Homocysteine Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Health Risks & Natural Ways to Lower It
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body during the breakdown of methionine, a protein found in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Normally, homocysteine is converted into other useful substances with the help of B vitamins. However, when levels rise in the blood, it can increase the risk of serious health problems. What Is Homocysteine? Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid present in small amounts in the blood. The body uses vitamins B6, B12, and folate (B9) to convert homocysteine into methionine or cysteine. If these vitamins are deficient, homocysteine levels may increase — a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia . Causes of High Homocysteine Levels Deficiency of Vitamin B12 Low folate levels Vitamin B6 deficiency Chronic kidney disease Hypothyroidism Smoking and excessive alcohol intake Genetic conditions Symptoms of High Homocysteine High homocysteine usually does not cause direct symptoms but may be linked to: Fatigue Weaknes...