This was shown in a recent study at the Research Institute of Public Health in Finland involving 256 male participants. Lipid peroxidation was 47.5 percent greater among those with homocysteine levels in the highest quintile than among those in the lowest one-fifth. The reason for this may be that homocysteine causes LDL molecules to aggregate and be taken up by inflammatory cells in the arterial lining. Once inside the vascular wall, homocysteine is released, possibly permitting it to cause further damage and more coagulation. The key is whether the adequate presence of B vitamins is there to reduce homocysteine's effects.
Folic acid seems to be the most important single nutrient in providing protection.
Within seven weeks, plasma homocysteine levels became normal in 21 of the 37. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials involving 1,114 people indicated daily supplementation with both folic acid and vitamin B12 reduces blood homocysteine concentrations. Researchers found the effects were greater among those with higher initial homocysteine levels or lower folate levels. Researchers concluded that this amount of folic acid and vitamin B12 could reduce blood homocysteine concentrations by about a quarter to a third. They also noted that large-scale trials are needed to conclude whether lowering homocysteine levels reduces the risk of vascular disease.