Homocysteine Index

Featured: Homocysteine Main Article
Homocysteine, an amino acid produced by the body is usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may be associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, hardening of the arteries, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms of elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood include increased tendency of blood clotting, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. Insufficient amounts of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 are associated with increased levels of homosysteine in the blood. Alcoholism, chronic kidney disease, and cigarette smoking have also been associated with elevated levels of homocysteine. Treatment of high homocysteine blood levels include consumption of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 supplements and cereals.