Homocysteine and its importance to heart problems

Homocysteine is a non essential amino acid not obtained from food which is biosynthesised by Methionine by the removal of its terminal methyl group. The resulting Homocysteine which can cause health problems can be converted back into Methionine or Cysteine which is a precursor to Glutathione required by the liver, by using the B Vitamins, Folic Acid B9, Pyridoxine B6 and Cyanocobalamin B12.

If you are low in these B Vitamins and consume a high protein diet, this will result in Methionine being converted into Homocysteine. Supplementing with the B Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 will help to lower Homocysteine levels (1.). This is more powerful when Trimethylglycine TMG also known as Glycine Betaine is taken in combination with the B Vitamins.

High blood levels of Homocysteine are one of the causative agents of heart problems like Atherosclerosis, a build up of plaque from cholesterol and fats, cellular debris and calcification on the artery wall. The Homocysteine combines with the LDL Cholesterol, (Low Density Lipoprotein), known as bad cholesterol to assist and further contribute to the plaque build up and damage to the artery wall. This build up of plaque has a narrowing effect on the artery and means the heart has to work harder to pump the blood through the narrower artery, putting pressure and stress on the heart.

Women have 10% to 15% less Homocysteine during their child bearing years than men of a similar age. This goes some way to explaining why women generally suffer heart attacks, (Myocardial Infarction) and heart problems like Atherosclerosis 10 to 15 years later than men.

Homocysteine degrades and damages long living collagen, elastin and life long proteins, (Fibrillin) which are major structural parts of the artery wall. This collagen damaging effect can also contribute to an increase in fractures in the elderly (2.), (3.). When a person ages their ability to absorb Vitamin B12 from their diet decreases, this is true for most Vitamins. With Vitamin B12 being water soluble, as are all B Vitamins and Vitamin C the small amount which is absorbed from the diet is very easily excreted naturally from the body through functions like sweating and urination. Vitamin supplementation will increase levels of this important B Vitamin which is also needed by the body for healthy nervous system and CNS function, the formation of red blood cells and aids in the energy process.


1. Coen DA Stehouwer, Coen van Guldener (2001). "Homocysteine-lowering treatment: an overview". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy 2 (9): 1449–1460.
2. Loscalzo J (2006). "Homocysteine Trials — Clear Outcomes for Complex Reasons". N Engl J Med 354 (15): 1629–1632.
3. McLean RR et al (2004). "Homocysteine as a predictive factor for hip fracture in older persons.". New England Journal of Medicine 350: 2042–2049.