Elevated Homocysteine

Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins).  Homocysteine can damage blood vessels in several ways. It injures the cells that line arteries and stimulates the growth of smooth muscle cells.  A recent New England Journal of Medicine study also found that elevated homocysteine levels increases the chances of Alzheimer's disease.

Elevated homocysteine levels can be reduced by eating less meat and adding the B vitamins folic acid (folate), B6, and B12 that are needed by the enzymes that process homocysteine. (Elevated homocysteine levels occur when the amino acid methionine cannot be converted to cysteine because an enzyme is either lacking or present in inadequate amounts. The B vitamins folic acid (folate), B6, and B12 are crucial to these conversion enzymes.)

Lowering elevated homocysteine levels is a possible strategy to help prevent both heart disease and Alzheimer's.

Elevated Homocysteine related topics: Betaine, Elevated Homocysteine,
Homocysteine, Trymethylglycine

Elevated Homocysteine Nutraceutical Products: Methylate