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Homocysteine is an organic chemical compound classified as amino acids. As a sulfuric amino acid, it is a consequence of protein consumption. Thanks to it, it is possible to regenerate damaged tissues, but homocysteine may intensify atherosclerotic processes.
What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a sulfuric amino acid formed during the physiological changes of the amino acid-methionine. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, but its excess can damage blood vessels as well as excess bad cholesterol – too much homocysteine in some cases causes thrombotic problems, atherosclerosis and increases the risk of a heart attack.
The kidneys remove excess homocysteine and filter it as well. As a result, the blood vessels do not lose their elasticity and do not become more susceptible to atherosclerotic problems. The liver and B vitamins are responsible for the regulation of homocysteine concentration. The concentration of homocysteine depends on factors such as: age, sex, liver condition and diet.
Homocysteine was discovered by Butz and du Vigneaud in 1932. It is a sulfur amino acid that is not included in the protein group. In 1960, subsequent scientists discovered that a large amount of it was found in the urine of mentally retarded siblings. In turn, the presence of homocysteine in plasma was detected in the late 70s. Homocysteine is produced in every cell of the human body.
Also read: Blood tests – why should you get them regularly?
Homocysteine - norms
The normal concentration of homocysteine in the blood ranges from 5 to 15 moles / liter – homocysteine within the given standard does not cause the development of atherosclerotic plaques and does not contribute to the formation of blood clots. Exceeding the norm is a sign of hyperhomocysteinemia. However, it is worth knowing that homocysteine at the level of 10-13 moles / liter may have a negative effect on the vascular endothelium.
In order to regulate the level of homocysteine, you can use the Homocysteine Modulator – Doctor Life dietary supplement currently available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
When should I measure my homocysteine concentration?
The indication for the examination is, inter alia, kidney failure. People with a deficiency of B vitamins (B12 and B6) and folic acid should also take part in it. Other indications are: liver diseases, hypothyroidism, a history of heart attack or stroke, and cardiovascular diseases among family members. The elderly, malnourished people, alcoholics and drug addicts are often referred to the examination.
See also: How much does morphology cost? Basic blood test prices
What is the homocysteine test?
The test is performed on a patient’s blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. At least eight hours before the test, the patient is allowed to drink only water. If the test result proves to be worrying, the doctor may refer the patient to additional diagnostic tests, e.g. to test for the presence of the MTHFR gene mutation. Thanks to the test, it is possible to start lowering the concentration of homocysteine in the blood in time and thus prevent, among others, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
Homocysteine levels can be tested in a suite of tests to check your overall health. Medonet Market offers a prophylactic blood test for men package, which additionally determines, among others: male hormone levels.
You can carry out homocysteine concentration testing at home. We also recommend homocysteine testing in conjunction with other parameters, for example: Amino acid and homocysteine mail order or Homocysteine and vitamin D mail order.
What is hyperhomocysteinemia?
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an increase in the concentration of homocysteine in the blood. When the concentration is between 15 and 13 mol / liter, we are talking about the mild phase of the disease; concentration from 31 to 100 mol / liter – moderate hyperhomocysteinemia; concentration above 100 mol / liter – severe hyperhomocysteinemia. High homocysteine levels require treatment – otherwise it can cause cardiovascular disease.
The cause of hyperhomocysteinemia may be a deficiency or lack of enzymes involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, resulting from genetic determinants. Severe hyperhomocysteinemia is caused, for example, by enzyme deficiency (CBS) or acquired deficiency of coenzymes of homocysteine metabolism. The concentration of homocysteine may also increase in the course of diseases such as:
- diabetes,
- kidney failure
- liver failure
- leukemia,
- Cushing’s disease.
Some dietary supplements support homocysteine metabolism. We recommend, for example, Monolipid K by Xenico Pharma, which you can buy today at Medonet Market.
The disease can also be caused by certain medications, e.g. methotrexate, phenytoin, nitrous oxide, and cholestyramine. It can also be caused by contraceptives with estrogen, due to which the levels of vitamin B12 and folate decrease. It can also be the result of an inadequate diet, poor in folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
The disease is also caused by drinking too much alcohol, which significantly increases the concentration of homocysteine in the blood – alcohol causes gastrointestinal disorders and hinders the absorption of vitamins. The disease can also be caused by tobacco smoke, containing carbon monoxide and disulfide – both substances deactivate vitamin B6 and reduce homocysteine catabolism.
The level of homocysteine is also increased by the mutation of the MTHFR gene, which under normal conditions is responsible for maintaining the correct concentration of this amino acid in circulation. However, when the gene is mutated, folic acid begins to absorb worse and thus homocysteine is not converted into methionine – people with too high homocysteine concentration should take vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.
we recommend: Peripheral blood counts – blood test results. Morphology with manual and automatic smear
How to lower homocysteine levels?
One way of treatment is the supplementation of high doses of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. When the cause of the disease is homocystinuria, it is also recommended to take betaine and follow a low-methionine diet. You should definitely give up stimulants and start an active lifestyle and use a properly balanced diet.
Betaine HCL + pepsin – YANGO dietary supplement is available at an attractive price on Medonet Market.
To lower the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, it is worth exercising 3-4 times a week, ride a bicycle or go for long walks. It is advisable to change your eating habits – first of all, you should eliminate sweets and sweetened drinks from your diet. What’s more, you should also stop drinking strong coffee, smoking cigarettes and not drinking alcohol regularly.
The diet of a person with too much homocysteine concentration should include products containing vitamin B6 (e.g. buckwheat, poultry, potatoes, peppers, spinach); vitamin B12 (meat, fish, egg yolks); vitamin B9 (legumes, almonds, lettuce, avocado); taurine (sea fish); choline (egg yolks, beef, fish, nuts, seeds).