Re: Strategies for People to Raise Their Levels of Good HDL Cholesterol


Jim Chinnis wrote:
> "Frankie" <birm47@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in part:
>
> >Jim,
> >There are no safe levels of homocysteine, but optimal levels are 6.2 or
> >less.
> >For each 3 point increase above 6.3, there is a 35% increased risk of
> >heart attack. (American Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, 143[9]:845-59)
> >Some need to add zinc and TMG (trimethylglycine) to work with the B's
> >to lower homocysteine.
>
> When I look at the evidence in total, I can't see any support for reducing
> homocysteine with B vitamins, other methyl donors such as trimethylglycine,
> or zinc. Studies of folate (a methyl donor), B-12 and B-6 have not shown any
> reduction in heart disease events despite the reductions in homocysteine.
> --
> Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA

haven't such studies used folic acid rather than the true methyl donor
which has now become available from Merck?

Even using several mg/day of that is unlikely to alter the body methyl
balance since the body's use is orders of magnitude more than this.

While we don't have data to show that methyl donors improve mortality,
(lower Hcy is not enough) I think its an open question. By analogy
to the vege diets which do work, this would fit nicely, if its right.

Ed

.