The diet to be taken in the presence of high homocysteine is a diet that particularly treats the supply of water-soluble vitamins of group B.
What is Homocysteine
Homocysteine metabolism is regulated by some B group vitamins, therefore, a significant and prolonged deficiency can determine hyperhomocysteinemia: concentration greater than or equal to 12µmol / L.
The metabolic conversion of homocysteine depends on:
- Folic acid, Riboflavin (vit B2), Cobalamin (B12), Betaine and Zinc, which allow for methyline re-methylation
- Pyridoxine (vit B6) which determines its transulfization or degradation in cysteine
Risks of hyperhomocysteinemia and poor diet
In the event that the diet is not suitable for the treatment of high homocysteine and does not guarantee appropriate levels of group B vitamins, disposal is carried out entirely through renal filtration, after conversion to homoCYSTIN.
There are different levels of hyperhomocysteinemia and the variability of side effects depends on the importance of blood accumulation. An inadequate diet, genetics, inter-individual characteristics, drugs, smoking and alcohol can lead to various complications:
- Raising of free radicals
- Urinary sediment and calculosis
- Predisposition to nerve degeneration (Alzheimer's)
- Increased cardiovascular risk
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
What to eat
The diet for high homocysteine is a dietary therapy that provides for the achievement of the recommended levels of folic acid, cobalamin (B12), pyridoxine (vit B6), riboflavin (vit B2) and zinc. A diet lacking in one of these nutrients determines the increase in the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia; significant alterations of homocysteine levels were found in subjects adhering to the vegan diet, in those addicted to alcohol and in tobacco addicts.
The diet for high homocysteine must include: meat, eggs and fish for a correct intake of cobalamin, and vegetables (especially raw green leaf) to reach the minimum levels of folic acid. Riboflavin and pyridoxine are almost ubiquitous, however, consuming a portion of milk daily ensures the intake of vit B2, while B6 is more available in meat than in vegetables.
Bibliography:
- Guidelines for patients with hyper-homocysteinemia - Inpha2000, in collaboration with the University of Padua
- Recommended Nutrient Intake Levels for the Italian Population - Italian Human Nutrition Society (SINU).
