Heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and depression are common conditions among middle-aged and older people. Although these diseases have different symptoms, they often share an abnormal laboratory marker: elevated homocysteine levels. Damage to blood vessel linings: Hyperhomocysteinemia can damage endothelial cells and impair vascular relaxation, reducing the elasticity of blood vessels.
This damage can lead to the accumulation of blood cells, coagulation factors, and cholesterol at the site, forming clots. If these clots occur in cardiovascular vessels, they can cause cardiovascular diseases; if they occur in cerebral vessels, they can lead to strokes. This is why patients with cardiovascular diseases and strokes often exhibit elevated homocysteine levels.
Cognitive impairment and emotional disturbances: Homocysteine affects the brain’s metabolism and function of critical neurotransmitters through the methylation cycle. Therefore, elevated levels of homocysteine can lead to cognitive impairment and emotional disturbances. Case #1: Hypertension Case #2: Transient Ischemic Attack Case #3: Cognitive Decline Case #4: Osteoporosis Case #5: Pregnancy Folate (folic acid): Facilitates the conversion of homocysteine to methionine in the methylation process, which is essential for maintaining balanced homocysteine levels.
Sources of folate include green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fortified foods. The recommended daily intake is 400 to 800 micrograms. Vitamin B12: This v.