Nutrition Hotline: this nutrition Hotline concerns the regulation of hyperhomocysteinemia - high levels of homocysteine in the blood

QUESTION: "Do vegetarian diets affect homocysteine levels and risk for heart disease?"

ANSWER: High levels of plasma homocysteine, a condition referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia, are a risk factor for heart disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body can make for itself, so it's not required in the diet. Therefore, this is not a case in which too much of a nutrient is consumed, causing the increased levels. Instead, deficiencies in vitamin [B.sub.12], [B.sub.6], and/or folate are associated with this condition. Although more evidence and studies are required, some researchers have concluded that high homocysteine levels may be as important as blood cholesterol levels in predicting the risk of coronary artery disease. The three vitamins--[B.sub.12], [B.sub.6], and folate--are important components in some amino acid biochemical pathways, some of which are associated with cardiovascular functions. If these pathways are inhibited due to deficiencies in one or more of these vitamins, the amino acid homocysteine will build up, causing hyperhomocysteinemia. One way to help prevent hyperhomocysteinemia is to meet the recommended intakes of vitamin [B.sub.12], vitamin [B.sub.6], and folate by maintaining a healthy diet. Some easy ways to obtain vitamin [B.sub.12] from non-animal soures are through fortified soymilk, nutritional yeast with vitamin [B.sub.12] (such as Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula), or a dietary supplement. Vegans can get plenty of vitamin [B.sub.6] from fortified cereals, beans, bananas, spinach, tomato juice, fortified oatmeal, and many other foods. Foods containing folate include green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals or oatmeal, orange juice, peanuts, and whole wheat bread. If you are concerned about your risk for coronary artery disease and want to check your homocysteine status, a simple blood test can be performed by your doctor. A homocysteine level lower than 12[micro]mol per liter is generally considered ideal, while levels greater than 15[micro]mol per liter are considered high.

LOWER YOUR HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL by increasing the
size and frequency of servings of fruits and vegetables.
Adult men and women should aim for at least
400 micrograms (mcg) of folate each day.

Source of Folic Acid   Amount          Folic Acid

Brown lentils          1 cup, cooked     358 mcg
Chickpeas              1 cup, cooked     282 mcg
Asparagus              1 cup, cooked     262 mcg
Spinach                1 cup, cooked     262 mcg
Black beans            1 cup, cooked     256 mcg
Bran flakes            1 cup             200 mcg
Baked beans            1 cup             122 mcg
Papaya                 1 medium          116 mcg
Cheerios               1 cup             100 mcg
Raisin Bran            1 cup             100 mcg
Broccoli               1 cup, cooked      78 mcg
Orange juice           8 ounces           75 mcg

Contributed by Erin M. Crandell, VRG Intern and University of Michigan MPH and RD Candidate. Reviewed by Suzanne Havala Hobbs.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Vegetarian Resource Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group