High Homocysteine Supplements: Vitamin B Deficiency and Chronic Fatigue
Worried about high homocysteine levels? This amino acid, produced during the digestion of protein, is a natural byproduct of healthy metabolic processes. Usually, the body breaks down homocysteine using B Vitamins. However, when these vitamins are in short supply, homocysteine can build up to unhealthy levels. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between Vitamin B deficiency and elevated homocysteine levels, plus high homocysteine supplements that can help the body break down excess amino acids.
What is Vitamin B Deficiency?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that helps the body metabolize macronutrients like fat, carbs, and protein into cellular energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP). Vitamin B12 also helps synthesize DNA and healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Unfortunately, due to a range of factors including genetics, diet, medications, and certain medical conditions, some people may not have adequate B12 to sustain healthy metabolic processes. When this happens, cobalamin deficiency may develop. B12 deficiency can also result in megaloblastic anemia, a form of anemia where the body begins to produce malformed, poorly functioning red blood cells.
Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency
Common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
–Chronic Fatigue
–Weakness
–Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
–Mouth sores
–Low appetite
–Weight loss
–Paleness
–Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
–Confusion
–Blurred vision
–Depression
–Irritability
B Vitamins and Chronic Fatigue
Feeling tired? Chronic fatigue–that is, intense, regular fatigue that lasts longer than six months–is one of the major signs of Vitamin B deficiency. This is because B Vitamins, especially B12, help convert the food we eat into energy that our cells can use. When we don’t get enough of these essential nutrients from our diets, or our ability to absorb these nutrients is impeded by certain medications or chronic conditions, our cells struggle to get the energy they need to function.
In fact, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B2 deficiency frequently coincide with the development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS. Additionally, Vitamin B12 deficiency that results in megaloblastic anemia prevents proper oxygenation, resulting in weakness and fatigue.
What is Homocysteine?
So, where does homocysteine come in? This essential amino acid is used to build proteins in the blood. When it interacts with B Vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12, homocysteine breaks down into two important compounds: methionine and cysteine.
Methionine helps the body build and repair cells. It also helps protect cells from toxins. Cysteine performs essential roles within the immune system, skin, liver, and metabolism. It boosts the activity of white blood cells, drives wound healing and the formation of new skin tissue, promotes muscle growth, and counteracts the negative impacts of alcohol and tobacco use within the liver.
When the body lacks sufficient B Vitamins, homocysteine levels rise to unhealthy levels. While having some homocysteine is normal, homocysteine levels that exceed 50 mcmol/L can damage artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis, blood clots, strokes, and even heart attacks.
High Homocysteine Symptoms
The best way to tell if you have high homocysteine levels is to talk to your doctor about a homocysteine test. Homocysteine tests measure the amount of homocysteine present in a blood sample. They are typically used to diagnose B Vitamin deficiencies, but are also used to identify homocystinuria, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from producing the enzyme that helps break down homocysteine. A homocysteine test can also be used to assess your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of high homocysteine include:
–Dizziness
–Weakness
–Heart palpitations
–Fatigue
–Paleness
–Tingling in extremities
–Mouth sores
High Homocysteine Supplements
High homocysteine supplements, along with changes in diet, can help restore balance and combat Vitamin B deficiency. Supercharged with B Vitamins for healthy energy and homocysteine maintenance, meet Dr. Eric Snow’s Energy Protocol.
Dr. Eric Snow’s Red Beet Power
High in B9 (folate), packed with heart-healthy nitrates, and full of antioxidant-rich betalain, Dr. Eric Snow’s Red Beet Power can help boost energy levels, fight oxidative stress, and beet (🤭) Vitamin B deficiency. One of our top picks to help you power through brain fog, recover after a tough workout, and fuel your day with steady, caffeine-free energy.
Standard Process B Vitality with CoQ10
Standard Process B Vitality with CoQ10 contains all eight B Vitamins–including 21% of the recommended daily value of B12. Excellent for circulation, heart health, and healthy energy, Standard Process B Vitality provides broad-spectrum nutritional support for B Vitamin deficiency.
Standard Process Cataplex® B
High homocysteine? Standard Process Cataplex® B contains 59% of your daily value of Vitamin B6 to help maintain healthy homocysteine levels and metabolism.
