Homocysteine

Homocysteine ​​is a molecule as important as cholesterol, but less well known. It is essential to control it to prevent cardiac circulatory disorders; it is an amino acid that if present in high quantities in the blood can cause damage such as heart attack, stroke, arteriosclerosis. Excess homocysteine ​​leads to hyperhomocysteinemia which, according to studies, represents a risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, fetal malformations, abortions, osteoporosis, diabetes and depression.

What are the causes of excess homocysteine ​​in the blood? As for cholesterol, in some cases, the increase is genetic, otherwise it is necessary to control the diet and especially protein foods of animal origin and abolish smoking and alcohol. Vitamins B-folic acid, B6, B12 and zinc can hinder the transformation of homocysteine ​​into S-adenosylmethionine and glutathione, causing an excess.
The reference values, after having undergone blood tests, are: for adult women the maximum threshold is equal to 10 micro moles, for adult men it is 13 micro moles, while for children under 14 it is 11, 3 micro moles.

See also