Folate Deficiency And Homocysteine

Folate is a B vitamin that plays a role in the synthesis of amino acids. Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis, cell replication and formation of red blood cells. Folic acid is a synthetic form of the vitamin that is found in dietary supplements and is used to fortify grain products. You can obtain adequate folate through a healthy diet, and a deficiency in folate can have significant health consequences. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the bloodstream, and a lack of folate can result in elevated levels of homocysteine. Consult your doctor if you think you may be at risk.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is both formed and broken down during the process of protein metabolism. According to the American Heart Association, elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Your doctor may measure the level of homocysteine in your blood to assess risk for cardiovascular disease. This is done through a simple blood test.

Folate and Homocysteine

Coenzymes of folate are necessary to convert homocysteine into another important amino acid, methionine. Vitamin B-12 is also involved in this process. Without adequate amounts of folate in the body, the reaction that converts homocysteine to methionine is inhibited, and as a result, homocysteine begins to accumulate in the body. Folate deficiency eventually leads to elevated levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream.

Consequences

Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are related to increased risk for several chronic illnesses. In a review study published in 2008 in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," researchers concluded that recent studies have consistently found that as levels of homocysteine rise, so does incidence of coronary heart disease. Stroke, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and bone fracture are also associated with elevated homocysteine. Science has not been able to demonstrate that high homocysteine levels cause these illnesses, but a high level in the blood is a marker for increased risk.

Treatment

Folate deficiency can easily be prevented by consuming a healthy diet. Folate is abundant in the diet in foods such as dried beans and legumes, broccoli, liver, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens and whole-grain products. Also, since 1998, all enriched grain products in the United States have been fortified with folic acid. Folic acid supplements can also be used to prevent or treat folate deficiency. The Institute of Medicine recommends 400 mcg per day of folic acid. Increasing folate intake through diet or supplements is effective to lower homocysteine levels.