Osteoperosis - Folic Acid and Vegetables Build Stronger Bones

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Folic Acid and Vegetables Build Stronger

Bones

According to research, high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that

is linked to heart disease, appeared to raise the risk of fractures in

people who had osteoporosis, even those who showed to have a normal

bone density level. Early signs of osteoporosis were found to be

characteristic of homocysteinuria, a rare genetic disorder, in which

the levels of homocysteine in the blood were very high. It was

theorized that slightly raised levels of homocysteine might also play a

role in increasing the rate of fractures.

One doctor suggested taking lots of B vitamins as a way to keep your

homocysteine levels in the healthy range. Food sources enriched

naturally with vitamin B and calcium included dairy products, broccoli

and other green leafy vegetables, carrots, avocados, cantaloupes,

apricots, almonds and peanuts.

These findings could move the government to require bread and cereal

manufacturers to fortify their products with folate, which is also

referred to as folic acid.

Statistics showed that when the U.S. government began requiring the

addition of folate to breads, cereals and other types of flour products

in 1998, there was a drop in American’s homocysteine levels. Folate has

also been credited with the prevention of around 48,000 deaths caused

by heart attacks and strokes each year.

In a study on the link between homocysteine levels and the risk of

fractures caused by osteoperosis, researchers examined 2,406 subjects

who were aged 55 and older.

Results From The Study

 

 

The study revealed that increased homocysteine levels increased

the risk of fractures.

 

 

The data was adjusted according to factors such as age, gender,

body mass index (BMI), smoking status and history of recent falls.

 

 

The study also showed that the subjects who had the highest

homocysteine levels had doubled their chances of experiencing

fractures, compared to the other subjects with lower levels.

 

 

These findings led researchers to recommend nutritional

supplements of folic acid, cobalamin and pyridoxine as a possible

solution to reversing the homocysteine levels.

 

 

Bone mineral density and other possible risk factors for

fracture appeared to be independent of the association between

homocysteine levels and risk of fracture.

 

 

An elevated homocysteine level appeared to be a prominent and

independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures in older men and

women.

 

 

The New England Journal of Medicine May 13,

2004;350:2033-2041

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

This study points out some of the great benefits provided by

folic acid and other B vitamins, one of which is that they

substantially lower homocysteine

levels. Vitamin D and calcium are also proven to lower bone

fracture risk. It is also important to remember that lowering insulin

levels is a great way to lower homocysteine levels and improve your

bone density.

It is important to keep in mind that folic acid supplements are

not the answer to normalizing homocysteine levels.

Many Americans have elevated homocysteine levels because they are

not eating enough fresh vegetables. In addition to folic acid, fresh

vegetables have numerous other nutrients that will promote health and

prevent diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases like

Parkinson's.

So, if you are looking for the absolute best way to obtain folic

acid you should consider eating lots of fresh, uncooked vegetables.

The amount of vegetables your body requires depends on your metabolic

type. While we all need vegetables to stay healthy, the type and

amount should be determined by what metabolic type you are. There is a

basic test you can take to find out your metabolic type which is

detailed in my new book, TOTAL

HEALTH Cookbook & Program. Carbohydrate metabolic types need

far more vegetables in their diet than protein metabolic types. One of

the easiest ways to fulfill your vegetable intake is through regularly

consuming vegetable

juice.

 

If you are concerned that you’re not getting enough vegetables, Living Fuel Rx

is an excellent option, especially while traveling, as it provides

nearly all of the essential nutrients, including folic acid, in a

convenient powder form. Ideally, you would get your nutrients from

fresh, whole foods, but if you are concerned that an element is missing

from your diet, Living Fuel Rx is a good choice to ensure your body

gets all of the nutrients it needs.

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