What Is Homocysteine, And What Dose It Do?
Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood
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. As defined by The American Heart Association
Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for the development these diseases. However, a considerable number of controlled, well-designed, and well-documented studies have shown that individuals who have high levels of homocysteine in the blood are at bigger risk of developing blocked blood vessels, a condition known as occlusive arterial disease or at risk to exacerbate. ("hardening of the arteries").
In the 2000s, studies also suggested that high levels of homocysteine were associated with poorer mental functioning, leading to continuing investigations into the role of homocysteine in alzheimer's disease.
Additional studies have also suggested that high levels of homocysteine can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones in the aged.
As of 2005, homocysteine was being tested in half a dozen medical trials to find its role in these and several other conditions.. Homocysteine is thought to irritate the lining of the blood vessels causing them to become scarred, hardened, and narrowed. This increases the work the heart has to do, leading to heart disease. High levels of homocysteine also cause increased blood clotting.
Dr. MacCulley, originally with Harvard University, is considered to be the father of Homocystein theory of heart disease. According to this theory, when there is too much homocysteine in the blood, arteries are damaged and plaques form. The result is arteriosclerosis and heart disease.This happens when we don't get enough of certain vitamins - namely B6, B12, and folic acid. These B vitamins are missing in our diets because the processing and refining of foods destroys these sensitive vitamins.
Besides diet, there are several other factors that can increase homocysteine in our blood. Some these are: genetic background, certain drugs, aging, hormonal changes such as menopause, smoking, physical activity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Recent research also shows that the level of homocysteine in the blood is affected by the consumption of three vitamins--folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12. People who consume less than the recommended daily amounts of these vitamins are more likely to have higher homocysteine levels.
Recommended daily amounts are as follows: 400 micrograms for folic acid, 2 milligrams for B6, and 6 micrograms for B12.
Vitamin therapy can be used to lower the homocysteine levels. This may lower the risk of heart disease. If you already have heart disease, vitamin therapy can lower homocysteine and stop the disease from progressing.
Several clinical studies showed that B vitamin therapy can prevent arteriosclerosis from getting worse. In a 1998 clinical study done in Canada, patients with elevated homocysteine and arteriosclerosis of arteries to the brain were given intensive therapy with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. As a result of the therapy, the plaques stopped progressing and the homocysteine levels returned to normal.
In a 1996 study of patients with coronary heart disease, vitamin therapy (vitamin B6, folic acid, B12, and other nutrients) slowed the development of the disease.
by: Bill Hammons
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