Individuals with severe elevations of homocysteine have been found to have significant osteoporosis. Homocysteine has now also been shown to be an independent risk factor for hardening of the arteries. Elevated homocysteine levels are the result of a nutritional deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. An interesting point about homocysteine is the fact that premenopausal women have great efficiency in breaking down methionine and not having a buildup of homocysteine. This changes dramatically after menopause.
Postmenopausal women have much higher levels of homocysteine.
The fact remains, these women need higher amounts of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Boron Boron has become an interesting nutrient when it comes to bone metabolism. When boron is given in supplementation, the urinary excretion of calcium decreases by some 40 percent. Also, there is a significant increase in 17 beta-estradiol, which is the most biologically active form of human estrogen. This is not believed to increase the risk of cancer.