Homocysteine is a breakdown product of protein metabolism when the amino acid Methionine is converted into toxic amino acid Homocysteine.
Healthy methylation processes in the body will ensure that homocysteine is converted back into methionine or into another harmless compound with the aid of ‘methyl group’ nutrients: vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, and Folic Acid or Trimethylglycine (TMG also called Betaine) and Zinc.
Those who lack these nutrients have poor methylation and most likely will retain homocysteine in their blood. High levels of homocysteine in the blood lead to cardiovascular diseases, mental decline, and psychological problems.
Blood test
A simple blood test can show the levels of homocysteine. Ideally, it should not be higher than 7µmol/L.
Homocysteine is considered to be a cause of heart disease due to arterial damage it does, which may lead to heart attack and stroke.
In fact, dangerously high levels of homocysteine (9µmol/L and above) increase the heart attack risk by 50% and the risk of stroke by 40%. High homocysteine level is also a risk factor for blood clots (Deeps Vein Thrombosis).
Research suggests that high homocysteine levels play a role in cognitive decline, mental disorders, and even the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
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A Swedish study of 692 schoolchildren found that their monitored homocysteine level predicted their school grades.
Another study has found that high levels of homocysteine double the likelihood of depression.
Other studies show that people with Alzheimer’s and even with schizophrenia have poor methylation and consequently high levels of homocysteine in the blood.
In fact, homocysteine level above 14µmol/L amplifies the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 150%!
Age-related macular degeneration
There are also studies that show the connection between raised and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
One of these studies showed that those with over 15µmol/L and low serum B12 have four times more likely to develop AMD.
Luckily, the defense against homocysteine is simple and inexpensive.
Although genes do play a role in methylation, for example, people with the C677T genotype consistently have higher levels of homocysteine.
For those with the normal C677C genotype, it is possible to change some chemical processes in the body and improve with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
S-adenosyl methionine
As I mentioned earlier B vitamins are responsible for proper methylation. B6, Folic Acid, B2, and B12, or TMG with Zinc helps to make S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe).
SAMe does further methylation by donating its ‘methyl’ group to make neurotransmitters, phospholipids, repair DNA, etc.
For some people, the minimum required amount of B vitamins will be enough, while for those with a lack of certain supporting and for the elderly the requirement will be much higher.
The easiest way to provide enough methyl group nutrients is to take supplements with the above-mentioned nutrients.
A good quality multivitamin should be enough for those with below 6µmol/L.
Those with higher levels should take extra supplements. Dietary sources of methyl group are:
- B2 – eggs, almonds, brown rice, oats, barley, soybeans, spinach, kale and other leafy greens, mushrooms, whole milk, chicken, and organ meats.
- B6 – brown rice, oats, barley, bananas
- B12 – meat, fish, dairy, eggs, seaweed
- Folic acid – pretty much all leafy greens
- Zinc – fish, and seafood (especially oysters), nuts, seeds
- TMG – brown rice, barley, oats, spinach, beetroot
Lifestyle habits that hinder methylation include smoking, caffeine consumption, and stress. Alcohol in small doses (not more than one small glass of wine – more than this amount will cause the opposite effect) and exercise improve levels of homocysteine.
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