Folic Acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 aid in normal homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine is by-product produced in the normal course of cell metabolism. Research suggests that high levels of homocysteine increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

This is an amnio acid usually found in small amounts in the blood. High levels of this in the blood may promote plaque build up in the blood vessels that may over time lead to heart problems.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well accepted thrombotic risk factor. According to a study in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, "Elevated homocysteine levels confer a graded, independent risk for hemodialysis access thrombosis." The authors of this study also concluded that every 1 µmol/L increase in homocysteine is associated with a 4% increase in the risk for access thrombosis. Other studies suggesting a relationship between homocysteine levels and access clotting.

Since there are no established guidelines on homocysteine testing, this should be left up to the individual practitioner. However, providing baseline and follow-up homocysteine levels will encourage pateints to continue their vitamin therapy, and improve compliance. Monitoring homocysteine levels may help identify which patients need improvement with their vitamin therapy.

Homocysteine is an amino acid. It is normally found in the body and is used to make protein. It is thought that too much homocysteine contributes to plaque build up and blood clot formation. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased risk for PAD and for damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain. Taking folic acid may reduce homocysteine levels, but it is not known whether folic acid prevents vascular diseases. Clinical trials are currently underway.

Homocysteine becomes elevated due to combined effects of aging, very poor intake or absorption of essential vitamins, decline in kidney function, rare genetic disorders, and, occasionally, use of certain medications.

We don't know exactly; the relationship between homocysteine and vascular disease remains unclear. Until we clarify the relationship, including analyzing the results from FAVORIT, how or if homocysteine affects vascular disease remains unknown.