B vitamins and folates play an important role in the methylation cycle. One important function is helping to convert the amino acid homocysteine into less harmful methionine. If folate levels are insufficient then homocysteine levels may rise and increase the risk of heart disease, depression and Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, blood levels of the harmful homocysteine can be reduced by increasing folic acid (folates) and vitamins B6 and B12. N0 less an authority than the National Institute of Health has recommended that if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, depression or cardiovascular disease, it makes a lot of sense to increase your intake of folate, B6 and B12.
This certainly is good news, but it may not be that simple, since many of us have a genetic defect in the folate pathway. This defect disrupts our ability to assimilate these nutrients thus increasing the risk of depression, heart disease and Alzheimer’s which may explain why these diseases tend to run in families. Luckily it is possible now to ingest folate, B6 and B12 in forms that can bypass genetic defects and complete the methylation cycle. We recommend several products that are easy to use. This includes an enhanced whey protein powder for daily health shakes or some specially formulated B vitamin capsules. These products contain the more easily assimilated forms of B6, B12 and folate. We are seeing that many feel a significant boost in energy and mood when they start including these in their diet.
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