Elevated Homocysteine Levels Associated with Brain Ageing

Homocysteine is a compound made from the amino acid (protein component) methionine. The compound is notorious for its apparent ability to degrade and inhibit the formation of the three main structural components of the artery, including collagen. Elevated blood plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels have been firmly linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and are also associated with an increased risk of dementia and stroke.
 

In a study involving 1,965 healthy, middle-aged subjects free of clinical stroke, dementia, and other neurological conditions affecting brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, higher tHcy levels were found to be associated with smaller brain volume and the presence of silent brain infarctions (asymptomatic areas of brain tissue damage). The authors conclude that homocysteine affects neurological health through impacts on brain cells themselves and blood vessel function.
 
Click here to view the study abstract.
 

Homocyteine can be converted back to methionine in a reaction dependant on the vitamins folate and B-12. Good food sources of folate include liver, vegetables (especially spinach and broccoli), pulses (especially chickpeas and lentils), fruits and their juices (especially oranges, kiwis and strawberries), fortified cereals and whole-wheat, vitamin B-12 is found only in animal products (meat, eggs, dairy and fish). Homocysteine can also be converted to another amino acid, methionine, in a reaction catalysed by two vitamin B-6 dependant enzymes. Good food sources of vitamin B-6 include baked potatoes, bananas, pulses (especially soy and chickpeas), oats, chicken, pork, avocado, salmon, peanut butter and eggs.
 

To ensure you meet your needs consider a supplement containing at least the recommended daily amounts of the vitamins, particularly if you are pregnant or elderly.

From the Nutri Supplement, Issue No. 107