Did you know that stroke is the world’s second leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 11.8% of all deaths worldwide? It’s a frightening statistic, but there is something you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.

Research has shown that increasing your intake of a particular vitamin can help prevent stroke. Which vitamin is it, and where can you find it? Let’s take a look.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or by a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).

Brain cells begin to die within minutes of a stroke, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience symptoms such as:.

Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of your body)
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

The Role of Vitamin B9 in Stroke Prevention

Vitamin B9, also known as folate, plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including the production of red and white blood cells, DNA synthesis, and cell division.

It’s especially important for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as it helps prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects.

But perhaps the most exciting finding about vitamin B9 is its potential for stroke prevention.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals with high levels of vitamin B9 in their blood were less likely to experience a stroke. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that higher intake of vitamin B9 was associated with a decreased risk of stroke in women.

So how does vitamin B9 help prevent stroke? One theory is that it helps lower levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of stroke.

Vitamin B9, along with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, helps break down homocysteine in the body, reducing the risk of stroke in the process.

Where to Find Vitamin B9

Fortunately, getting enough vitamin B9 in your diet is easy. There are plenty of foods that are naturally high in vitamin B9, including:.

Lentils
Spinach
Broccoli
Asparagus
Beets
Avocado
Oranges
Mangoes
Papayas
Strawberries

In addition, many grains and cereals are fortified with vitamin B9, so be sure to check the label when you’re shopping.

Supplements vs. Food

While it’s always best to get your nutrients from whole foods, sometimes taking a supplement can be a good way to ensure you’re getting enough. However, when it comes to vitamin B9, it’s important to choose the right supplement.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 that is commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While folic acid is effective at raising blood levels of vitamin B9, it’s not clear whether it has the same protective effects against stroke as natural forms of vitamin B9.

Some studies have actually found that taking high doses of folic acid (more than 1,000 micrograms per day) may increase the risk of certain types of stroke. If you do decide to take a vitamin B9 supplement, look for one that contains the natural form of the vitamin, known as folate.

The Bottom Line

Stroke is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. But increasing your intake of vitamin B9 through food or supplements may help lower your risk.

Aim to eat a diet rich in folate-containing foods like lentils, spinach, and broccoli, and talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.