Most people on the average american diet have
high homocysteine levels as they get older because their intake of folate and b6 are sub-optimal.
The findings from this review support the idea that low folate and
high homocysteine levels during pregnancy may provide a potential genetic mutation causing mechanism that increases the risk for developing schizophrenia for the child.
The study also found serum deficiencies in those same nutrients
with high homocysteine levels, which may be associated with hardening of the arteries, also predicted likeliness of developing AMD.
High homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk in cardiovascular disease.
High homocysteine levels are also linked to a deficiency of B vitamins, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
High homocysteine levels are a risk factor for brain shrinkage, cognitive impairment and dementia.
In terms of heart disease, Drs. Ingenbleek and McCully have shown sulfur deficiency not only leads to
high homocysteine levels, but is the likeliest reason some clinical trials using B6, B12 and folate interventions have proved ineffective for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Omnivores have
higher homocysteine levels than vegans that supplement with B12.
In the 1999 study, the researchers established that patients with primary hypothyroidism usually have
high homocysteine levels.
High homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular problems.
High homocysteine levels are a sensitive indicator of B vitamin deficiency.
High homocysteine levels were correlated with increased risk of heart disease.
Lead study author, Dr. David Smith commented, «In those with
high homocysteine levels... disease shrank eight times more slowly in those taking B vitamins than in those on the placebo... this is strongly indicative that the B vitamins may be substantially slowing down, or even potentially arresting, the disease process in those with early stage cognitive decline.»
Vegans especially, are prone to
high homocysteine levels, usually due to lack of vitamin B12, also B6, choline and / or folate; watch Dr. Greger's presentations: and.
High homocysteine levels are markers of cardiovascular problems, cancer and other diseases of industrial societies, and also of poor and premature aging.
High homocysteine levels can result in endothelial dysfunction (a narrowing of the arteries) which in turn is believed to be a precursor of atherosclerosis.
You can take genetic tests to find out whether you have this gene, as well as
high homocysteine levels.
Individuals with the MTHFR gene variation and
high homocysteine levels may also benefit from activated versions of folate, B6, and B12, such as methylated folate (also known as L -5-MTHF Folate, methylfolate, 5 - formyltetrahydrofolate or NatureFolate), Pyridoxyl -5-Phosphate (P5P), and methylcobalamin, respectively.