Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can build up in our bodies if it is not quicky metabolised. Some experts feel that homocysteine is your single most important health statistic, even more so than cholesterol. It generates the free-radicals called superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. It also causes platelets to aggregate, encouraging blood clotting and thrombosis.

Conditions Associated with Raised Homocysteine

Chronic Pain: FMS, CFS, migraine headaches, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis. Cancer: colon, skin, leukaemia, thyroid, cervical dysplasias (abnormal smear test). Cardiovascular diseases: High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), magnesium depletion from arterial walls, erectile dysfunction. Central Nervous System: Stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, depression, Parkinson’s disease. Endocrine: Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus. Gastro-intestinal: Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.

Factors Raising Homocysteine

Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Smoking, excess Alcohol consumption, Stress, strict Dieting, excessive amounts of Tea and Coffee.

A blood specimen is taken from a patient who has fasted overnight. The sample is specially prepared for despatch to the laboratory.

Risk Categories	Fasting Homocysteine
Superhealth	< 6
Low Risk	6 - 9
Moderate Risk	9 - 12
High Risk	12 - 15
Very High Risk	15 - 20
Extremely high	> 20

Levels can be successfully lowered by both change in diet and taking nutritional supplements.