As February is the month of love, there is no better time to prioritise the health of our hearts and close ones. This month we will be focusing on our Anti-Homocysteine supplement, carefully formulated to support your overall health and well-being. As we prioritise the importance of maintaining optimal health, we are excited to highlight the benefits of Anti-Homocysteine and how it can support your health.
What is in Metabolic Anti-Homocysteine Support?
Metabolics Anti-Homocysteine Support is a combination of the following nutrients:
- Folate in the bioavailable form, methyltetrahydrofolate, therefore not requiring the gene for breakdown of folic acid
- Vitamin B12 in its bioavailable form of methylcobalamin, vitamin B6 in its bioavailable form of Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate,
- Vitamin B2 in its bioavailable form of Riboflavin 5 Phosphate
- Choline as the precursor to betaine. Choline-depleted diets tend to increase plasma concentrations of homocysteine.
What is homocysteine?
So, what is homocysteine? It is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body that is produced during the metabolism of methionine, another amino acid found in protein rich foods. Under normal conditions, homocysteine is converted into other substances that the body needs for various functions.
Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and other health related problems. High homocysteine levels can result from genetic factors, deficiencies in certain b vitamins such as B6, B12 and folate or lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poor diet.
What does Metabolics Anti-Homocysteine Support do?
Here is what is in our Anti-Homocysteine and how it can support you.
Riboflavin’s role in ant-homocysteine support
Riboflavin (B2)- Riboflavin also known as Vitamin B2, plays a crucial role in the metabolism of homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine can be associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes. Here is how Riboflavin can help lower homocysteine levels:
Conversation to Folate and Vitamin B6
Riboflavin is involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is converted further into S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is a precursor of the synthesis of various compounds including DNA, proteins and neurotransmitters. The conversion process requires other B vitamins, particularly folate (B9) and vitamin B6. Riboflavin helps to activate these vitamins, enabling them to participate in the conversion of homocysteine levels.
Energy Metabolism
Riboflavin is crucial for energy metabolism as it is a component of two coenzymes involved in electron transport. Adequate energy metabolism ensure that cells function optimally, which may indirectly help regulate homocysteine levels.
Antioxidant properties
Riboflavin is involved in the synthesis of coenzymes with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to elevated homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B6’s role in anti-homocysteine support
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, also plays a crucial role in the metabolism of homocysteine. Here is how B6 can help lower homocysteine levels:
Conversion to Cysteine
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for the coenzyme beta-synthase (CBS), which catalyses the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine. Cysteine is an essential amino acid that plays various roles in the body, including protein synthesis and the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. By facilitating the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine, vitamin B6 helps to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood stream.
Methylation Reactions
Vitamin B6 is also involved in homocysteine metabolism through methylation reactions. Along with folate and B12, vitamin B6 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is then utilised in various biochemical reactions in the body. Adequate levels of B6 are necessary for the proper functioning of these methylation reactions, which can help regulate homocysteine levels.
Folate’s role in anti-homocysteine support
Folate is also known as B9 Folate. As you have previously seen above, B9 alongside B6, B12 and B2 are specifically involved in the methylation process of converting homocysteine into methionine.
It can also help with lowering homocysteine. When there is enough folate available in the body, homocysteine is effectively metabolised into methionine through a process called remethylation. By facilitating this process, folate helps to lower homocysteine levels in the body.
Vitamin B12’s role in anti-homocysteine support
Here is how vitamin B12 can help with homocysteine levels in the body:
Coenzyme Role
Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme for methionine synthase, meaning it helps the enzyme perform its function effectively. Without sufficient levels of B12, methionine synthase cannot function optimally, leading to an accumulation of homocysteine in the blood.
DNA Synthesis
Vitamin B12 is also important for DNA synthesis and repair. Adequate levels of vitamins B12 are necessary for the proper replication of DNA and the maintenance of healthy cells. Dysfunctional DNA synthesis can lead to increased levels of homocysteine.
Folate Metabolism
Vitamin B12 works closely with another B vitamin, folate (vitamin B9), in the metabolism of homocysteine. As we have already covered, B9 is required for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine but B12 helps to regenerate active forms of folate that are necessary for this process. Therefore, deficiency in either B12 or folate can result in elevated homocysteine levels.
Choline’s role in anti-homocysteine support
Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and cell membrane structure. One way choline can help with homocysteine levels in the body is through its involvement in the methylation pathway. Other ways Choline can help are:
Methylation Reaction
Choline is metabolised in the body to betaine, which serves as a methyl donor. Betaine donates a methyl group to homocysteine, converting it to methionine. This methylation reaction is essential for maintaining normal homocysteine levels.
Preventing homocysteine accumulation
Choline helps to prevent the accumulation of homocysteine in the bloodstream by facilitating the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
Supporting methylation processes
Methylation is a vital biochemical process involved in various cellular functions including DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production and detoxication. Choline’s role as a methyl donor helps support these processes, ensuring efficient metabolism and utilisation of nutrients.
Cardiovascular support
In conclusion, our product of the month, Anti-Homocysteine Support, stands out as a powerhouse in cardiovascular support and heart health. With its meticulously formulated blend of B vitamins, it offers a nutritional approach to managing homocysteine levels. By addressing this key marker of heart health, our product not only supports cardiovascular function but also promotes well-being. Incorporating this supplement into your daily routine can be a proactive step towards supporting your heart and general health.
Stacie Henson has been working at Metabolics for two years and has immersed herself in learning more about Metabolics products and nutrition generally.
She has completed basic nutrition courses and recently completed a Level 4 Nutrition Diploma. Stacie is currently studying for a Level 4 Transformational Nutrition course to further her experience and knowledge to better support Metabolics customers.