In 2008, the WHO reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused 17.3 million deaths globally, with over 80% of CVD deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. CVDs such as coronary heart disease and stroke were responsible for 30% of all deaths that year. Maintaining adequate folate levels through diet and supplements can help lower levels of homocysteine in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, megaloblastic anemia, and neural tube defects. The WHO and other health organizations recommend increasing folate intake to promote better health outcomes.