Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health

[Guest guest]

Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health

By Ellen J. Kamhi, Ph. D. with Dorie Greenblatt

What Is Homocysteine?

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Homocysteine is a normal by-product formed during the metabolism and

breakdown of methionine (an essential amino acid that aids in the

building of muscle mass and fat reduction.) Clinical studies have

shown a relationship between a high level of Homocysteine in the

blood, and a variety of health problems including Heart Disease,

Stroke, Crohn's Disease, Alzheimer's and Diabetes. (Note: A simple

blood test can accurately measure Homocysteine in the blood.)

 

An elevated concentration of Homocysteine in the blood is caused by

many diet and lifestyle practices including:

•High Meat Diet

•Diet Rich In Fried Foods

•Coffee consumption

•Cigarette smoking

•Repressed Anger

There is no specific pharmaceutical drug therapy to reduce elevated

Homocysteine. However, studies have shown that a diet high in fruits

and vegetables can be helpful, along with moderate exercise, stress

reduction techniques and supplementation with specific nutrients.

Hi-B Homocysteine

After carefully reviewing today's most current research on

cardiovascular health and its link with Homocysteine balancing,

Nature's Answer® has developed an exceptional vitamin/herbal blend

formula called Hi-B Homocysteine. This nutrient-rich supplement

features Vitamins B-6 and B-12, Folic Acid and Trimethylglycine

(TMG), ingredients recognized for lowering Homocysteine levels. The

formula is further enhanced with Red Yeast Rice and the herbs

Hawthorn, Cayenne and Garlic, nutrients well-known for promoting

cardiovascular health.

Key Ingredients

Folic Acid has been extensively studied for its role in reducing

Homocysteine levels, and has more scientific documentation

supporting its role as a Homocysteine inhibitor than any other

ingredient. Folic Acid neutralizes the formation of Homocysteine in

the bloodstream, thereby helping to lower concentration levels.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) affects both mental and physical health,

and plays an integral role in the healthy functioning of most of our

body systems. Studies have demonstrated this vitamin's association

with inhibiting the formation of Homocysteine.

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) aids both Vitamin B-6 and Folic Acid

in regulating the formation of Homocysteine. It is interesting to

note that vegetarians often have mildly high Homocysteine levels,

possibly due to Vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus) contains compounds which may

inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Red yeast rice

also contains unsaturated fatty acids which help to reduce serum

lipids (fats in the blood). Since elevated Homocysteine has been

shown to be indicative of cardiovascular disease, it is prudent to

support the body in lowering cholesterol levels in conjunction with

lowering Homocysteine.

Trimethylglycine (TMG), also referred to as " betaine " , is another

natural amino acid that converts Homocysteine to methionine, aiding

in the reduction of Homocysteine, especially in people who have a

high amount of it in their urine, a condition known

as " Homocystinuria " .

One Final Thought…

 

Make no mistake…neither Hi-B Homocysteine or any Homocysteine

formula is the single " magic pill " that will reduce elevated

Homocysteine levels by itself. However, supplementing with Hi-B

Homocysteine as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle regimen is

certain to help keep Homocysteine levels balanced and cardiovascular

health in shape.

References Provided for Educational Purposes:

Clarke R, Smith D, Jobst KA, et al. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum

total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch

Neruol 1998;55:1449-55.

Ottar Nygard, Helga Refsum, Per M. Ueland, and Stein E. Vollset,

Major Lifestyle Determinants of Plasma Total Homocysteine

Distribution: The Hordaland Homocysteine Study, American J Clinical

Nutrition 67(2):263-2 70 (Feb 1998)

Pietrzik, K. Rationale for risk reduction of cardiovascular disease

using homocysteine concentration in blood and plasma as biomarker:

support by clinical data., Bibl Nutr Dieta, 55, 2001, 34-41

Stoney CM, Engebretson TO. Plasma homocysteine concentrations are

positively associated with hostility and anger. Life Sci

2000;66:2267-75.

Van Der Put, N. M.; Blom, H. J. Neural tube defects and a disturbed

folate dependent homocysteine metabolism. Eur J Obstet Gynecol

Reprod Biol ,92 , Sept, 2000, 57-61

Wang J, Zongliang L, Chi J, et al. Multicenter clinical trial of the

serum lipid-lowering effects of a Monascus Purpureus (Red Yeast)

rice preparation from traditional Chinese medicine. Current

Therapeutic Research 1997;58(12):964-78.

Wilcken DEL, Wilcken B, Dudman NPB, Tyrrell PA. Homocystinuria-the

effects of betaine in the treatment of patients not responsive to

pyridoxine. N Engl J Med 1983;309:448-53.