Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid produced as part of the body’s methylation process. High levels are being recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.
Raised homocysteine levels are associated with deficiencies in vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 – symptoms of a MTHFR defective gene/s. Other factors that may be increasing levels are poor diet, poor lifestyle – especially smoking and lots of coffee and alcohol, some prescription drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and poor thyroid function.
The ‘normal’ range for healthy individuals is considered to be between 5 and 15 mg/L. However natural health practitioners like to see your levels between 7-7.5 mg/L
It’s a good idea to get your homocysteine levels tested next time you get a blood test. (You’re going to be going in with a long list of bloods you want checked.) In many cases you can normalise levels by diet and vitamin supplementation alone.
The most important nutrients that help lower homocysteine levels are folate, the vitamins B12, B6 and B2, zinc and trimethylglycine (TMG).
‘HomocysteX Plus by Seeking Health supplies bioactive forms of four essential B-vitamins together with betaine (also known as trimethylglycine or TMG) to synergistically support methylation processes and normal homocysteine metabolism. This formula is exceptional for those with defective MTHFR genes.’ Excerpt from the ‘Seeking Health’ website – leaders in MTHFR research and education.
