Homocysteine ​​is an amino acid that actively participates in a biological process called methylation. During methylation, the biologically active form of folate (5-MTHF) transfers the methyl group to homocysteine ​​so that it can be converted to another amino acid, methionine. When working optimally, methylation promotes cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive health; promotes energy production; improves detoxification pathways; supports longevity; and more.

The problem is that over 50% of the US population has a genetic mutation in the MTHFR gene that inhibits the body’s ability to activate folate, so it cannot optimize methylation. If bioactive folate is not available to convert homocysteine ​​during the methylation cycle (ie, due to a variation in the MTHFR gene or for other reasons such as poor diet, hormonal imbalance, stress, or exposure to toxins), homocysteine ​​levels can become too high. .

Elevated levels of homocysteine ​​are associated with a higher risk of chronic inflammation, poor detoxification, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, and yes, dementia.