QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY

Homocysteine and folic acid

Homocysteine is an amino acid formed from methionine, another amino acid in the protein in the diet. There is a genetically determined disease called homocystinuria in which there are very high blood levels of homocysteine, causing premature atherosclerosis. Homocysteine damages the endothelium and stimulates thrombosis. In the normal population, modestly raised blood levels of homocysteine are common and predispose the subjects to coronary heart disease and coronary thrombosis. It is hoped that this problem can be helped by supplementing the diet with folic acid and or vitamin B6 (both available over the counter). Folic acid is found in fresh fruit and vegetables, which everybody is encouraged to eat.

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