Question 1

anybody know about homocysteine?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Homocysteine is a toxic metabolite of methionine metabolism. It is converted to the non-toxic form, homocystine by a series of enzymes. People missing one of those enzymes can develop high levels of homocysteine, enough to spill over into their urine, homocysteinuria. Children with this have heart attacks and strokes by 5 or 6 years of age, and half are dead by 20. But levels have to be very high.

Question 2

what is homocysteine and why important/?

Accepted Answer

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is an Amino Acid byproduct of meat consumption. Elevated levels can be associated with forming blood clots, hardening of the arteries, heart attacks, strokes and alzheimer’s disease.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: homocysteine n and c?

Accepted Answer

Reflects B6,B12, B9: An elevated homocysteine is a market for insufficiency of vitamin b6, B12 or Folic Acid (b9). These vitamins are part of what is called the "methylation pathway." it increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and alzheimer's as well as many other conditions. Eating more beans and greens and taking a special supplement of b6, b12, Folic Acid and tmg (trimethylglycine) can usually correct this.

Question 4

is it worthwhile to take b vits to lower homocysteine ?  seems like studies show no beneficial outcomes.  what is the best way to deal with high hcy?

Accepted Answer

YES, proven benefits: High homocysteine increases risk of heart disease, stroke, macular degeneration etc.
There are serious problems with the studies that claim to show no benefit; they did not use proper doses to lower homocysteine enough and tested people with advanced disease. There are studies proving benefits- see http://tinyurl.com/jcfsmbg
Take enough L-5MTHF, B6, B12 and TMG to lower to 8 or less. See comment.

Question 5

my homocysteine level was 13.5. is this high?

Accepted Answer

Yes (and no) : Most labs give a normal homocysteine level of up to 15. However, many studies have shown that once your homocysteine goes over 9, your are at increased risk for heart disease, and other problems associated wth homocysteine elevation. Homocysteine can be lowered by certain b vitamins like folate, (folic acid) b-6, b-12 and trimethylglycine. Hypothyroidism can also raise homocysteine levels.

Question 6

does quercetin increase homocysteine levels?

Accepted Answer

Quercetin: Quercetin is essentially a plant byproduct that may have some anti-inflammatory properties. It should not effect homocysteine levels.

Question 7

i have a homocysteine level of 4 is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Micromoles / liter: This is low-end of the reference range. Most of the pathology community doesn't think screening for homocysteine levels is worth the cost or the inconvenience, but in our era of defensive medicine, it gets done a lot. The only concern is if it's high, and even then nobody really knows what to do about it other than eat sensibly, which folks should do anyway. Relax and be glad for good health.

Question 8

how do high homocysteine levels affect circulation?

Accepted Answer

Risk factor: High homocysteine levels are a risk factor for vascular disease. However, a high level in and of itself does not mean you have circulation problems.

Question 9

for high homocysteine levels; is homocysteine supreme a good alternative for metanx?

Accepted Answer

Depends on how high: If you have diagnosed elevated homocysteine, you should be taking the preparation suggested or prescribed by your doctor. It is difficult to compare Homocysteine Supreme with Metanx as the forms of folate, (folic acid) B12 and B6 are not the same in both of them.  Homocysteine Supreme does contain other vitamins and minerals including magnesium and zinc among others.  It is also less expensive.

Question 10

can elevated homocysteine level cause neuropathic problems?

Accepted Answer

No: It does not. It doesn't cause premature arteriosclerosis either, but it once was believed that it does.

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Doctor answers about:

Homocysteine

A member asked:

Anybody know about homocysteine?

A member asked:

What is homocysteine and why important/?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: homocysteine n and c?

A member asked:

Is it worthwhile to take b vits to lower homocysteine ? seems like studies show no beneficial outcomes. what is the best way to deal with high hcy?

A member asked:

My homocysteine level was 13.5. is this high?

A member asked:

Does quercetin increase homocysteine levels?

A member asked:

I have a homocysteine level of 4 is that a problem?

A member asked:

How do high homocysteine levels affect circulation?

A member asked:

For high homocysteine levels; is homocysteine supreme a good alternative for metanx?

A member asked:

Can elevated homocysteine level cause neuropathic problems?

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