Reduce Homocysteine Levels with Vitamin B9

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This includes all heart related diseases and disorders. Following a heart healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can go a long way towards reducing your risk of developing heart disease. Research has also shown that taking small doses of vitamin B9 can reduce or eliminate homocysteine.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body. A person may have elevated levels of this amino acid as the result of a poor diet, vitamin B6 and B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, kidney disease, and taking certain medications. High homocysteine levels can cause damage to the arteries and lead to heart disease and even end in a heart attack or stroke.

A study posted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that 0.2 mg to 5 mg of vitamin B9 (folic acid) was enough to reduce homocysteine levels which lead to improved heart health and a lower risk of cardiac infarction. Vitamin B9 can also reduce the instance of birth defects, depression, and protect against cancer.

Vitamin B9 can be found in a number of food sources including spinach, asparagus, beets, lima beans, soybeans, orange juice, salmon, and milk. This vitamin is also available as a supplement and include in many multivitamin products.