Homocysteine and Heart Disease
- Unlike other amino acids in the body such as lysine and proline that are linked to maintaining a healthy heart, high levels of homocysteine appear to have a negative impact on the body. This amino acid is associated with damaging the lining of arteries and making blood clot too easily which leads to blockages.
Several medical publications have reported on the homocysteine issue, including the New England Journal of Medicine (Apr. 1998), the Journal of American Medical Association (Dec. 1996) and the Life Extension Foundation (Anti-Aging News, Nov. 1981) The publications referenced the connection between increased B vitamins and folic acid with decreased homocysteine levels. (reference 2) - Levels of homocysteine in the blood are attributed to diet and genetics. Vitamins B6 and B12 are important aides to breaking down the amino acid. Folic acid also plays a key role in homocysteine break down. The American Heart Association suggests citrus, tomatoes, vegetables and whole grains as dietary sources.
- Although the American Heart Association does not declare high levels of homoscyteine in the blood a direct link to cardiovascular disease, they do suggest eating fruits, vegetables and grains containing B vitamins and folic acid.
According to the Life Extension Foundation, recommended daily allowances vary greatly by person. However, in general the recommended allowance is 800mcg of folic acid, 1000mcg of B12 and 100mg of B6 to maintain safe levels of homocysteine.
Life Extension Foundation states that scientific evidence does not show a "normal range" or safe level of homocyteine. Anything over 6.3 micromoles per liter of blood can put a person at risk for a heart attack. - Methylation is a process in the body where one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms attach to a place on DNA. It is believed that this process turns "on" and "off" genes which causes cells to develop according to their necessary type.
High levels of homocysteine are attributed with methylation deficiency by interfering with the process. This leads to mutations and aging as methylation is also required for new cells to grow.
On April 27th, 1998, scientist at an international scientific conference in The Netherlands revealed a connection between elevated homocysteine levels and Alzheimer's disease.
This same methylation process is associated with heart disease problems. - Research into homocysteine is ongoing. Evidence of this amino acid's impact on the body may be some time in the future. For people concerned about heart disease and who are looking for preventative measures to take, eating foods rich in vitamin Bs and folic acid is a good place to begin. These foods provide many healthy benefits and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Taking vitamin B complex and folic acid supplements appear to be highly beneficial in combating heart disease.
