Dangerous Amino Acid: How Homocysteine ​​in the Blood Threatens the Health

The human circulatory system is a complex and interconnected network through which many chemical compounds circulate, performing various functions in the body. One of these substances, the amino acid homocysteine, attracts special attention from medical professionals. Why is this element considered a real enemy of cardiovascular health and what do you need to know to protect yourself from its destructive effects?

Homocysteine ​​is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is formed during metabolic processes involving other amino acids - methionine and cysteine. It is noteworthy that methionine is not synthesized by the body itself, but comes mainly from food products of animal origin, such as meat, eggs, dairy products (especially cottage cheese). In turn, cysteine ​​is a replaceable amino acid that can be produced in the body itself.

It is important to note that the concentration of homocysteine ​​in the blood gradually increases with age. Before puberty, the levels of this substance in boys and girls are approximately the same, but then a more pronounced increase in indicators is observed in males. Thus, in adulthood, the average homocysteine ​​values ​​in men, as a rule, exceed those in women. Experts associate this gender difference with greater muscle mass in the stronger sex, as well as with a more active decline in kidney function over time.

However, the key factor determining the increase in homocysteine ​​levels in the blood is the deficiency of a number of important vitamins - folic acid, B vitamins (B6, B12, B1). These substances play a key role in "neutralizing" homocysteine, preventing its accumulation. With a lack of vitamins, this metabolic product begins to actively accumulate, provoking the development of serious pathologies.

Thus, excess homocysteine ​​in the circulatory system can directly damage the inner wall of blood vessels, causing ruptures in it. Damaged areas of the vascular wall become a favorable environment for the deposition of cholesterol and calcium, which leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. As a result, the lumen of the vessels narrows, and sometimes even becomes blocked, creating a risk of developing blood clots or even rupturing the vessel. In addition, elevated homocysteine ​​levels are considered a risk factor for the development of dementia and a number of oncological diseases.

Given the destructive potential of this amino acid, it is extremely important to regularly monitor its concentration in the blood, especially for people from high-risk groups. Experts recommend taking a homocysteine ​​test at least once a year. To normalize elevated levels, it is necessary to adhere to a diet rich in foods containing B vitamins. In some cases, special pharmaceutical drugs may also be prescribed.

However, monitoring homocysteine ​​levels is only one important element of comprehensive care for cardiovascular health. It is also necessary to pay close attention to other significant indicators, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, etc. Only comprehensive monitoring of key biomarkers and timely correction of identified deviations will allow us to effectively counter the threat of developing serious diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

It is not for nothing that homocysteine ​​is often called a “silent killer” – its destructive impact on the cardiovascular system can remain unnoticed for a long time until serious symptoms appear. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant and undergo regular examinations in order to detect and eliminate this “secret danger” in time.