Guest guest Posted June 6, 2004 Report Share Posted June 6, 2004 I just take 1 multi vitamin a day. Any of them will do. Regards, homocysteine > > > > During the past few years, elevated blood levels of homocysteine (a > > sulfur-containing amino acid) have been linked to increased risk of > > premature coronary > > > > artery disease, stroke, and thromboembolism (venous blood clots), even > among > > people who have normal cholesterol levels. Abnormal homocysteine levels > > appear > > > > to contribute to atherosclerosis in at least three ways: (1) a direct > toxic > > effect that damages the cells lining the inside of the arteries, (2) > > interference > > > > with clotting factors, and (3) oxidation of low-density lipoproteins > (LDL). > > > > > > > > A recent study compared 131 patients with severe blockages in two coronary > > arteries, 88 patients with moderate blockage of one coronary artery, and > > another > > > > group of healthy individuals without heart disease. The researchers found > a > > linear relationship between blood homocysteine levels and severity of the > > coronary > > > > blockages: For every 10% elevation of homocysteine, there was nearly the > > same rise in the risk of developing severe coronary heart disease [1]. > > Another > > > > study has found that postmenopausal women with elevated homocysteine > levels > > had a higher incidence of coronary heart disease [2]. Another study found > > that > > > > homocysteine levels were much higher in people who developed vein clots > than > > in similar people who did not [3]. Yet another study found that elevated > > homocysteine > > > > levels may ne associated with an increased risk of stroke in people who > > already have coronary heart disease [4] > > > > > > > > Blood for measuring serum homocysteine levels is drawn after a 12-hour > fast. > > Levels between 5 and 15 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) are considered > normal. > > > > Abnormal concentrations are classified as moderate (16-30), intermediate > > (31-100), and severe (greater than 100 µmol/L). [5] > > > > > > > > The connection between homocysteine and cardiovascular disease was > suspected > > about 25 years ago when it was observed that people with a rare condition > > called > > > > homocystinuria are prone to develop severe cardiovascular disease in their > > teens and twenties. In this condition, an enzyme deficiency causes > > homocysteine > > > > to accumulate in the blood and to be excreted in the urine. Recent studies > > suggest that elevated blood homocysteine levels are as important as high > > blood > > > > cholesterol levels and can operate independently. Some 10% to 20% of cases > > of coronary heart disease have been linked to elevated homocysteine > levels. > > > > Both hereditary and dietary factors may be involved. > > > > > > > > Homocystinuria is transmitted by a recessive gene. If both parents > transmit > > the gene, the resultant offspring have very high plasma homocysteine > levels. > > > > People who receive the defective gene from only one parent do not develop > > the disease but often have a mildly elevated plasma level of homocysteine. > > About > > > > one person in 100 carries one such gene. Abnormal elevation also occurs > > among people whose diet contains inadequate amounts of folic acid, vitamin > > B6, > > > > or vitamin B12. Regardless of the cause of the elevation, supplementation > > with one or more of these vitamins can lower plasma levels of > homocysteine. > > > > > > > > Dietary supplementation with folic acid can reduce elevated homocysteine > > levels in most patients. The usual therapeutic dose is 1 mg/day. When this > > is not > > > > effective, vitamins B6 and/or B12 can be added to the regimen, which > should > > be continued permanently. Some doctors routinely recommend that patients > > known > > > > to have atherosclerosis take B-vitamin supplements without being tested to > > determine whether their homocysteine level is elevated. They reason that > > since > > > > supplementation is harmless and since elevated homocysteine levels might > be > > a factor, testing is not worth bothering with. Even though some patients > may > > > > be helped with this " shotgun " strategy, I believe it is far better to (a) > > find out whether a problem exists and ( to be certain that if > homocysteine > > > > levels are elevated, the vitamin regimen is adjusted to be sure that > > lowering is achieved. > > > > > > > > A recent study that followed 80,000 women for 14 years found that the > > incidence of heart attacks was lowest among those who used multivitamins > or > > had the > > > > highest intake of folic acid and B6 from dietary sources [6]. This data > > parallels the finding that elevated homocysteine levels are associated > with > > a higher > > > > incidence of heart disease. However, the researchers measured folic acid > > blood levels but did not measure homocysteine or B12 levels. Rather, they > > assumed > > > > that low folic acid levels were caused by inadequate dietary intake. > Victor > > Herbert, M.D., a leading expert on B12 metabolism, has pointed out that > the > > > > low folic acid levels among the experimental subjects could have been > caused > > by decreased B12 absorption related to getting older. > > > > > > > > Lowering the serum concentration of homocysteine has been proven to reduce > > the risk of adverse cardiovascular events among people with > homocystinuria. > > Studies > > > > have not yet determined whether lowering homocysteine levels reduces the > > incidence of heart attacks or strokes among people with mildly elevated > > homocysteine > > > > levels [7,8], but many experts believe that scientific studies will prove > > that it does. This belief has been strongly supported by a four-year study > > in > > > > which 101 men with vascular disease were given supplementary doses of > folic > > acid, B6 , and B12. Ultrasound examinations of their carotid arteries > found > > > > a decrease in the amount of carortid plaque in their arteries, with the > > greatest effect in those whose homocyteine levels had been highest before > > the treatment > > > > began [9]. > > > > > > > > Screening for elevated homocysteine levels is advisable for individuals > who > > manifest coronary artery disease that is out of proportion to their > > traditional > > > > risk factors or who have a family history of premature atherosclerotic > > disease. Levels