Homocysteines and folic acid

What you need to know about folic acid

This specific variety of acid is water-soluble in nature, and more importantly, in the greatest majority of cases it is not toxic. However, when a person opts for fat-soluble vitamins, it is essential for him/her to first consult a doctor or vitamin expert, since the intake should not turn into something disorderly. Namely, a most responsible adherence to recommended intake-levels is advised because needles overdoing may, and in most cases does, lead to the unwanted buildup in one’s body. And this is something that nobody desires due to the possible negative implications and side effects that may arise.

Homocysteine belongs to the category of amino acids, and it is known to have the tendency to build up together with numerous different substances (such as calcium, for instance) in one’s blood, where it induces the formation of plaque. The extremely unfavorable downside to such an occurrence is that it leads to the occurrence of arteriosclerosis, as well as to the development of heart disease.

B vitamins to the rescue

The group of vitamins in question is known to be quite effective when it comes to the reduction of the levels of homocysteine in one’s blood. This in turn hinders and ultimately protects one from developing and suffering damage cardiovascular in nature. The most prominent vitamins in this respect are vitamins B6 and B12, fortified with potentials of folic acid.

Folic acid and the heart

Ever since 1969, there have been assertions and claims that folic acid may be brought in direct relation with the heart's health. However, only recently did this become more apparent, when Dr. Kilmer McCully made a proposition and the claim that increase in the overall levels of homocysteine has a perilous potential and might be directly related to a number of fatal cardiovascular illnesses and diseases respectively. Of course, such claims and observation did not come out of a blue, but were a result of Dr. McCully’s long term work as a pathologist.

As for the present day, i.e. almost 37 years later, and based on the discoveries made by the respectable and aforementioned doctor, a number of research studies further strengthened the initial connection between low homocysteine levels and the appropriate intake of vitamins from the B group. Another claim, which yet needs to be substantiated with more evidence, is that homocysteines might be directly responsible for the occurrence of neuro-tube defects that appear after birth.