Vitamin B can help reduce the risk of stroke, here's the explanation

Illustration of vitamin B explanation can help reduce the risk of stroke (Magnific/KamranAydinov)

YOGYAKARTA - Stroke is still one of the health problems that occur quite often, especially in adults and the elderly. Therefore, many studies continue to look for simple ways that can help reduce the risk of stroke, including through diet and daily nutrient intake. One that is now attracting attention is vitamin B. Recent research shows that some types of B vitamins may play a role in helping to maintain vascular health and reduce the risk of stroke if consumed in sufficient amounts.

Vitamin B is actually not just one type of vitamin, but a group of vitamins that have different tasks in the body, reported Health, Monday, May 25. Some of them, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate or vitamin B9, are known to help control homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is a compound that if its levels are too high can be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, maintaining homocysteine levels stable is considered important for vascular health.

Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that supplementation with certain B vitamins can help reduce the risk of stroke, especially in people with high homocysteine levels. The effect is not as immediate as blood pressure lowering drugs, but it is still considered beneficial as part of efforts to maintain heart and brain health. Researchers also assessed that these benefits are more visible in people who previously lacked intake of B vitamins from daily food. So, a seemingly simple nutrient turns out to have a fairly large role for the body.

Illustration of vitamin B explanation can help reduce the risk of stroke (Magnific/jcomp)

Vitamin B is found in many foods that are easily found every day. Vitamin B12, for example, is found in fish, eggs, milk, and meat. Meanwhile, folate can be obtained from green vegetables, avocados, nuts, and citrus fruits. With a more balanced diet, vitamin B needs can usually be met without always having to rely on supplements.

Even so, not everyone automatically needs additional vitamin B supplements. People with certain conditions, such as the elderly, strict vegetarians, or those who have nutrient absorption disorders, are indeed more at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. In these conditions, doctors may recommend supplements after further examination. Taking supplements without a clear need also does not always provide additional benefits for the body.

In addition to paying attention to vitamin B intake, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains the main step to help reduce the risk of stroke. You still need to maintain blood pressure, regularly move actively, get enough sleep, and reduce the consumption of high-salt and saturated fat foods. Smoking habits and excessive alcohol consumption can also significantly increase the risk of stroke. So, vitamin B should be seen as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, not a single solution.

Research on vitamin B and stroke risk is still evolving until now. However, this finding gives an impression that a nutritious diet does have a major influence on brain and vascular health. By meeting the vitamin B needs of healthy foods and living a more balanced lifestyle, you can help keep your body fit in the long run. Small steps at the dinner table sometimes work like a "silent umbrella" that helps protect the body before the rain of health problems comes.