above 9 or 10 µmol/l warrant treatment. The effect of > > supplementation > > > > is usually apparent within a month. The laboratory test can be obtained > for > > about $40. Some physicians recommend that all patients with > atherosclerotic > > > > disease be screened. A recent study of the effect on homocysteine of > either > > folic acid or B12 alone found that the body adjusts its reliance on one or > > > > the other and that supplementing with both provides a more certain way to > > improve homocysteine levels [10]. > > > > > > > > At least a dozen large-scale studies following a total of more than 60,000 > > people are underway in the United States, Canada, and Europe to examine > the > > effects > > > > of lowering blood homocysteine levels on the incidence of heart attacks > > and/or strokes [9,11]. The longest one so far involved 553 patients who > had > > had > > > > successful angioplasty has found that lowering homocysteine levels > > significantly decreased the incidence of major cardiac events after > > angioplasty. The > > > > participants were randomly assigned to receive a combination of folic > acid, > > vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 or a placebo for 6 months and were followed > for > > > > about six more months. The study found that the incidence of heart > attacks, > > death and need for repeat revascularization were about one third less in > the > > > > vitamin group than in the control group [12]. > > > > > > > > Since folic acid is nontoxic, it seems prudent to treat elevated > > homocysteine levels based on current knowledge. The process should be > > supervised by a well-informed > > > > physician. > > > > > > > > Caution: Elevated homocysteine levels can be caused by vitamin B12 > > deficiency due to impaired absorption of B12 caused by gastric atrophy > > (damage to the > > > > lining of the stomach). B12 deficiency leads to anemia and, if not > corrected > > in time, will permanently damage the nervous system. Folic acid > supplements > > > > will correct the anemia (which can serve as a warning sign before nerve > > damage develops), but they do not prevent the damage. For this reason, > > people over > > > > 50 who take folic acid supplements should also take at least 25 micrograms > > of vitamin B12 per day, a dose large enough to enable adequate amounts to > be > > > > absorbed. Dr. Herbert believes that everyone over age 50 should take B12 > > supplements anyway, because gastric atrophy is common as people age. > > Products > > > > containing 100 mcg per pill are readily available. > > > > > > > > References > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2004 Report Share Posted June 6, 2004 Dr Bernstein states that anything over 500 milligrams, Harry look that up think it might be 800 mg, shows false readings on the blood meter so I'd say, if possible, limit it to 250 milligrams per day. Regards, Re: homocysteine > > > > > > > Harry, Do you or take any supplement vitamins? Tell us what > kind > > of > > > supplement vitamins that you take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. > > > Thanks, Jerry > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2004 Report Share Posted June 6, 2004 ya, that was what I was after Dr B states 500. Regards, Re: homocysteine > > > > > > > > > > Harry, Do you or take any supplement vitamins? Tell us what > > kind > > > of > > > > supplement vitamins that you take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. > > > > Thanks, Jerry > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Homocysteine Medical Author: _Dennis Lee, M.D._ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6915) Medical Editor: _ C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6882) What is homocysteine? Homocysteine is an _amino acid_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) that is produced by the body, usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. Why is it important to monitor homocysteine levels? Elevated levels of homocysteine (>10 micromoles/liter) in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. In 1969, Dr. Kilmer S. McCully reported that children born with a genetic disorder called homocystinuria, which causes the homocysteine levels to be very high, sometimes died at a very young age with advanced atherosclerosis in their arteries. However, it was not until the 1990's that the importance of homocysteine in _heart disease_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) and _stroke_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=489) was appreciated. How do elevated levels of homocysteine increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes? Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are believed to cause narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This narrowing leads to diminished blood flow through the affected arteries. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood also increase the tendency to excessive blood clotting. Blood clots inside the arteries further diminish the flow of blood. The resultant lack of blood supply to the heart muscles causes heart attacks, and the lack of blood supply to the brain causes strokes. What causes elevated homocysteine levels? Homocysteine is chemically transformed into methionine and cysteine with the help of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Therefore, insufficient amounts of these vitamins in the body can hamper the natural breakdown of homocysteine. This can cause homocysteine to accumulate in the blood. Conversely, a higher folic acid intake and higher levels of body folate are associated with lower blood homocysteine levels. How can homocysteine levels be lowered? The consumption of _folic acid supplements_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) or cereals that are fortified with folic acid, and to a lesser extent vitamins B6 and B12, can lower blood homocysteine levels. Does lowering homocysteine levels prevent heart attacks and strokes? Currently, there is no direct proof that taking folic acid and B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels prevents heart attacks and strokes. However, in a large population study involving women, those who had the highest consumption of folic acid (usually in the form of multivitamins) had fewer heart attacks than those who consumed the least amount of folic acid. What should I do to prevent heart attacks and strokes? Losing excess weight, exercising