Indication As a dietary source of vitamins B12, folic acid and pyridoxal 5' Phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6), take one caplet daily with a meal, or as directed by a health care professional. Description Homocysteine Amino acids are intricate to many biochemical reactions including the donation of methyl groups. Methionine is an amino acid that acts as a major methyl donor; as demonstrated by S-adenosylmethionine and its methyl transfer to niacin, thereby facilitating niacin excretion as methylated pyridones.1 The latter reaction allows adequate excretion of niacin. Methylation reactions also play an integral role in detoxification, biosynthesis, and regulation. In addition to acting as a methyl donor, methionine also provides sulfur to many sulfur containing structures including cartilage, bones, tendons, and hair.2 Methionine synthesis requires a methyl donor particularly dietary folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) along with vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Pyridoxal 5 phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6) acts as a co-factor for cystathionine Beta synthase thereby converting homocysteine (methionine metabolite) to cysteine.1 In summary, the latter vitamin co-factors recycle methionine thereby promoting methionine homeostatsis. Certain metabolic abnormalities may elevate the plasma levels of homocysteine (a by- product of methionine metabolism) to above normal concentrations. Homocysteine levels in tissues and plasma are influenced by many factors including genetics, environment, medications, lifestyle, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. It has been reported that mutations in enzymes responsible for homocysteine metabolism, with reference to cystathionine beta-synthase or 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, result in extreme cases of elevated homocysteine. Also, deficient intake of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid have been shown to induce hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated homocysteine levels).6 It has been suggested that elevated levels of homocysteine increases oxidative stress, inflammation, and stress on the endoplasmic reticulum resulting in an elevated risk for developing chronic disease.6 Indeed, current studies have found that higher plasma levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events and age related cognitive decline.3, 4 In fact, it is estimated that hyperhomocysteinemia may account for 10% of all risks for vascular disease.5 In countries where cardiovascular disease is known to be especially prevalent, the associated plasma levels of homocysteine also tend to be higher.4 In addition to the potential risk to heart disease, high plasma levels of homocysteine is inversely associated with cognitive performance. Indeed, high plasma levels of homocysteine have been found with vascular dementia and Alzheimers. Ongoing research is therefore looking for strategies to modify this potential risk factor to health. Fortunately, studies are demonstrating that the vitamin co-factors B6, B12 and folic acid may be the answer. Co-Factors That Lower Homocysteine Over the last decade there have been many studies on the potentials of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid to reduce levels of homocysteine. Scientists first thought of this connection from the biochemical role these nutrients play in the recycling of methionine. Improper biochemical conversions of methionine could result in elevated levels of homocysteine resulting in hyperhomocysteinemia. Thus, it was hypothesized that the latter could be reversed by simply supplementing with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid (primary co-factors involved in methylation reactions required for methionine metabolism). Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 significantly lower homocysteine levels. It has been stated that this simple therapy is remarkably effective in delaying the occurrence of vascular events in affected individuals.7 Furthermore, in vitro tests have shown that these B vitamins may have a direct anti-atherogenic action, independent of homocysteine effects, which has also been shown with several clinical trials.8 Phosphatidylcholine- Anti-Homocysteine Properties Phosphatidylcholine is an emulsifying agent also known as lecithin. Phosphatidylcholine is known to act as a detergent emulsifier and promote the absorption of fat and fat soluble nutrients. Interestingly, current studies demonstrate that the supplemental intake of phosphatidylcholine can help reduce plasma homocysteine levels. In a recent cross over clinical trial, the supplemental intake of phosphatidylcholine by a group of 26 healthy men for a 2 week period was associated with a significant 18% reduction of fasting plasma homocysteine concentrations. The authors stated that given the potential risk for homocysteine with cardiovascular events, phosphatidylcholine may reduce the risk for heart disease.9 Heart RX - Homocysteine Formula Enerex Botanicals Inc. has developed a new revolutionary product called "Heart RX Homocysteine Formula" which contains the most critical nutrients required for optimal homocysteine homeostasis. This product contains therapeutic amounts of vitamins B12, folic acid, and the active form of B6 known as pyridoxal 5 phosphate (PLP). These cofactors work in a synergetic fashion to catalyse the degradation of homocysteine consequently converting it to cysteine, thereby maintaining plasma homocysteine at lower levels. PLP was used in this formula since in its active state vitamin B6 may work more effectively to support the enzymatic transulfuration reactions required to convert homocysteine to cysteine. The addition of phosphatidylcholine will further potentiate the homocysteine lowering effects of this product. "Heart Rx - Homocysteine Formula" is simply the best formula on the market to get optimal results. Not only is this product manufactured under the strictest of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to provide the highest quality product, the team of nutrients it contains will support overall cardiovascular health. Packaging: Packed in recyclable amber PETE (Bisphenol A free) containers to provide the best protection for the product against oxidation. References
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