How to lower homocysteine levels

I recently received this question from an HSI member named Adrian:

“I see info that suggests keeping homocysteine levels low by taking folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12. They never say how much of each per day. How about publishing that, please?”

An elevated homocysteine level is a warning that your cardiovascular system may be in danger of developing a stroke or a heart attack. But a number of studies have shown that supplements of B vitamins, and especially folate, can help manage homocysteine levels. So how much should you take? Good question. And for an expert answer I turned to HSI Panelist, Allan Spreen, M.D., who has this advice:

“The answer is not only variable, but also difficult to accomplish in the U.S., thanks to the FDA. In my opinion the “Recommended Daily Allowance” is not worthy of the slightest consideration. It is predicated on the absolute lowest doses suggested to avoid overt signs of serious deficiency diseases. It has nothing whatsoever to do with optimal health.

“There is even less relationship in the case of cardiovascular disease and RDA amounts of vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid (folate), since at the time of the RDA formulations there was no realization that heart disease was preventable by any dose.

“Very low doses in many individuals may work, but for some the requirements may be as high as 20 mg of folic acid, which isn’t available in the U.S. due to a moronic decision of the FDA years ago (only 0.8 mg is available without a prescription). But the FDA only has jurisdiction over what dosage can be sold – not the amount you may choose to take in your own home – so my recommendation is that high homocysteine individuals might consider 5 milligrams of folic acid, 100 milligrams of B-6, and 1 milligram of B-12 (the last taken under the tongue, not orally). In a great many cases 0.8 milligrams of folate, 50 milligrams of B-6, and 1 milligram of B-12 will do the trick.

“In some cases even the higher amount isn’t adequate, and the addition of TMG (trimethylglycine, also called ‘betaine’) is necessary, from 500-1200 milligrams daily. This is a more expensive nutrient than the others, so is usually reserved for later efforts.”

My thanks to Dr. Spreen for his commentary – insightful as always.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute