The renewed interest recently by the researchers in stroke prevention and the role of diet is very clear for the stroke journals readers. The recent “stroke” journal article which was published in December 2011 showed a positive impact of the white fruit and vegetables in preventing stroke. The latest issue of Lancet Neurology is adding further information to the subject of nutrition and the stroke prevention.

In its January 2012 issue which was posted on line today the Lancet Neurology published  series of reviews and articles about stroke, ischaemic and haemorrhagic, to coincide with the American  Stroke Association international stroke conference in New Orleans in February 2012.

 Professor Hankey mentioned in his article titled nutrition and the risk of stroke that “ Poor nutrition in the first year of a mother's life and undernutrition in utero, infancy, childhood, and adulthood predispose individuals to stroke in later life, but the mechanism of increased stroke risk is unclear”.

It is vital to pay attention to the fact that life style changes in case of eating poor diet, drinking alcohol in access and smoking is an important step in preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke. One of the useful biochemical investigations for the young stroke patients is the assessment of homocystine amino acid level in the plasma. It was proven years ago that there is a link between high level of Homocystine and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The treatment in these cases where there is a high plasma level of homocystine is to start the patient on folic acid and vitamin B complex tablets.

In Lancet Neurology article Prof. Hankey mentioned that trials in progress are examining the effects of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on incidence of stroke. Future challenges include the need to improve the quality of evidence linking many nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns to the risk of stroke.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(11)70265-4/fulltext