Homocystrol

Homocystrol tablets, provided by Douglas Laboratories, contain significant amounts of vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid, needed for proper metabolism of homocysteine.

FUNCTIONS
Homocysteinemia, or elevated plasma homocysteine, is a major, independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. High plasma levels of homocysteine appear to injure the vasculature, impairing the functional abilities of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Elevated homocysteine also appears to be thrombogenic. Suboptimal intake of several B vitamins, renal failure, and genetic defects in homocysteine metabolism can all contribute to
abnormal homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a sulfur containing amino acid that is created in the body from methionine, an essential amino acid derived solely from dietary intake.

Methionine is metabolized into homocysteine via an intermediate, S-adenosylmethionine. Homocysteine can be metabolized to produce cysteine, a nonessential sulfur-containing amino acid, or it can be remethylated to methionine. Whether the body needs cysteine or methionine will dictate which path homocysteine metabolism will take. Production of cysteine from homocysteine requires two specific enzymes for which vitamin B-6 is an essential coenzyme. Without adequate vitamin B-6, homocysteine can not be metabolized into cysteine. The body can also metabolize homocysteine by remethylating it to methionine. The primary route by which homocysteine is remethylated to methionine requires methyltetrahydrofolate as a methyl donor and vitamin B-12 as a coenzyme.

Methyltetrahydrofolate is synthesized in the body from dietary folic acid. Folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 are necessary for the body to metabolize homocysteine. A deficiency or suboptimal levels any of these essential vitamins will cause plasma homocysteine levels to rise. Dietary surveys and epidemiological studies indicate that suboptimal levels of folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 are common in many population groups. Elderly individuals, smokers, alcoholics, and users of many medications, including estrogens and popular medications for cholesterol and blood glucose control, are at risk for subclinical deficiencies of one or more of these B vitamins.

INDICATIONS
Homocystrol may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to supplement their diet with the key B-vitamins and related nutrients that support homocysteine metabolism.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.