The Stroke Association response to new research from University College London on the link between homocysteine and stroke.

"This is interesting research which adds to the overall knowledge gained on the role of homocysteine as a risk factor for stroke.

Although it is known that folic acid can lower homocysteine, as yet there is no conclusive study which shows that taking folic acid is beneficial for everyone.

The Stroke Association recommends that a healthy balanced diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily will help protect people from the risk of stroke.

The Stroke Association is watching the progress of the trials with interest and welcomes any future research that will help to reduce the 130,000 strokes that occur each year."

Notes to editor

1. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

3. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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