B Vitamins Reduce Homocysteine Levels

B Vitamins Reduce Homocysteine Levels

WASHINGTON--Homocysteine, a breakdown product of an amino acid found inprotein, appears to play a role in narrowing arteries to the heart and brain.However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has found that three B vitaminskeep homocysteine levels in check: folate, B6 and B12.

The AMA's recommended daily allowances are: folate, 400 micrograms (bread,pasta, beans); B6, 1.3 to 1.5 milligrams (non-citrus fruits, poultry, beef); andB12, 2.4 micrograms (fish, poultry, dairy products).

Elevated homocysteine levels may result from impaired kidney function, lupus,thyroid problems and certain medications. High homocysteine levels are hard todetect, and there are no studies proving that lowering homocysteine levels lowerthe risk of heart attack. "We didn't know for sure about cholesterol until1985," said Paul Jacques, chief of epidemiology at USDA Human NutritionResearch Center. He added that even though the risks of high cholesterol werestill unknown, doctors still worked at lowering it in their patients.