#7 of 12 Know This Number – How to Lower Your Homocysteine Naturally to Prevent Disease Ep. 6
Know Your Number #7: Homocysteine — Why It Matters for Brain & Artery Health
In this episode of Dr. Colbert’s Broadcast, Dr. Don Colbert (with Mary Colbert and Kyle Colbert) focuses on
a key lab value many people never check: homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine is described as a “toxic amino acid”
that can inflame blood vessels, contribute to arterial plaque and calcification, and is linked with brain changes that
may accelerate cognitive decline. The big idea: know your number and work with your clinician to bring it down into a healthy range.
Key takeaways from the episode
- High homocysteine is associated with artery calcification and reduced blood flow; Dr. Colbert highlights its link to coronary and cerebral vessels.
- In people with memory concerns, trials show that lowering homocysteine with B-vitamins slowed brain atrophy versus placebo. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Many integrative clinicians aim for < 10 µmol/L (some even lower in those at genetic risk), while standard lab “normal” ranges are often broader. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Coffee intake can raise homocysteine (dose-dependent effects seen in studies), so moderation matters. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Blood tests for amyloid biomarkers (e.g., plasma Aβ42/40 ratio) now exist to support dementia risk assessment in appropriate clinical settings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why homocysteine matters
Dr. Colbert explains that elevated homocysteine is pro-inflammatory and can contribute to plaque buildup and vascular calcification in
coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries—factors relevant to heart and brain health. He also discusses vascular dementia risk in the context of
vessel changes in the brain.
Targets & testing
- Ask your clinician for a fasting homocysteine blood test.
- Many experts consider < 10 µmol/L a prudent goal (stricter targets may be used for those with elevated risk or ApoE-ε4). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- For cognitive evaluation, clinicians may also use blood-based amyloid tests (Aβ42/40 ratio) alongside clinical assessment. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What the research shows
In older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a randomized controlled trial found that homocysteine-lowering B-vitamins slowed brain atrophy
compared with placebo. While not definitive for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, it supports addressing elevated homocysteine in clinical care. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Factors that can raise homocysteine
- Coffee intake: studies have shown increases in plasma homocysteine after coffee and caffeine exposure; moderation (≤ ~2 cups/day) is suggested in the episode. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Nutrient gaps: inadequate folate, B12, and B6 can elevate homocysteine; genetic variants (e.g., MTHFR) may influence active forms needed (discussed in the episode).
- Systemic inflammation: Dr. Colbert notes CRP and homocysteine often “tag-team” vascular risk (discuss this context with your clinician).
Action steps to discuss with your clinician
- Order a homocysteine test and review an individualized target (often < 10 µmol/L). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Evaluate B-vitamin status (folate, B12, B6) and consider active forms when appropriate (e.g., 5-MTHF, methylcobalamin, P5P).
- Consider coffee moderation if intake is >2 standard cups/day. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Build a movement plan (resistance training for hips, spine, and forearm; walking; leg press progressions) to support overall vascular and bone health, as emphasized in the episode.
- Ask whether additional risk markers (e.g., CRP) and, when appropriate, plasma amyloid testing belong in your workup. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
About “calcification” & vitamin K2 (context)
Dr. Colbert discusses arterial calcification and mentions dietary vitamin K2. Observational research (e.g., the Rotterdam Study) has linked
higher menaquinone intake with lower coronary heart disease risk and less aortic calcification, though this does not prove causation. Talk with
your clinician about the right approach for you. See references. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Faith & wellness
Caring for your brain and body is good stewardship. Small, consistent steps—paired with prayer, wise counsel, and community—can add up to meaningful change.
References
- Smith AD et al. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of brain atrophy in MCI. PLoS ONE, 2010. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Verhoef P et al. Contribution of caffeine to the homocysteine-raising effect of coffee. AJCN, 2002. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Marroncini G et al. Is 10 µmol/L a reasonable threshold? 2024 review. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Quest Diagnostics. AD-Detect Aβ42/40 ratio (plasma) test info; dementia testing overview. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Geleijnse JM et al. Dietary menaquinone & coronary heart disease (Rotterdam Study). 2004. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Educational content only; not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to testing, diet, supplements, or medications.
