Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an essential intermediate amino acid which is necessary for synthesizing protein and sustaining life.

While the body requires normal levels of homocysteine to build and maintain tissues, excess levels can occur. Too much homocysteine in the blood has been found to be associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease in men and women. The risk of heart disease increases in people with high levels of homocysteine who also smoke cigarettes and have high blood pressure.

While it is not known how homocysteine causes hardening of the arteries, some scientists think it causes damage to blood vessels, which can trigger blood clots. Studies have shown that homocysteine levels in the blood are strongly influenced by:
   -folacin (folic acid)
   -cyanocobalamin (B12)
   -pyridoxide (B 6)

Since these help breakdown homocysteine in the body, increased intake has been associated with lower levels of homocysteine in the blood.