Abstract
A significant finding in recent times is theclassification of high homocysteine levels asa potential risk factor in a number of chronicvascular conditions, particularly cardiovasculardisease - though neural tube defectsand decreased cognitive performance havealso been demonstrated. Several factorsinfluence the level of homocysteine concentrations,including age, gender, smokingand diet. Interactions with folate and vitaminB12 may also be important in the risksimposed by high levels of homocysteine.Genetic factors also influence homocysteinemetabolism, and therefore risk of vasculardisease. Observational studies, both prospectiveand case-control, have shown amoderate risk between homocysteine andcoronary heart disease, stroke and venousthromboembolism. The majority of randomizedclinical trials testing the effectivenessof vitamin B on reducing homocysteinelevels, and putatively decreasing the risk ofvascular disease, are null. The epidemiologicalevidence is reviewed in this chapter.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health |
| Publisher | CABI Publishing |
| Pages | 367-381 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781845937980 |
| State | Published - Nov 24 2011 |
