May
17
2009
What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine has been identified as an independent risk factor for heart disease (along with cholesterol, c-reactive protein, age, gender, smoking, weight, and heredity). It is an amino acid found in the blood and evidence from research suggests that it damages the inner lining of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It also is a powerful oxidant and very likely contributes to the oxidation of LDL (”bad”) cholesterol which leads to plaque build up and increases the liklihood of blocked arteries.
Vitamin supplements such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Folic acid, have been shown to reduce elevated levels of homocysteine in about 75% of people. For the remaining 25%, supplements such as Vitamin B2 and Trimethylglycene (TMG or betaine), in addition to the above, have demonstrated homocysteine lowering properties. In 1999, I published a research paper in Nutrition Research entitled: “Do Megadoses of Vitamin C Interfere with Folic Acid’s Role in the Metabolism of Plasma Homocysteine?” (Nutrition Research, Vol. 19, No. 2, Feb. 1999) which suggested that Vitamin C supplements in excess of 500 mg per day may interfere with Folic Acid’s ability to lower homocysteine levels.
This is health information that you can use and, as always, have a naturally healthy day!
Dr. Joe Mix
NaturalHealthMix.com
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