Nutrition Hotline: this nutrition Hotline concerns the regulation of hyperhomocysteinemia (high levels of homocysteine in the blood).QUESTION: "Do vegetarian diets affect homocysteine Homocysteine Definition Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in blood plasma. High levels of homocysteine in the blood are believed to increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis. levels and risk for heart disease?" ANSWER: High levels of plasma homocysteine, a condition referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia, are a risk factor for heart disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid amino acid (əmē`nō), any one of a class of simple organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases sulfur. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins. that the body can make for itself, so it's not required in the diet. Therefore, this is not a case in which too much of a nutrient is consumed, causing the increased levels. Instead, deficiencies in vitamin [B.sub.12], [B.sub.6], and/or folate folate /fo·late/ (fo´lat) 1. the anionic form of folic acid. 2. more generally, any of a group of substances containing a form of pteroic acid conjugated with l-glutamic acid and having a variety of substitutions. are associated with this condition. Although more evidence and studies are required, some researchers have concluded that high homocysteine levels may be as important as blood cholesterol levels in predicting the risk of coronary artery disease coronary artery disease, condition that results when the coronary arteries are narrowed or occluded, most commonly by atherosclerotic deposits of fibrous and fatty tissue. . The three vitamins--[B.sub.12], [B.sub.6], and folate--are important components in some amino acid biochemical pathways, some of which are associated with cardiovascular functions. If these pathways are inhibited due to deficiencies in one or more of these vitamins, the amino acid homocysteine will build up, causing hyperhomocysteinemia. One way to help prevent hyperhomocysteinemia is to meet the recommended intakes of vitamin [B.sub.12], vitamin [B.sub.6], and folate by maintaining a healthy diet. Some easy ways to obtain vitamin [B.sub.12] from non-animal soures are through fortified fortified (fôrt  ´fīd),adj containing additives more potent than the principal ingredient. soymilk soy·milk n. A milk substitute made from soybeans, often supplemented with vitamins. Noun 1. soymilk - a milk substitute containing soybean flour and water; used in some infant formulas and in making tofu , nutritional yeast Nutritional yeast, similar to brewer's yeast, is a nutritional supplement popular with vegans and the health conscious, who use it as an ingredient in recipes or simply as a condiment. It is a deactivated yeast, usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae. with vitamin [B.sub.12] (such as Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula), or a dietary supplement. Vegans can get plenty of vitamin [B.sub.6] from fortified cereals, beans, bananas, spinach, tomato juice, fortified oatmeal, and many other foods. Foods containing folate include green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals or oatmeal, orange juice, peanuts, and whole wheat bread. If you are concerned about your risk for coronary artery disease and want to check your homocysteine status, a simple blood test can be performed by your doctor. A homocysteine level lower than 12[micro]mol per liter is generally considered ideal, while levels greater than 15[micro]mol per liter are considered high. LOWER YOUR HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL by increasing the size and frequency of servings of fruits and vegetables. Adult men and women should aim for at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate each day. Source of Folic Acid Amount Folic Acid Brown lentils 1 cup, cooked 358 mcg Chickpeas 1 cup, cooked 282 mcg Asparagus 1 cup, cooked 262 mcg Spinach 1 cup, cooked 262 mcg Black beans 1 cup, cooked 256 mcg Bran flakes 1 cup 200 mcg Baked beans 1 cup 122 mcg Papaya 1 medium 116 mcg Cheerios 1 cup 100 mcg Raisin Bran 1 cup 100 mcg Broccoli 1 cup, cooked 78 mcg Orange juice 8 ounces 75 mcg Contributed by Erin M. Crandell, VRG VRG Varig (Viacao Aerea Rio-Grandense, Brazil, ICAO code) VRG Vegetarian Resource Group VRG Ventral Respiratory Group VRG Vaccinia-Rabies Glycoprotein (gene) VRG Vision Research Group VRG Vortex Ring Gun Intern and University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. MPH and RD Candidate. Reviewed by Suzanne Havala Hobbs. |
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