Dangers of High Homocysteine in a Nutshell
Deficiencies in these B vitamins result in elevated homocysteine particles that may gouge holes in our arterial walls when forced into them by high blood pressure. This leads to a patching of these holes by LDL cholesterol which continues to build until the cells start to die off due to lack of blood supply. The electrical charge left behind from the dead cells attracts plaque. This inflammatory process leads to a clotting of the artery or heart attack. Additionally, if tiny fragments from the arterial wall flake off in the gouging process, they may flow into the bloodstream and up to the brain, resutling in stroke.
My Blood Test Results
In October 2016, my homoscysteine level was 10.6. For my age group, the range should be 3.3 - 10.4. I began taking 800 mcg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 500 mcg of vitamin B12 in one daily multivitamin. In November 2017, my follow-up blood test revealed a homocysteine level of 4.7 - a decrease of 56%.
Where to Buy Folic Acid, B6 and B12 Multivitamin
Although B vitamins may be purchased over-the counter, I have only seen them for sale on-line at therapuetic levels in mutlivitamin form. I always prefer a multivitamin when possible since I take so many other supplements. I also prefer the comparative shopping available on-line to seek out supplements made inexpensively here in the USA.
Folic Acid
Folate or vitamin B9 occurs naturally in certain foods. Folic acid is the synthetic variety in vitamin form. Folate converts carbohydrates to energy, metabolizes fat and protein, as well as helps control the formulation of red blood cells. When combined with B6 and B12, many health experts theorize this may help regulate homocysteine levels. Healthy levels of folic acid have also been shown to reduce colon and cervical cancer, and help with a variety of other conditions such as, Alzheimer's, depression and macular degeneration. Many health experts agree that vitamins are an excellent source for treating folic acid deficiencies.
B12
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin that plays a key role in brain and nervous system functions through the formation of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and any deficiency may also mean a deficiency in folate is also present. Deficiencies in B12 cause anemia. In slight cases, no symptoms may appear. For more severe anemia, one may notice a weak or tired feeling, pale skin, diarhea, as well as a number of other troubling symptoms. Vitamins are once again, thought to be an excellent source for treating a B12 deficiency.
B6
Vitamin B6 is a water soluable vitamin, also known as pyridoxal phosphate or (PLP), which governs the release of glucose from glycogen. B6 is impairitive for the proper absorbtion of B12. It aids in the production of amino acids needed to build protein, creates nuerotransmitters in the brain for regulating mood, and helps metabolize food for energy. Many health experts agree that supplementation may provide additonal B6 that is not absorbed in the body through food.
Folic Acid, B12, B6, Niacin & Fish Oil
Folic Acid, B12 and B6 taken with niacin and fish oil may yield a power packed combination that reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammation and homocysteine levels. In order to truly test the effectivenss of vitamins or supplements, regular blood testing is required.
References
WHFoods, Vitamin B12 , The George Lateljan Foundation
WebMD, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia , WebMD, LLC
WebMD, Folic Acid , WebMD, LLC