Metabolic Health
Why High Homocysteine Levels Matter and How to Optimize Them
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a severe health condition but might be treated with healthy lifestyle habits and professional support.
This article defines homocysteine, highlights the impact and implications of high homocysteine levels, and provides practical tips to lower the risks of hyperhomocysteinemia.
What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid that exists in our bloodstream. It is a metabolite of methionine, which is another amino acid. Elevated plasma homocysteine is called hyperhomocysteinemia in the literature.
This amino acid is processed by folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to create other biochemicals in the bloodstream. In addition, energy production in mitochondria seems to cause the effects.
For example, as documented in this paper, “recent studies suggest that the interaction between homocysteine and mitochondria is complex, and reactive oxygen species are possible mediators of homocysteine effects.”
As documented in this 2008 paper, “Prospectively elevated plasma homocysteine is associated with increased total and cardiovascular mortality…
