Since the 1980s, research has shown that homocysteine is an important and independent risk factor of heart disease. Recent studies have also confirmed that a high homocysteine level also leads to premature death from a variety of sources, including  strokes and cancer.
 
Researchers at the University of Bergen, for example, studied over 2000 men and 2500 women, aged 65 to 67 years from 1992 onwards.  After 5 years, it was shown that  for every 5.0 micromol/L increase in homocysteine levels above the baseline level (9.0 micromol/L),  mortality from all causes increased by 49 percent, cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent, cancer mortality by 26 percent, and deaths from other causes (respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous system diseases) by 104 percent.  About 78 percent of the study group had homocysteine levels at or above 9.0 micromol/L and 12 per cent had levels exceeding 15 micromol/L.

 
These alarming results are obtained after adjusting for cholesterol level, blood pressure, smoking, body weight, height, physical activity level, cardiovascular disease risk status at baseline, age and gender. 


Those who smoke and drink coffee tend to have the highest homocysteine level, while those practicing a healthy lifestyle have the lowest.  The take home lesson is simple - lower your homocysteine level or face risk of pre-mature death.

It is interesting to note that below-normal levels of vitamin B12 were found in none of the omnivores, but 26% of the vegetarians and 78% of the vegans had below-normal levels.  Elevated homocysteine was found in 29% of the vegetarians compared with only 5% of the omnivores.  Even though a vegetarian diet can lower serum cholesterol, the opposite effect on homocysteine could offset any potential benefit.
 
Fortunately, homocysteine levels can be safely and effectively lowered naturally by daily supplementation with

a. Folic acid (800 mcg to 10 mg/day),

b. Vitamin B6 (50-100 mg/day) , and

c. Vitamin B12 (600-1000 mcg/day).
 
If you do not wish to take nutritional supplements, following the anti-aging food pyramid will give you the similar results.  Because folic acid and vitamin B are relatively inexpensive, those whose lifestyles are less than desirable should take these nutrients as an additional insurance.

 
About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certified in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

 
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