Folic acid may prevent heart disease and strokes as well as being a safeguard against spina bifida and other birth defects in babies.
Research at the University of Ulster has shown folic acid and three other related B-vitamins can prevent the accumulation of a high blood level of homocysteine, a new risk factor for heart disease and strokes.
The risk of high homocysteine, an amino acid, is similar to the risk of high cholesterol - but the good news is that it is much easier to lower homocysteine levels through increased intake of folic acid.
As well as folic acid, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 can help to prevent a buildup of homocysteine.
Prof Helene McNulty of the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ulster said: "As the folic acid story unfolds, it is becoming clear that its importance goes beyond its major role for mothers-to-be and that, in fact, it is not just a woman's nutrient".
PA