There is no fixed time or answer to the question of how long to stop taking folic acid in the elderly. Generally, if dietary folic acid is insufficient or if chronic alcoholism increases the risk of stroke due to hyperhomocysteinemia in the body or causes H-type hypertension that is difficult to control, the patient may be advised to supplement with folic acid for a long period of time. At this point, folic acid levels can be measured to guide how to take the proper amount of folic acid. In general, normal people who eat green leafy vegetables regularly will not have a folate deficiency. In the case of alcoholics or people with hyperhomocysteinemia, blood levels of folate and homocysteine need to be measured every 3 months or so, to guide whether to continue to take folic acid and methylcobalamin to lower homocysteine, thus further reducing the risk of stroke. In general, the most recommended way to get folic acid is from food. Foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, corns, spinach, hairy peas, leeks, cabbage, sweet potatoes, soybean sprouts, strawberries, and so on. However, oral folic acid tablets are preferred for older people who have difficulty or limitations in eating.