• It accumulates in the blood, causing cholesterol to change into a dangerous form which can severely damage artery walls and start the heart disease process.
  
• It reduces levels of the vital anti-oxidant glutathione, which is the body’s strongest anti-ageing nutrient and detoxifying agent.
  
• By reducing levels of SAMe, it dramatically reduces the process of methylation, which is the main way in which most biochemical reactions in the body happen.  Methylation should normally take place 1 billion times per second.  Without adequate methylation, normal protective bodily processes are less effective, and our DNA cannot repair itself, leading to increased risk of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, auto-immune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.  SAMe is also in itself a very powerful anti-oxidant, anti-depressant and painkiller.

What causes homocysteine to accumulate unhealthily?

Basically, a low intake of certain essential nutrients: B2, B6, B12, Folic Acid, zinc and TMG.   Diets nowadays are often very low in B vitamins and zinc, due to food processing and low intake of wholegrains, green leafy vegetables, etc.  B vitamins are also depleted by stress and alcohol consumption.  In addition, people with poor digestion may not absorb their nutrients properly.

If the score is high, can anything be done about it?

Yes!  According to your score, if you improve your diet and also take the right level of the essential nutrients, you can reduce your H score and your disease risk in as little as 2 months.

How does the test work?

You receive a kit which includes a device for taking a pin-prick blood sample at home. You then send it off to the lab in the box provided and await the results, which should be with you within 2 weeks (depending on volume).  The cost is £75.

What if the score is 6 or above?

You are recommended to consult a fully qualified nutritionist, who will help you to adjust your diet and recommend appropriate supplements to reduce your H level.  A retest would be recommended after a number of months.

What other conditions have been associated with high homocysteine apart from heart attacks, strokes, cancer and Alzheimer’s?

Angina, arthritis, chronic fatigue, coeliac disease, dementia, diabetes, severe depression, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, heart attacks, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease), inflammatory conditions such as eczema, asthma or arthritis, kidney problems, low thyroid, lupus, menopausal problems, migraines, oestrogen deficiency, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy problems (including repeated miscarriages), schizophrenia, stomach ulcers, strokes and ulcerative colitis. 

What are the most common risk factors for high homocysteine?

Having experienced any of the above, or the following:

 What role do genes play in all this?

An estimated 10 to 15 per cent of the population have a genetic defect which means that they need much more of the essential nutrients involved to keep their homocysteine levels down.  There is also a very rare children’s disease associated with poor breakdown of homocysteine.