Nutritionally supports a healthy Nervous System and Cardio Vascular function.
Homocysteine:
Homocysteine is an intermediate compound produced in the body in the process of converting the essential amino acid methionine into cysteine, used by the body to make hair and other components. When folic acid, B6 and B12 are deficient in the diet to assist in enzymatic conversion of homocysteine to methionine or cysteine, homocysteine begins to accumulate in the blood. Observation studies have lead to the development of the theory that high homocysteine levels in the blood may contribute to the development of heart disease. Data collected from more than 10,000 patients from about 80 clinical and population studies add credence to this theory. Now, high blood levels of homocysteine or homocysteinemia is considered a well-established risk factor for heart diseases."
High Homocystein levels can occcur from: Genetic disorders, folate (folic acid) deficiency, B12 deficiency, B6 deficiency, poor kidney function, increasing age, stress (a HUGE factor in the rise in homocystein levels), male sex, excessive alcohol intake and smoking.
Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt. This vitamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called gastric intrinsic factor. This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract.
Results of two national surveys, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III-1988-94) and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII 1994-96) found that most children and adults in the United States (U.S.) consume recommended amounts of vitamin B12. A deficiency may still occur as a result of an inability to absorb B12 from food and in strict vegetarians who do not consume any animal foods. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later.
Characteristic signs, symptoms, and health problems associated with B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in infancy include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia. Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.
Excerpts from: The Center For Disease Control (CDC):
"The B vitamin folic acid helps prevent birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and while she is pregnant, her baby is less likely to have a major birth defect of the brain or spine.
Most women do not know how important folic acid is for their bodies and for the health of a baby they might have in the future. They also do not know that a woman needs to take folic acid every day, starting before she is pregnant, for it to work to prevent birth defects.
Birth defects of a baby's brain or spine happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. That is why it is important for a woman to get enough folic acid each day, starting before she is pregnant.
A woman's body uses folic acid to make healthy new cells for her baby. Scientists are not sure how folic acid works to prevent birth defects, but they do know that it is needed for making the cells that will form a baby's brain, spine, organs, skin, and bones.
Every woman needs folic acid for the healthy new cells her body makes every day . . . even if she is not planning to get pregnant.
his statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
