The role of the amino acid homocysteine in the health of the brain has recived an interesting boost with the latest PLOS One publication from a team based at Oxford University. 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. Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. 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.
However, the latest developments suggest that homocysteine lowering strategies can reduce the rate of brain atrophy by as much as 50% in older people. This has positive implications for prevention of CNS disorders such as Alzheimers as these conditions are causally linked to atrophy. The Allergy Research Homocysteine Metabolite Formula, developed over 10 years ago provides the required nutrients at two per day to match the levels used in the study.
- Smith, A., Smith, S., de Jager, C., Whitbread, P., Johnston, C., Agacinski, G., Oulhaj, A., Bradley, K., Jacoby, R., & Refsum, H. (2010). Homocysteine-Lowering by B Vitamins Slows the Rate of Accelerated Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial PLoS ONE, 5 (9) DOI: View Abstract