Recent research has revealed that the smallest recommended daily dose of vitamin B9 may be all the body requires to flush out homocysteine, an amino acid commonly found in high levels among those with heart disease.

Just one-fifth of a milligram (mg) of folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, appears to be enough to effectively lower the body’s level of homocysteine, according to the report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN).

Previous studies suggested that between 0.2 mg and 5 mg of folic acid administered each day could reduce homocysteine levels and potentially improve heart health.

The study in the AJCN found that doses of the vitamin higher than one-fifth mg may not eliminate any more of the amino acid.

Other researchers have suggested that reducing homocysteine levels may reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

In addition to helping the body process homocysteine, folic acid has a number of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer in older adults and providing women who are pregnant with valuable nutrition for their growing babies.