High Homocysteine & Oxidative Stress
1 of the 12 leading causes ofhigh blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during the metabolism of proteins. Elevated levels of homocysteine, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders.
High homocysteine damages blood vessels, promotes clot formation, and contributes to arterial hardening and narrowing (atherosclerosis). Reducing homocysteine levels is essential to lower the risk of heart disease and support brain health.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them using antioxidants.
This imbalance leads to cellular damage, inflammation, and the progression of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Managing oxidative stress through antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle is critical for protecting cells and reducing the risk of disease.
Homocysteine and Oxidative Stress: A Combined Threat
Elevated homocysteine and oxidative stress often work together to amplify their damaging effects on the body. High homocysteine contributes to the production of ROS, worsening oxidative stress and damaging blood vessels. This combination accelerates atherosclerosis, increases the risk of blood clots, and fosters neurodegenerative processes such as plaque formation in the brain.
Prevention
High homocysteine and oxidative stress levels typically do not present any symptoms, so targeting high levels is something that you want to prevent before you see the conditions that it causes.
There are several supplements that have been studied for their potential to help regulate homocysteine levels. These include:
Tikva has 13 nutrients that target
high homocysteine & oxydative stress levels
Below are clinical trials and research on these nutrients.
1&2. Vitamin B6 & Vitamin B12
Supplementation with Vitamin B6, B12 and folate can help to lower homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that B-vitamin supplementation decreases homocysteine levels by 25% to 30% and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10% to 25% (1).
3. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
Studies have shown that zinc supplementation may help to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. One study, published in the journal “Biological Trace Element Research”, found that zinc supplementation led to significant reductions in homocysteine levels in participants with high homocysteine levels. (2)
Additionally, zinc supplementation is found to improve the activity of enzymes related to homocysteine metabolism which lead to decrease in homocysteine levels.
Zinc & Oxidative Stress
Zinc plays a key role in reducing oxidative stress by stabilizing cell membranes and promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. (9)
4. Betaine (Trimethylglycine)
Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is a compound found in certain foods such as beets, wheat bran, and spinach. Studies have shown that betaine supplementation may help to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2002 found that betaine supplementation led to significant reductions in homocysteine levels in participants with high homocysteine levels. (3)
Betaine supplementation may work by providing a methyl group, which is needed for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. This process is important for maintaining healthy homocysteine levels. It is also found that Betaine may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which may also contribute to its ability to lower homocysteine levels.
5. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many bodily functions, including energy metabolism and the metabolism of amino acids. Studies have shown that riboflavin supplementation may help to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. One study published in the journal “Clinical Chemistry” in 2002 found that riboflavin supplementation led to significant reductions in homocysteine levels in participants with high homocysteine levels. (4)
Riboflavin is a cofactor of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which plays a role in homocysteine metabolism. Low levels of riboflavin can inhibit this enzyme function, leading to a build-up of homocysteine. Supplementation with riboflavin can help to correct this enzyme deficiency and reduce homocysteine levels.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that low levels of magnesium intake are associated with higher homocysteine levels. Supplementation with magnesium has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels, which may in turn reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (5)
Magnesium & Oxidative Stress
Magnesium reduces oxidative stress by modulating inflammation and improving mitochondrial function, which helps prevent excessive ROS production..
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. (6)
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage by neutralizing lipid peroxyl radicals. (7)
9. Selenium
Selenium supports the function of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides. (8)
10. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and glutathione, reducing oxidative stress.
(11)
11. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and supporting mitochondrial energy production, which minimizes ROS formation. (12)
12. Grape Seed Extract
Rich in proanthocyanidins, grape seed extract has strong antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. (13)
13. Pomegranate Extract
Pomegranate is packed with polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and promoting antioxidant activity.(14)
References:
- “Homocysteine-lowering by B-vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial” by Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, Agacinski G, Oulhaj A, Bradley KM, Jacoby R, Refsum H. PloS one. 2010;5(9):e12244.
- “Zinc supplement decreases plasma homocysteine levels in healthy males.” Biological Trace Element Research, 2010, vol. 135(1-3), p.189-195.
- “Betaine, a promising new agent for patients with coronary artery disease.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002, vol.76(5), p.961-967.
- “Effect of riboflavin on plasma total homocysteine concentrations: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Clinical Chemistry, 2002, vol.48(9), p.1602-1606.
- “The effect of oral magnesium supplementation on serum homocysteine concentrations in healthy human volunteers” in Magnesium Research, Volume 16, Number 3, September 2003 , pp. 329-334
- Frei, B. (1991). Ascorbic acid protects lipids in human plasma and low-density lipoprotein against oxidative damage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Traber, M. G., & Atkinson, J. (2007). Vitamin E, antioxidant and nothing more. Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
- Rayman, M. P. (2000). The importance of selenium to human health. The Lancet.
- Powell, S. R. (2000). The antioxidant properties of zinc. The Journal of Nutrition.
- Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2010). Magnesium and aging. Current Pharmaceutical Design
- Packer, L., et al. (1995). Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
- Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Molecular Biotechnology.
- Bagchi, D., et al. (2000). Cellular protection with proanthocyanidins derived from grape seeds. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
- Aviram, M., & Rosenblat, M. (2012). Pomegranate for your cardiovascular health. Nutrition Research.
Learn More About The 12 Leading Causes ofHigh Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Atherosclerosis (Hardening of Arteries)
- Nitric Oxide Deficiency
- Low HDL (Good) Cholesterol
- High Glucose (Blood Sugar) levels and insulin
- High Homocysteine Levels
- C-Reactive Protein
- Triglycerides & Low EPA/DHA
- Low Testosterone (In Men)
- Stress
- Atrial Fibrillation and Arrhythmias
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clots)
This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a healthcare professional. † These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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