Homocysteïne

  • Homocysteine is a non-essential sulphur-containing amino acid. The name is based on the fact that it is a homologue of cysteine. A non-essential amino acid is, the amino acid that the body itself can produce.
    Amino acids are building blocks of proteins.
  • Homocysteine occurs in the metabolism of proteins by the essential amino acid methionine.
  • Homocysteine is labeled by the WHO as a risk factor for heart disease.
  • Homocysteine makes heart endothelial cells more susceptible to inflammatory mediators and can directly cause cell death.
  • An increased homocysteine levels can be caused by genetic defects, but also by a shortage of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12.
  • At least 200 micrograms (mcg) folic acid is a day to avoid a high homocysteine levels.
  • Homocysteine can be measured in blood and urine. In blood is it for about 70% bound to plasma proteins.
  • Homocysteine levels can only be determined when someone 12 hours has not eaten or drunk (sober).
  • The normal homocysteine levels in the blood is about 13-14 µmol/l for men and 12-13 µmol/litre for women.
    However, an optimal level is 7.5. A homocysteine level above the 15 µmol/l is too high.
  • With the rising of the age, the "normal" homocysteine levels far: with such a 5 to 10% every 10 years.
  • What factors increase homocysteine levels?
    • hyperhomocysteinemia. In about 10% of the persons in whom a hyperhomocysteinemia is found, there appears to be a hereditary cause.
    • Smoking (smoking inactivates vitamin B12)
    • alcohol
    • elevated cholesterol levels
    • a deficiency of vitamin B6, B12 and/or folic acid
    • gluten-sensitivity
    • bowel problems
    • genus. Men have a slightly higher homocysteine levels than women.
  • The most effective way to reduce homocysteine levels is through folic acid supplements.
    Vitamin B12 reduces very light homocysteine levels.
  • Via folic acid supplements can homocysteine levels by an average of 25% be lowered.
    The effective dose of folic acid supplements is between 200-800 micrograms per day.
  • It is through power supply not possible to 400 micrograms (mcg or µg) folate to get inside. Thus lowering homocysteine levels through food supplements.
  • The increased homocysteine levels (> 15 µmol/l) cannot be lowered with vitamin B6.

Homocysteïneverlagende meals (at least 200 micrograms (mcg) folic acid):

Scientific studies on the relationship between high homocysteine levels and health:
The review articles of randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind human studies (Rcts) answer the following question:
"Is swallowing food supplements make sense?". Yes at a positive conclusion and no in the case of a negative conclusion.

The review articles of cohort studies or case-control studies answer the following question:
"Should I change my diet?".

  1. Low vitamin B12 levels increases age-related macular degeneration
  2. 5 mg folic acid per day for a minimum of 4 weeks reduces homocysteine levels of patients with coronary heart disease
  3. A high plasma homocysteine levels increases probably abdominal aortic aneurysm
  4. Folic acid supplements lower homocysteine levels in people with type 2 diabetes
  5. Maternaal a high homocysteine levels increases the chances of SGA baby