Elevated homocysteine identified as metabolic risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases

(Temple University Health System) Homocysteine occurs naturally in the human body, generated as a byproduct of methionine metabolism. Genetic diseases or an imbalanced diet, with too much red meat or B vitamins and folic acid deficiencies, can lead to high homocysteine levels, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia. This causes considerable harm to the heart but can also affect the brain.Now, Temple researchers further reveal the extent to which elevated homocysteine damages the brain.