Homocysteine Basics

Homocysteine is an amino acid that inflicts damage to the inner arterial lining (endothelium) and other cells of the body. All homocysteine in the body is biosynthesized from methionine, an essential amino acid found abundantly in meats, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. Vegetables, with few exceptions (eg, sesame seeds and Brazil nuts), are low in methionine; even such protein-rich legumes as beans, peas, and lentils contain relatively small amounts of methionine compared to animal-derived foods.

Homocysteine exists in several forms (Jacobsen 1998); the sum of all homocysteine forms is termed ‘total homocysteine.’ Protein-rich diets contain ample amounts of methionine and consequently produce significant levels of homocysteine in the body (Verhoef 2005).

A study published in the journal Medical Hypothesis (1998, 51[3]:179-221) provides evidence that aging may be exclusively a result of cellular "demethylation," or, said differently, the aging process is caused by the depletion of enzymatic "remethylation" activity that is required to maintain and repair cellular DNA. This study suggests that aging may be reversible if aged cells could be programmed to remethylate rather than demethylate.

Homocysteine induces cellular damage by interfering with the methylation process. Methylation will be compromised if homocysteine is elevated, and elevated homocysteine is a warning sign that the methylation cycle is not functioning properly. Homocysteine may also damage cells directly by promoting oxidative stress.

Homocysteine is metabolized through two pathways: remethylation and transsulfuration (See Homocysteine Metabolic Pathways below). Remethylation requires folate and B12 coenzymes; transsulfuration requires B6 coenzyme (Selhub 1999a).

■ Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked with a wide range of health disorders including heart disease, stroke, macular degeneration, hearing loss, migraine, brain atrophy, dementia and cancer.

■ A high-protein diet, especially one that includes red meats and dairy products, is also high in methionine, the parent compound of homocysteine. Following such a diet can increase blood levels of homocysteine.

■ Numerous factors, including prescription drug use, smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption, advancing age, genetics, and obesity contribute to elevated homocysteine levels.

■ Many people carry a genetic variation that is linked with elevated homocysteine levels. People carrying this gene variant suffer from an impaired ability to metabolize folic acid to its active form, but may achieve a significant reduction in plasma homocysteine by taking an active folate (5-MTHF) supplement.

■ Vitamin B2, B6, and B12 supplements as well as those containing choline and TMG work together with folate to maintain homocysteine levels within a healthy range.

■ As humans grow older, homocysteine levels increase substantially. However, although these increased levels are “normal,” they are still associated with higher risk of various health problems.

■ Although some clinical testing laboratories consider homocysteine levels of up to 15.0 µmol/L as normal, I believe this is too high for optimal health and therefore recommends keeping homocysteine levels < 7-8 µmol/L.

■ A program of regular exercise may help people recovering from a heart attack, bypass surgery, or angioplasty to modestly reduce homocysteine levels.

B Vitamins

Cataplex G (Riboflavin) and Homocysteine Reduction.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) has long been known to be a determinant of plasma homocysteine levels in healthy individuals with the 5-MTHFR C677T gene variant that causes hyperhomocysteinemia (Hustad 2000). Homocysteine is highly responsive to riboflavin (riboflavin is required as a co-factor by MTHFR), specifically in individuals with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype (McNulty 2006).

A four-week randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial found that 10 mg/day oral riboflavin supplementation for 28 days lowered plasma homocysteine concentrations in 42 subjects (60 to 94 years) with low riboflavin status (Tavares 2009).

Homocysteine Reduction Treatment Protocol


Individuals who wish to reduce their elevated blood levels of homocysteine may want to adopt the following treatment protocol. Depending upon a number of factors including age, gender, health, diet, drugs, and genetics, this could require taking multiple supplements that work in concert to effectively reduce homocysteine and the risk of vascular disease.

General Guidelines:

■ Reduce methionine-rich foods: Particularly red meats and dairy products. Although methionine is an essential amino acid, it is also suspected to indirectly promote atherosclerotic plaque growth by increasing homocysteine levels.

■ Exercise: In a cardiac rehabilitation program following bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart attack, 76 participants experienced a modest 12% reduction in homocysteine just by engaging in a program of regular exercise (Ali 1998).

■ Decrease or eliminate: Alcohol, coffee (filtered and unfiltered), and smoking.

