Homocysteine is an undesirable amino acid that can damage blood vessels and promote cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease. The most common cause of an elevated homocysteine is insufficiency of the vitamins B6, B12, and folate.
An above-optimal homocysteine contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and endothelial damage. It is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Lifestyle habits that include smoking as well as unhealthy diets low in fruits and vegetables are associated with elevated homocysteine.
However, homocysteine can serve certain functions in metabolism as a source of methyl groups and sulfur as well as cysteine that can be used for glutathione synthesis. Very low levels of homocysteine may facilitate oxidative stress and contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
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