Omocisteina alta: sintomi, cause e rischi per la salute

Summary

This video from Semprefarmacia.it explains homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood that poses health risks when levels are too high. It discusses how homocysteine is produced from methionine and typically regulated by vitamins B6, B9, and B12. High levels of homocysteine are linked to cardiovascular issues, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, and pregnancy complications. Causes include vitamin deficiencies, renal failure, and genetic factors. The video also provides tips on lowering homocysteine through lifestyle changes like balanced diets and exercise, along with medical treatments. Presented by Dr. Valentina.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood, but it has no direct benefit for the body and doesn't participate in protein synthesis.
• 🍽️ It is formed from methionine, an amino acid obtained through diet, and can be converted back into methionine or into cysteine with the help of vitamins B6, B9, and B12.
• 📉 Low homocysteine levels are not a concern, but high levels are associated with various health risks.
• 💔 High homocysteine is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as it damages the vascular endothelium, contributes to plaque formation, increases oxidative stress, and affects coagulation.
• 🧠 It is also linked to neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, spontaneous abortions, preeclampsia, and other conditions including vision and hearing problems.
• 💊 High homocysteine can result from B-vitamin deficiencies, kidney issues, genetic factors, and certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and metformin.
• 🥦 Deficiencies in vitamins B6, B9, and B12 can stem from poor diet, alcohol and caffeine overuse, or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease.
• 🩸 Homocysteine levels are measured through a simple blood test, and levels above 12-13 micromoles per liter are concerning.
• ⚖️ Lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet rich in leafy vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, and legumes, along with physical activity, can help lower homocysteine levels.
• 🚫 Avoid sedentary behavior, excessive alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and processed foods to reduce homocysteine levels and improve overall health.

Q & A

What is homocysteine and how is it formed in the body?

Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that has no direct utility for the body. It is formed from methionine, an amino acid obtained through diet.

What happens to homocysteine in a healthy body?

In a healthy body, homocysteine is converted back into methionine or into cysteine with the help of vitamins B6, B9, and B12.

Why are high levels of homocysteine considered dangerous?

High levels of homocysteine are associated with various health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, damage to the vascular endothelium, atherosclerotic plaque formation, increased oxidative stress, and disrupted coagulation mechanisms.

What health conditions are linked to elevated homocysteine levels?

Elevated homocysteine is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, spontaneous abortion, placental detachment, preeclampsia, vision and hearing problems, erectile dysfunction, depression, and increased cancer risk due to oxidative stress.

What are the main causes of high homocysteine levels?

The main causes include vitamin B6, B9, and B12 deficiencies, kidney failure, genetic factors, and certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors, metformin, fibrates, and oral contraceptives.

How can lifestyle affect homocysteine levels?

An unhealthy lifestyle, including a poor diet low in B vitamins, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to elevated homocysteine levels.

What are the symptoms of high homocysteine levels caused by vitamin B deficiency?

Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and tingling in the limbs.

How is homocysteine tested?

Homocysteine levels are tested through a simple blood test, typically taken in the morning while fasting. Results are expressed in micromoles per liter.

What are considered normal and high levels of homocysteine?

Normal levels vary, but values above 12-13 micromoles per liter are considered high. High levels are categorized as moderate (13-30 micromoles per liter), intermediate (30-100 micromoles per liter), and severe (over 100 micromoles per liter).

What lifestyle changes can help lower homocysteine levels?

To lower homocysteine levels, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity, eat a varied diet rich in fresh foods, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and highly processed foods.