Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body. Its metabolism is linked to that of several vitamins, especially folic acid, B6, and B12. Deficiencies of those vitamins may cause elevated levels of homocysteine. In recent years, studies have suggested that high levels of homocysteine increase a person's chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (a reduced blood flow to the hands and feet).

A high level of homocysteine may be involved with atherosclerosis (the gradual buildup of fatty substances in arteries). Homocysteine may make blood more likely to clot by increasing the stickiness of blood platelets. Clots can block blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke. Finally, higher homocysteine levels may make blood vessels less flexible and less able to widen to increase blood flow when needed.

In addition to its potentially negative effects on the body at higher levels, homocysteine has other functions in the body. It is rapidly broken down into the amino acid cysteine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a source of cellular energy, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).

Homocysteine-X is a nutraceutical formula that contains vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine. Numerous studies support the use of a combination of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to reduce both free plasma homocysteine concentrations and the risk of heart disease related to atherosclerosis.
 

TMG is a methyl donor that helps in the production of several brain chemicals. The donation of methyl groups by betaine is very important to proper liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification reactions. Betaine has been reported to play a role in reducing blood levels of homocysteine. While the main nutrients involved in controlling homocysteine levels are folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, betaine has been reported to be helpful in people whose elevated homocysteine levels did not improve with these other nutrients alone.