57d50aa9_Health_Information_Library__Why
[Used for] 1 Star Atherosclerosis Refer to label instructions [Why] 
Blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease in most research. Taking vitamin B6 may help lower homocysteine levels. Blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease in most research,146 , 147 though uncertainty remains about whether elevated homocysteine actually causes heart disease.148 , 149 Although some reports have found associations between homocysteine levels and dietary factors, such as coffee and protein intakes,150 evidence linking specific foods to homocysteine remains preliminary. Higher blood levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 , and folic acid are associated with low levels of homocysteine151 and supplementing with these vitamins lowers homocysteine levels.152 , 153 While several trials have consistently shown that B6, B12, and folic acid lower homocysteine, the amounts used vary from study to study. Many doctors recommend 50 mg of vitamin B6, 100-300 mcg of vitamin B12, and 500-800 mcg of folic acid. Even researchers finding only inconsistent links between homocysteine and heart disease have acknowledged that a B vitamin might offer protection against heart disease independent of the homocysteine-lowering effect.154 In one trial, people with normal homocysteine levels had demonstrable reversal of atherosclerosis when supplementing B vitamins (2.5 mg folic acid, 25 mg vitamin B6, and 250 mcg of vitamin B12 per day).155 Similar results were seen in another study.156 For the few cases in which vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid fail to normalize homocysteine, adding 6 grams per day of betaine (trimethylglycine) may be effective.157 Of these four supplements, folic acid appears to be the most important.158 Attempts to lower homocysteine by simply changing the diet rather than by using vitamin supplements have not been successful.159
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