Detoxification of Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid; levels in the body rise naturally with age. Normally, it is present in small amounts (5 to 15 umol/L), because it is produced as part of methionine conversion to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), an amino acid often used to treat depression. Homocysteine created in this way is bound to plasma and stored. But stress and other health problems cause the release of homocysteine into the bloodstream. This free homocysteine damages the cells of blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.

B Vitamins Eliminate Homocysteine

• Folic acid (folate) and vitamin B-12 turn free homocysteine back into SAMe, effectively detoxing the body. Dietary sources of folic acid include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley and kale. Supplementation of 350 mcg of folic acid, an amount easily obtained from food, for 17 weeks was shown to decrease homocysteine levels by 20 percent. Vitamin B-12 is difficult to absorb and should be either taken sublingually (under the tongue) or by injection. Dietary sources include meats, though a diet heavy in red meat has been shown to increase free homocysteine.

Another Pathway

• Excess homocysteine can also be converted to cysteine, which is converted into glutathione, a powerful protective antioxidant. This process produces sulfates (transulfuration) that are flushed, or detoxified, from the body in urine. Transulfuration is dependent upon vitamin B6, or pyroxidine. Another substance that fights depression, B6 deficiency is indicated by lack of dream recall and can be related to the use of some medications.

Riboflavin

• Additionally, a B vitamin that helps eliminate free homocysteine is riboflavin, or vitamin B-2. A water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored in the body and must be replenished, ideally from food sources. Foods rich in riboflavin include mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, romaine lettuce and whole grains.