High homocysteine: what it is, why it happens and how to lower it

Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid, produced in the human body during the metabolism of methionine. Raised levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid, produced in the human body during the metabolism of methionine, another essential amino acid of the same chemical nature contained in protein foods (such as dairy products, meat, legumes, eggs, etc.). Raised levels of homocysteine in the blood, hyperhomocysteinemia, have been associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes and other particular conditions. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a condition that should not be underestimated and should be managed appropriately, for instance with the use of nutritional supplements designed precisely to lower homocysteine levels in the blood.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia indicates homocysteine values higher than normal. The accumulation of this amino acid may be due to various genetic or nutritional causes.

In most cases, homocysteine levels may increase due to a deficiency of vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid. Other factors include malabsorption syndromes, kidney disease, the use of certain types of medicines, smoking, lack of exercise and homocystinuria, i.e. the lack of the enzyme needed to metabolise homocysteine.

It is very important to monitor its levels as it correlates with cardiovascular disorders: even if mild or moderate, its increase is predictive for the development of atherosclerosis, stroke and peripheral vessel diseases due to lipid deposits.