levels in children.

METHODS

Twenty of 26 hyperhomocysteinemic (>95th percentile for age) children underwent a therapeutic intervention of 5 mg of oral folate supplementation twice per week for 2 months.

RESULTS

After the 2-month intervention with folate supplement, tHcy levels were statistically significantly decreased (P < .001), folate levels were significantly increased (P < .001), while total cholesterol levels were significantly improved from 183.8 (115-296 mg/dL) to 160.8 (109-265 mg/dL) (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Folate supplementation may reduce tHcy, serum folate, and total serum cholesterol levels in hyperhomocysteinemic children.