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High Homocysteine
The lower the better when it comes to homocysteine levels. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Seek support from supplements
Lower homocysteine levels in the blood by taking a daily supplement of over-the-counter folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12
- Back up the B
When B-vitamin supplements do not sufficiently lower your levels, take 1,500 mg of betaine or 2,000 mg of choline each day
- Diet right
Help lower homocysteine levels by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
Also indexed as:
- homocysteine
About this treatment
About This Condition
Homocysteine, a normal breakdown product of the essential amino acid methionine, is believed to exert several toxic effects.
A growing body of evidence suggests that an elevated homocysteine level is a risk factor for heart disease, independent of other known risk factors, such as elevated serum cholesterol and hypertension. The evidence is not all one-sided, however. In some research the link has appeared only in women, and a few scientists still have doubts about the importance of elevations in homocysteine for anyone. The clear association between elevated homocysteine levels and heart disease reported in most studies does not conclusively prove that homocysteine causes heart disease. It might only be a marker for something else that is the real culprit. Nonetheless, many cardiologists take seriously the association between elevations in homocysteine and increased risk of heart disease.
Anger and hostility correlate with the risk of heart disease. A preliminary study found a link between high homocysteine levels and hostility and repressed anger. While anger, hostility, high homocysteine, and heart disease all appear to be tied together, which of these is cause and which is effect remains somewhat unclear.
Increased homocysteine levels may also be a risk factor for the development of many other conditions, including stroke, thromboembolism (blood clots that can dislodge and cause stroke, heart attack, and other complications), osteoporosis,Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis,Alzheimer’s disease, death from diabetes, miscarriage, other complications of pregnancy, and hypothyroidism.
Scientists have yet to prove that elevated homocysteine levels cause any of these diseases. However, most doctors believe that high homocysteine increases the risk of at least heart disease. Fortunately, homocysteine levels can easily be reduced with safe and inexpensive B vitamin supplementation.
Symptoms
Extremely high homocysteine can cause blood clots, rapid bone loss, and, in children, mental retardation. But in general, high homocysteine does not cause symptoms until and unless one of the diseases with which it is associated, appears.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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