■ Weight loss: obesity is associated with higher homocysteine.

The remethylation (or detoxification) of homocysteine requires the following minimum factors: (1) folic acid, (2) vitamin B12, (3) zinc, and (4) TMG.

The following nutrients can provide an effective starting point as a means of reducing homocysteine:

■ Folic Acid B12: 1-2 mg is another option that has been used for years to reduce homocysteine levels.

■ Cataplex B12: (cobalamin): 1 mg daily

■ Cataplex G: (riboflavin): 10 mg daily

■ B6 Niacinaminde: 100 mg daily

■ Zinc Liver Chelate: 30 to 60 mg daily

■ Choline: 250 to 500 mg daily.

Don

Beet root and Betafood®

Betafood® from Standard Process. Introduced in 1943.

Each tablet supplies approximately: 100 mg beet root and 100 mg beet leaf and root juice, with naturally occurring betaine.

Proprietary Blend: 312 mg. Beet (root), oat flour, beet (leaf), and dried beet (root) juice.

Beets are back on my plate this winter. Just started up an intense cardiovascular program and would love a 16% boost with no extra effort. Yet I can't see beets on my plate EVERY day. So to fill in the gaps I'm using Betafood two tabs three times a day (2x3) to make sure I get the added benifts!

Link to info on Beets

Beetroot juice could help people live more active lives

ScienceDaily (2010-12-17) -- New research into the health benefits of beetroot juice suggests it's not only athletes who can benefit from its performance enhancing properties -- its physiological effects could help the elderly or people with heart or lung-conditions enjoy more active lives. ... > read full article

Beet Juice reduces Blood Pressure

ScienceDaily (2008-02-06) -- Researchers have discovered that drinking just 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure. The findings could have major implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. ... > read full article

Nitrate in beetroot juice lowers blood pressure, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-06-30) -- The nitrate content of beetroot juice is the underlying cause of its blood pressure lowering benefits, research reveals. A new study finds that blood pressure was lowered within 24 hours in people who took nitrate tablets, and people who drank beetroot juice. ... > read full article

Beetroot Juice Boosts Stamina, New Study Shows

ScienceDaily (2009-08-07) -- Drinking beetroot juice boosts your stamina and could help you exercise for up to 16 percent longer. A new study shows for the first time how the nitrate contained in beetroot juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring. The study reveals that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake to an extent that cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training. ... > read full article
 
Recipe for Roasted Beets and Sauteed Beet Greens:
 
Ingredients


1 bunch beets with greens

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chopped onion (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)

Directions

1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Wash the beets thoroughly, leaving the skins on, and remove the greens. Rinse greens, removing any large stems, and set aside. Place the beets in a small baking dish or roasting pan, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you wish to peel the beets, it is easier to do so once they have been roasted.

2.Cover, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a knife can slide easily through the largest beet.

3.When the roasted beets are almost done, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion, and cook for a minute. Tear the beet greens into 2 to 3 inch pieces, and add them to the skillet. Cook and stir until greens are wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the greens as is, and the roasted beets sliced with either red-wine vinegar, or butter and salt and pepper.

Don

Managing Inflammation from an Injury - Preparing for the Best Recovery

Managing an athletic injury at time can appear complicated but a few simple steps can make it easier for the practitioner. The sooner the treatment the faster the recovery time. Dr Jeff Spencer DC (Lance Armstrong's Tour DC) claims that treatment received with in four hour of the injury will reduce the recovery time by 50%. The use of R.I.C.E.E. for the first three to five days can also be useful. I use Boswellia Complex, Ligaplex I and Protrypsin; all 2 by 3 immediately and continue for a week to 10 days; the reducing the dosage in half. Additional I use Traumell cream to reduce inflammation locally and reduce bruising. The addition of Black Current Seed Oil at day five will assist with vasodialation in the injured area assisting in clearing swelling in the area and increase the efficacy of the Boswellia Complex. Long term, Ligaplex II is helpful in assisting the ligament achieve full strength.

Boswellia Complex:

Vitamin D deficiency rampant in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, damaging patient recovery

ScienceDaily (2010-10-07) -- Almost 50 percent of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery have vitamin D deficiency that should be corrected before surgery to improve patient outcomes, according to a new study. ... > read full article

Don