Health Tips

High blood levels of homocysteine- a substance known to boost the risk of heart attack and stroke - may also foretell a higher risk of bone fractures. Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine found that older adults with high homocysteine levels were far more likely to break a bone than those with low levels of the amino acid.
For men, the risk was almost four times as high, and for women it was nearly double. Made naturally by the body, homocysteine is a breakdown product of protein. Researchers suspect that excess homo cysteine might disrupt the formation of collagen, the protein-rich "glue" found in bones and other connective tissues.
Without sufficient folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6,homocysteine tends to accumulate in the body.
Researchers urge people to get plenty of B vitamins in their diet - for their bones, hearts, and minds. Good sources include green, leafy vegetables; legumes; wholewheat bread and cereals eggs; and poultry. For added reassurance, take a daily multivitamin that contains the recommended intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid.