Researchers used advanced genetic analysis to study whether B vitamins and a substance called homocysteine affect serious heart artery diseases. They looked at data from thousands of people to see if taking B12 or folate supplements could prevent aortic diseases—dangerous conditions where the main artery from your heart becomes weakened or tears. Surprisingly, they found no direct genetic link between these vitamins and aortic diseases. This suggests that simply taking B vitamin supplements to lower homocysteine levels probably won’t prevent these serious heart conditions, even though some earlier studies suggested a connection.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether B vitamins (B12 and folate) and a protein called homocysteine affect serious diseases of the aorta—the main artery carrying blood from your heart
  • Who participated: The study analyzed genetic information from large databases of Finnish people with and without aortic diseases. Researchers didn’t recruit new participants but used existing health data
  • Key finding: The study found no genetic evidence that homocysteine levels or B vitamin deficiencies directly cause aortic diseases. This means the connection many people thought existed probably isn’t real
  • What it means for you: If you’re taking B12 or folate supplements hoping to prevent heart artery problems, this research suggests those supplements alone won’t protect you from these conditions. However, talk to your doctor before stopping any supplements, as they may help with other health issues

The Research Details

Researchers used a special type of genetic analysis called Mendelian randomization, which is like a detective tool for finding true cause-and-effect relationships in health. Instead of following people over time, they looked at genetic variations (tiny differences in DNA) that naturally make some people have higher homocysteine or lower B vitamins. By studying these genetic patterns in large groups of people, they could determine whether these differences actually cause aortic diseases.

The researchers gathered genetic information from reliable studies involving thousands of people. They then compared people with aortic diseases to those without, looking at whether genetic factors linked to B vitamins and homocysteine were more common in the disease group. They used multiple statistical methods to check their results from different angles, making sure their findings were solid and not due to chance.

This approach is important because it helps separate real cause-and-effect relationships from false connections. Earlier studies suggested a link between B vitamins and aortic diseases, but those studies couldn’t prove one caused the other. Genetic analysis is like a natural experiment—it shows what would happen if people naturally had different vitamin levels, without the confusion of other lifestyle factors

The study’s strength comes from its use of multiple statistical methods that all reached the same conclusion, and from testing the stability of results in different ways. The researchers checked for hidden biases and confirmed their findings weren’t due to chance. However, the study relies on existing genetic databases, so it’s limited to populations already studied. The results apply best to people of European descent, since that’s who was in the Finnish database

What the Results Show

The research found no meaningful genetic connection between homocysteine levels and any type of aortic disease—whether it’s aortic dissection (a tear in the artery wall), thoracic aortic aneurysm (bulging in the upper aorta), or abdominal aortic aneurysm (bulging in the lower aorta). Similarly, vitamin B12 and folate levels showed no genetic link to these diseases.

The researchers also looked at aortic diameter—how wide the main artery is—since aortic diseases involve changes in artery size. Again, they found no genetic evidence that B vitamins or homocysteine affect how wide the aorta becomes. All their statistical tests confirmed these findings were consistent and reliable, not just random results.

The study performed several additional checks to make sure the results were trustworthy. They tested whether other factors might be hiding the true relationship (called pleiotropy) and found none. They also removed one genetic marker at a time to see if any single marker was driving the results—it wasn’t. These extra checks all pointed to the same conclusion: there’s no hidden genetic cause-and-effect relationship between these vitamins and aortic diseases

Previous studies suggested that high homocysteine levels and low B vitamin levels were connected to aortic diseases. However, those studies couldn’t prove causation—they just showed that people with these conditions often had unusual vitamin levels. This new genetic study suggests those earlier observations might have been coincidence rather than cause-and-effect. The findings don’t mean the earlier studies were wrong, just that the relationship is more complicated than a simple cause-and-effect

The study only included genetic data from people of European descent in Finland, so results may not apply equally to other populations. The research relies on existing databases, so it can only study what was already measured. Additionally, genetic studies like this can only detect direct genetic effects—they might miss complex ways that vitamins affect health through multiple pathways. Finally, the study doesn’t prove that B vitamins are useless for health; it only shows they probably don’t prevent aortic diseases specifically

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, taking B12 or folate supplements specifically to prevent aortic diseases is probably not effective (low confidence for this specific purpose). However, B vitamins are important for overall health, so discuss with your doctor whether you need them for other reasons like energy, nerve health, or treating deficiencies. Don’t stop taking prescribed supplements without medical guidance

This research matters most for people worried about aortic disease risk or those considering B vitamin supplements for heart artery health. It’s particularly relevant for people with family histories of aortic disease who might have hoped supplements could help. However, people with B12 deficiency or folate deficiency should still take supplements as prescribed by their doctor for other health reasons

Since this research suggests B vitamins don’t prevent aortic diseases, there’s no timeline for seeing benefits from supplements for this specific purpose. If you’re taking B vitamins for other reasons (like energy or treating a deficiency), you might notice improvements in weeks to months depending on your situation

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track B vitamin supplement intake (B12 and folate doses) and note any aortic-related symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or back pain. Record these weekly to identify patterns, though this research suggests supplements won’t prevent aortic disease
  • If you’re taking B vitamins hoping to prevent heart artery disease, consider discussing with your doctor whether these supplements are necessary for your specific health situation. Focus instead on proven aortic disease prevention: managing blood pressure, not smoking, and maintaining healthy weight
  • Rather than tracking B vitamins for aortic disease prevention, monitor cardiovascular health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have aortic disease risk factors, work with your doctor on proven prevention strategies and regular screening rather than relying on supplements

This research suggests B vitamin supplements probably don’t prevent aortic diseases, but it doesn’t mean B vitamins are unimportant for overall health. Always consult with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any supplements, especially if you have a family history of aortic disease or existing heart conditions. This study provides genetic evidence but doesn’t replace personalized medical advice. If you experience chest pain, severe back pain, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical care immediately.