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Proper diet, supplementation lowers homocysteine levels

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the human body by the chemical conversion of methionine, a compound regularly consumed within the diet. When methionine-rich foods such as fish are eaten, the methionine is taken into the bloodstream and into cells where a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) is removed to produce homocysteine.

What are the risks of elevated homocysteine levels?

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine can cause many problems in addition to heart disease. If a woman is pregnant or may possibly become pregnant, it is very important to keep homocysteine levels low, as it can cause birth defects.

Elevated levels of homocysteine also have been linked to increased risk of disease development and death from common conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.

Homocysteine is believed to have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots.

Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine levels in the blood are strongly influenced by diet and genetic factors. Dietary folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 have the greatest effects. Several studies found that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related, at least in part, to lower concentrations of homocysteine. Other evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke.

How can I lower my homocysteine levels?
Foods high in folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Since 1998, wheat flour has been fortified with folic acid to add an estimated 100 micrograms per day to the average diet. Folic acid supplements should be used to lower homocysteine levels when the diet doesn't provide enough.

Recent findings suggest that laboratory testing for plasma homocysteine levels can improve the assessment of risk. It may be particularly useful in patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease, but in whom the well-established risk factors (smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure) do not exist. Folic acid and B-vitamin supplementation can reduce the need to test homocysteine levels.

Vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk for elevated levels of homocysteine, since it's virtually impossible to have enough B12 in your diet without consuming an omnivorous diet.



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