regularly, controlling diabetes and _high blood pressure_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) , lowering the bad LDL cholesterol, and stopping cigarette smoking are crucial steps in preventing heart attacks and strokes. It is recommended that healthy adults eat more fresh fruits and vegetable, eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, and take one multivitamin daily. One multivitamin will supply 400 mcg/day of folic acid in addition to vitamins B6, B12, and other important vitamins. Who should undergo testing for homocysteine blood levels? Currently, there are no official recommendations as to who should undergo testing for homocysteine blood levels. There is also no consensus as to the optimal dose of folic acid and other B vitamins for the treatment of elevated blood homocysteine levels. (For example, treatment of patients with high homocysteine levels may require higher doses of folic acid and other B vitamins than the amounts contained in a multivitamin.) Therefore, a decision regarding testing should be individualized after consulting with your doctor. Some doctors screen for elevated homocysteine levels in patients with early onset of heart attacks, strokes, or other symptoms related to atherosclerosis, especially if these patients do not have typical _heart attack_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=379) risk factors, such as smoking cigarettes, diabetes, or high LDL cholesterol levels. For additional information, please visit _www.MedicineNet.com_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/) and review the following topics: * _Cholesterol_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=320) * _Heart Attack & Atherosclerosis Prevention_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9749) * _Alzheimer's Disease_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=267) Medical Author: _Dennis Lee, M.D._ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6915) Medical Editor: _ C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6882) What is homocysteine? Homocysteine is an _amino acid_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) that is produced by the body, usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. Why is it important to monitor homocysteine levels? Elevated levels of homocysteine (>10 micromoles/liter) in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. In 1969, Dr. Kilmer S. McCully reported that children born with a genetic disorder called homocystinuria, which causes the homocysteine levels to be very high, sometimes died at a very young age with advanced atherosclerosis in their arteries. However, it was not until the 1990's that the importance of homocysteine in _heart disease_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) and _stroke_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=489) was appreciated. How do elevated levels of homocysteine increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes? Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are believed to cause narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This narrowing leads to diminished blood flow through the affected arteries. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood also increase the tendency to excessive blood clotting. Blood clots inside the arteries further diminish the flow of blood. The resultant lack of blood supply to the heart muscles causes heart attacks, and the lack of blood supply to the brain causes strokes. What causes elevated homocysteine levels? Homocysteine is chemically transformed into methionine and cysteine with the help of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Therefore, insufficient amounts of these vitamins in the body can hamper the natural breakdown of homocysteine. This can cause homocysteine to accumulate in the blood. Conversely, a higher folic acid intake and higher levels of body folate are associated with lower blood homocysteine levels. How can homocysteine levels be lowered? The consumption of _folic acid supplements_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) or cereals that are fortified with folic acid, and to a lesser extent vitamins B6 and B12, can lower blood homocysteine levels. Does lowering homocysteine levels prevent heart attacks and strokes? Currently, there is no direct proof that taking folic acid and B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels prevents heart attacks and strokes. However, in a large population study involving women, those who had the highest consumption of folic acid (usually in the form of multivitamins) had fewer heart attacks than those who consumed the least amount of folic acid. What should I do to prevent heart attacks and strokes? Losing excess weight, exercising regularly, controlling diabetes and _high blood pressure_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/homocysteine/article.htm#) , lowering the bad LDL cholesterol, and stopping cigarette smoking are crucial steps in preventing heart attacks and strokes. It is recommended that healthy adults eat more fresh fruits and vegetable, eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, and take one multivitamin daily. One multivitamin will supply 400 mcg/day of folic acid in addition to vitamins B6, B12, and other important vitamins. Who should undergo testing for homocysteine blood levels? Currently, there are no official recommendations as to who should undergo testing for homocysteine blood levels. There is also no consensus as to the optimal dose of folic acid and other B vitamins for the treatment of elevated blood homocysteine levels. (For example, treatment of patients with high homocysteine levels may require higher doses of folic acid and other B vitamins than the amounts contained in a multivitamin.) Therefore, a decision regarding testing should be individualized after consulting with your doctor. Some doctors screen for elevated homocysteine levels in patients with early onset of heart attacks, strokes, or other symptoms related to atherosclerosis, especially if these patients do not have typical _heart attack_ (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=379) risk factors, such as smoking cigarettes, diabetes, or high LDL cholesterol levels. \: el 10360 Pine Lakes Boulevard North Fort Myers, FL 39303 239 731-2655 http://www.msprotocols.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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