#7 of 12 Know This Number – How to Lower Your Homocysteine Naturally to Prevent Disease Ep. 6
Know Your Number #7: Homocysteine — Why It Matters for Brain & Artery Health
In this episode of Dr. Colbert’s Broadcast, Dr. Don Colbert (with Mary Colbert and Kyle Colbert) focuses on
a key lab value many people never check: homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine is described as a “toxic amino acid”
that can inflame blood vessels, contribute to arterial plaque and calcification, and is linked with brain changes that
may accelerate cognitive decline. The big idea: know your number and work with your clinician to bring it down into a healthy range.
Key takeaways from the episode
High homocysteine is associated with artery calcification and reduced blood flow; Dr. Colbert highlights its link to coronary and cerebral vessels.In people with memory concerns, trials show that lowering homocysteine with B-vitamins slowed brain atrophy versus placebo. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Many integrative clinicians aim for < 10 µmol/L (some even lower in those at genetic risk), while standard lab “normal” ranges are often broader. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}Coffee intake can raise homocysteine (dose-dependent effects seen in studies), so moderation matters. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}Blood tests for amyloid biomarkers (e.g., plasma Aβ42/40 ratio) now exist to support dementia risk assessment in appropriate clinical settings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}Why homocysteine mattersDr. Colbert explains that elevated homocysteine is pro-inflammatory and can contribute to plaque buildup and vascular calcification in
coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries—factors relevant to heart and brain health. He also discusses vascular dementia risk in the context of
vessel changes in the brain.
In older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a randomized controlled trial found that homocysteine-lowering B-vitamins slowed brain atrophy
compared with placebo. While not definitive for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, it supports addressing elevated homocysteine in clinical care. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Dr. Colbert discusses arterial calcification and mentions dietary vitamin K2. Observational research (e.g., the Rotterdam Study) has linked
higher menaquinone intake with lower coronary heart disease risk and less aortic calcification, though this does not prove causation. Talk with
your clinician about the right approach for you. See references. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Caring for your brain and body is good stewardship. Small, consistent steps—paired with prayer, wise counsel, and community—can add up to meaningful change.
ReferencesSmith AD et al. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of brain atrophy in MCI. PLoS ONE, 2010. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}Verhoef P et al. Contribution of caffeine to the homocysteine-raising effect of coffee. AJCN, 2002. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}Marroncini G et al. Is 10 µmol/L a reasonable threshold? 2024 review. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}Quest Diagnostics. AD-Detect Aβ42/40 ratio (plasma) test info; dementia testing overview. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}Geleijnse JM et al. Dietary menaquinone & coronary heart disease (Rotterdam Study). 2004. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}Educational content only; not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to testing, diet, supplements, or medications.
The post #7 of 12 Know This Number – How to Lower Your Homocysteine Naturally to Prevent Disease Ep. 6 appeared first on .
Don Colbert's Blog
- Don Colbert's profile
- 74 followers
