Homocysteine Test

[billies]

I've been looking both in this forum and on the web for some definitive information on determining homocysteine levels. Could someone please comment on the test and what is considered the range. Thanks

[sos_group_owner]

Hi Billie,

Re: Homocysteine

Although most labs say that <11 (and even as high as 15 micromoles per
liter of blood) is a healthy level for homocysteine (Hcy), there is no
safe "normal range" for (toxic) Hcy. Optimal Hcy levels should be 6.2
or less. For each 3-unit increase above 6.3, there is a 35% increased
risk for myocardial-infarction (heart-attack).
(American Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, 143[9]:845-59)

Epidemiological data reveal that Hcy levels above 6.3 cause a steep,
progressive risk of heart attack.
(American Heart Association's journal Circulation, Nov. 15, 1995, 2825-30)

In addition to folic acid, B6 and B12, some might also need TMG
(trimethylglycine), P-5-P (pyridoxyl-5-phosphate), zinc, inositol
and/or choline to control Hcy.

Excerpt from an excellent article that explains homocysteine:
"There are three biochemical pathways used by the body to reduce
homocysteine. In one pathway TMG donates a methyl group which
detoxifies homocysteine. In this reaction, TMG is reduced to DMG
(dimethylglycine), that familiar-product sold as a supplement for its
energizing effects. In the other routes, folic acid, B12 and B6
convert homocysteine into nontoxic substances. Some people can't
utilize one or another of these pathways. That is why a combination of
all these nutrients is most effective for lowering homocysteine. In
some people vitamin B may not be efficiently converted to its active
co-enzyme form, pyridoxyl-5-phosphate. In that case supplementing with
pyridoxyl-5-phosphate would be necessary. "

Source: "CHOLESTEROL IS NOT THE BAD GUY!!!" By Dr. Deb Baker
[http://www.y2khealthanddetox.com/truthchol.html]

Fran

[adec]

There have been recent studies, in the March 16th 2006 NEJM, showing how reducing homocysteine using B Vitamins didn't necessarily correlate into a decrease in cardiovascular risk. In fact, scientists still don't know if homocysteine is a biomarker and merely a byproduct, or the direct cause of arteriosclerosis in itself. Just as with cholesterol, scientific research hasn't show theories on homocysteine to be as clear-cut as originally thought. There are even doctors who place far less emphasis on homocysteine, and focus instead on C-Reactive Protein.

Although, high homocysteine could just be an indication of kidney disease. Even drugs that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprophen, can create a kidney risk in certain people. But if you're taking carnitine, coenzyme Q10, or curcumin, you are helping to protect your kidney.

By the way, for people having difficulty reducing homocysteine with regular B vitamins, there is L-methylfolate, or Coenzymated Folic Acid, which is probably several times more powerful than folic acid in reducing homocycteine. Source Naturals and Nature Made were able to circumvent the Merck patent for Metafolin, and release their own version, or it can be obtained through a prescription.