Therefore, homocysteine-lowering strategies are being investigated for their ability to reduce the risk of CVD. Nutrients involved in the metabolism of homocysteine include folate, vitamin B 12 , vitamin B 6 , riboflavin, and choline.
Although supplementation with folate , vitamin B 6 , and vitamin B 12 successfully lowers homocysteine concentration in the blood, no significant effect on CVD risk has been demonstrated. There is some evidence that riboflavin supplementation may lower homocysteine and blood pressure in individuals with a certain genetic predisposition.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is an intermediate in the production of two other amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Although homocysteine is naturally present in our bodies, too much homocysteine in the blood has been associated with an increased risk of CVD, including venous thrombosis , atherosclerosis , high blood pressure , coronary heart disease , and stroke.
See below for specific information about nutrients and dietary factors relevant to high homocysteine. For references and more information , see the section on high homocysteine in the Choline article. For references and more information , see the section on high homocysteine in the Folate article. For references and more information , see the section on cardiovascular disease in the Riboflavin article.
For references and more information , see the section on homocysteine in the Vitamin B 6 article. In , the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study of 3, people who had suffered mild strokes that concluded a high-dose formulation of the B vitamins 25 milligrams of B6, micrograms of B12, and 2. Four months of B vitamins lowered the homocysteine levels of the elderly median age: 76 people in the study by almost a third, but didn't affect performance on a battery of tests designed to measure movement and cognitive abilities.
These results aren't the last word. Often, larger studies are needed. Perhaps larger doses of the B vitamins for a longer period of time will pay off. Also, relatively few people in these studies had high levels of homocysteine to begin with. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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If you start taking folate or vitamin B supplements, you should have your homocysteine level rechecked after 8 weeks. If your homocysteine level remains high, your doctor may have you try a higher dose.
You may need to have some tests to see if you have another health condition that causes high homocysteine levels. If you have had a high homocysteine level, you may need to have your level checked more regularly 2 or 3 times a year. Last Updated: May 4, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.
Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Good nutrition is critical for good health. Eating well not only gives your body the nutrients it needs. Having a healthy heart is vital to your overall health.
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What is homocysteine? Homocysteine is an amino acid a building block of protein that is produced in the body. How is a high homocysteine level harmful?
From there, it can get stuck in your: Lungs called a pulmonary embolism. Brain which can cause a stroke. Heart which can cause a heart attack.
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