Homocysteïne
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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):
- Spinach dish with egg and cheese for 4 people
- Krieljes with roasted Brussels sprouts and pecans for 4 people
- Sweet potatoes with salmon and spinach for 4 people
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?".
- Low vitamin B12 levels increases age-related macular degeneration
- 5 mg folic acid per day for a minimum of 4 weeks reduces homocysteine levels of patients with coronary heart disease
- A high plasma homocysteine levels increases probably abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Folic acid supplements lower homocysteine levels in people with type 2 diabetes
- Maternaal a high homocysteine levels increases the chances of SGA baby