What Is Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Other evidence suggests that homocysteine may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots. However, a direct causal link hasn’t been established. Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. The dietary components with the greatest effects are Folic Acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

Several studies have found that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related, at least partly, to lower concentrations of homocysteine. Other recent evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke.

Although evidence for the benefit of lowering homocysteine levels is lacking, patients at high risk should be strongly advised to be sure to get enough folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 in their diet. Foods high in folic acid include green, leafy vegetables and grain products fortified with folic acid. But this is just one risk factor.

How low should homocysteine levels go? [Publisher's abstract: British Journal of Medicine. 2002;325:1202] A decrease in homocysteine of 3 mmol/L (achievable by daily intake of about 0.8 mg folate) is expected to reduce the risk of heart disease by 16%, deep vein thrombosis by 25%, and stroke by 24%.

Heart disease in women cut in half [Publisher's abstract: Journal of the American Medical Association. 1998; 279(5):359-364] Harvard University researchers tracked 80,084 female nurses over a 14 year period, and found that women with the highest intake of folate and vitamin B6 cut their risk of heart attack or death due to coronary heart disease by 45%.

Strongest risk factor for heart disease that can be modified is homocysteine [Publisher's abstract: New England Journal of Medicine. 1997;337:230-236 http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/337/4/230] Among 587 patients with coronary artery disease (confirmed by angiography), investigators found a strong, graded relationship between homocysteine levels and overall mortality.

Homocysteine levels above 10.2 mmol/L are associated with a doubling of coronary risk, and levels above 20 mmol/L are associated with a 9.9-fold increase in risk compared with levels below 9 mmol/L.

Folic Acid - Pregnancy - Taking folic acid every day before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of serious birth defects, including heart defects, by up to 70%. The Triple B Lozenges™ contains 800 mcg of folic acid per lozenge – which creates healthy cells to build a baby’s brain and spine, this dose is twice the recommended daily value to ensure that your baby gets the best chance at a great start. Folic acid is a naturally occurring B vitamin. It helps a fetus's neural tube develop properly. The neural tube is the part of a developing baby that becomes the brain and spinal cord. When the neural tube does not close properly, a baby is born with a very serious birth defect called a neural tube defect (NTD).

Methylcobalamin (B-12) We at Maxi Health Research® include methylcobalamin as opposed to cyanocobalamin since methylcobalamin is active immediately upon absorption, while cyanocobalamin must be first converted to methylcobalamin by the body.B12 is known for enhancing energy levels. Studies have shown that subjects taking methylcobalamin experienced increased daytime alertness and concentration, and in some cases, improved mood.

This member of the B complex vitamin family has an affinity to solving memory problems. All ages are benefited by this nutrient but for the elderly it's imperative. The New England Journal Of Medicine reported an association of memory loss with B12 deficiency (Lindenbaum Et Al 1988). Memory improvement with B12 supplementation was shown in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Carmel 1996.

Vitamin B6 known as the master vitamin, is used to process the amino acids that help build proteins and hormones. It assists in the formation of neurotransmitters, which regulate mental processes and possibly moods. Pyroxidine (B6) plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin, healthy function of the digestive and nervous systems and helps maintain healthy skin. For women especially, high levels of this master vitamin (more than can be obtained from diet alone) can help support a healthy heart.

For a formula that works, Try our Triple B Lozenges!!!