What Are the Causes of Increased Homocysteine Levels?

According to the Mayo Clinic, human bodies need homocysteine to create protein and make tissue. However, the American Heart Association reports that too much of the substance, an amino acid found in blood plasma, can cause stroke, heart and vascular disease. Although there is no evidence, as of 2010, that reducing a high homocysteine level will cut your risk of heart disease, you should be aware of its causes in order to try to prevent it.

Lack of Folic Acid

• Folic acid, or folate, is a form of vitamin B found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and lettuce, and grain products fortified with folic acid. A high level of homocysteine in your blood could mean you aren't getting enough folic acid, says the Mayo Clinic. Other high-folate foods you can consume to lower your homocysteine level include okra, legumes, mushrooms, orange juice and tomato juice.

Lack of Vitamins B6 and B12

• Like folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 help process the homocysteine in your body, says the American Heart Association. The Mayo Clinic recommends these foods that are high in vitamin B: cereal grains, legumes, vegetables (carrots, spinach, peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish, liver, meat and flour.

  Interestingly, the human body stores enough vitamin B12 for several years' worth of use, according to the Mayo Clinic, so deficiencies of this particular vitamin are rare. However, increasing your intake of fish, shellfish, dairy products and meat can provide you with essential vitamin B12.

Genetics

• You can't change your chromosomal makeup, but it is a cause of high homocysteine levels in some people. The American Heart Association recommends that people who have a higher risk of heart disease as a result of family history eat a diet rich in vitamin B and folic acid to try to prevent the complications caused by a high homocysteine level.