CALCIUM: ANOTHER WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY

CALCIUM AND VIT D SUPPLEMENTATION

CALCIUM CUTS BONE LOSS

VITAMIN C - THE WONDER CURE

PMS - PROPER MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENTATION

CATARACTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS

CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM

A CRAMP "SOLUTION"

CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS

CHELATION & MINERAL BIOAVAILABILITY

MALNUTRITION AND THE ELDERLY

MAGNESIUM: ARE YOU "MARGINALLY" DEFICIENT?

MAGNESIUM: THE MEDICINAL MINERAL

YOUR HEALTH CARE DEBATE

THE OTHER DEBATE

"TIS THE SEASON TO BE STRESSED"

VEGETARIANISM: A 90'S APPROACH TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

WINTER BLUES AND HOLIDAYS

ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION

SHOULD YOU TAKE EXTRA VITAMINS

MACULAR DEGENERATION STUDY SUPPORTS SUPPLEMENTATION

WHAT DO HEART DISEASE, STROKES AND ALZHEIMER'S HAVE IN COMMON? 3 B VITAMINS

Homocysteine is a non-essential amino acid. Excessive homocysteine levels can be caused by a deficiency of folate, Vitamins B6 and B12 that break down the amino acid. Folate deficiencies are common and arise because a person is not eating enough fruits and leafy green vegetables. B12 deficiency can occur in vegetarians, since this vitamin is not found in plant sources. Typically, these deficiencies are more commonly caused by poor absorption, which can result from HIV, alcohol abuse, disease, aging, and other causes.

There is already evidence that an elevated blood level of the amino acid homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The evidence suggests that high levels of homocysteine may damage coronary arteries or make it easier for platelets to clump together and form a clot.

Now researchers at Boston University School of Medicine report that people with the highest level of homocysteine were twice as likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease as those with the lowest level. The researchers followed 1,092 people who did not have dementia when they enrolled in 1976. After an average of 8 years of follow-up through 1990, 111 participants developed dementia. Alzheimer's was thought to be the cause in 83 cases.

This study does not prove that lowering homocysteine levels will prevent Alzheimer's. The National Institute of Aging is now planning a study to see whether high doses of folic acid, B6 and B12 can prevent or slow the development of Alzheimer's.

© Advanced Nutritional Research, April-June, 2002