From: Jerry Vonderharr <vonder@netonecom.net>

Subject: Re: Heart attack: Homocysteinemia as independent risk factor

Sarah Laidlaw wrote:

> There is some interesting research underway at the present time regarding

> homocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for heart attacks. The

> elevated homocystine is thought to be a result of deficiencies in folate,

> possibly B6 and B12. This is of particular concern in older folks who do

> not consume diets that are adequate in these nutrients.

I've been following this research with interest. It seems that elevated

homocysteine levels are a much better predictor or cardiovascular

disease than blood lipids. In the earliest stages of atherosclerosis,

homocysteine build-up is thought to increase endothelial cell damage.

Many researchers expect that lowering homocysteine in vascular patients

should reduce the risk of vascular disease. Controlled trials are now

in progress.

Previous trials reported that folate, B6 and B12 will consistently

lowe4r homocysteine levels. Folate appears to be the most important

and, in part because North American's eat so much B12, supplemental B12

is probably the least crucial of the three.

Large doses of B6 and B12 have been used in some of the trials (up to

250 mg/d B6). As little as 10 mg B6 and 1 mg folate have previously

proven successful. A 1994 study (Franken, et al "Tx of mild

hyperhomocysteinemia in vascular dx patients" Arterioscler Thromb,

14:465-70) added betaine to non-responders and produced a 98% success

rate with the therapy.

I believe that at this stage of our knowledge base that all

cardiovascular patients should be supplemented with these nutrients

unless serum homocysteine levels are tested and found to be normal.

Jerry Vonderharr, DC

PS: I appologize to Stephanie and the readers of the list for some of my

earlier "hot-headed" remarks (thanks for the wake-up call George). I'll

try to keep my flame thrower safely stowed from here on out. I really

enjoy chatting with you folks.