homocysteine risks
An inadequate intake of B vitamins, as well as genetic factors that affect the body’s absorption and use of folic acid, can lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Other contributors to elevated homocysteine levels include stress and coffee consumption: the more coffee you drink, the higher your homocysteine levels are likely to be. The stress- induced neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine are metabolized in the liver via a process that uses methyl groups. This can also increase the need for folic acid. In addition, elevated homocysteine levels may be due to low levels of thyroid hormone, kidney disease, psoriasis and some medications.
risks associated with elevated homocysteine
Aging is an inevitable process, but its consequences can be slowed down or even prevented.
By the age of 70, one in 5 people will suffer from cognitive impairment, and in 5 years, it will progress to dementia and death. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease yet, but the risk factors can be effectively controlled.
One 1990 study which analyzed 22 Alzheimer’s patients found elevated of homocysteine in their blood. This study was done after the findings of another study conducted in 1969.
Nowadays, homocysteine is believed to be “a strong, independent risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”
According to the findings of the Framingham Study, one in six Alzheimer’s cases may be a result of too high homocysteine in the blood, and this causes brain damage and cognitive and memory decline.
To detoxify homocysteine, the body needs three vitamins, vitamin B12, B6, and folate.
Initially, studies gave no successful results. One double-blind randomized controlled trial showed that the reduction of homocysteine with the help of B vitamins can slow the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
The brain experiences atrophy over the years, but it is accelerated in Alzheimer’s patients, and its rate is intermediate in the case of mild cognitive impairment.
Therefore, if we could slow down this rate of brain loss, we could possibly prevent the worsening of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
People who received B vitamins for two years significantly slowed the rate of brain shrinkage, and it was cut in half in people with high homocysteine levels.
Research has shown that B-vitamin treatment reduces, by as much as seven-fold, the brain atrophy in the areas specifically prone to the Alzheimer’s disease process.
Most people get sufficient amounts of B12 and B6, but they lack folate, which is found concentrated in greens and beans. Thus, studies have shown that the consumption of a diet rich in plants, can reduce homocysteine levels by 20% in just one week.
Researchers believe this is mostly due to the high fibre content, as every gram of daily fibre consumption elevates folate levels in the blood by 2%, by reducing the intake of methionine and boosting vitamin production in the colon.
Methionine is actually a breakdown product of methionine, mostly found in animal protein, so its limited intake might regulate homocysteine levels.
On the other hand, people who follow plant-based diets long-term have terrible homocysteine levels. This is a result of the insufficient intake of vitamin B12, even though they get enough folate and fiber.
Vegans were at a high risk of hyperhomocysteinaemia (too much homocysteine in the blood) due to the low intake of vitamin B12-fortified foods. Yet, if they consume sufficient amounts of B12, they will enjoy all the benefits of plant-based diets and prevent brain loss.
Hence, it is of high importance to maintain the healthy balance of these three vitamins, B12, B6, and folate in order to prevent cognitive impairment and support the function of your brain.
what therapies are recommended?
To lower homocysteine levels, increase your intake of B vitamins, by adding in a good B- Complex and a sublingual B12, and moderating stress. The richest food sources of folate (the form of folic acid found in food) are green vegetables and beans. We also recommend taking a good multivitamin. To reduce stress, please ask about our stress handout and recommendations.
References
http://checkthesethings.com/3-vitamins-prevent-brain-loss-2/
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/heart/elevated-homocysteine/
