Gluten-free seems to be the hot topic everywhere. Restaurants and bakeries touting gluten-free menus and offerings are sprouting up all over. The unfortunate need for gluten-free options is due to many consumers unable to digest gluten, commonly found in wheat and oats. Others are worse off than an intolerance to gluten; they are inflicted with celiac disease, an auto-immune condition that destroys the villi in the small intestines. Hyperhomocysteinemia, which is characterized by an abnormally large amount of homocysteine—an amino acid—in the blood, is more commonly seen in patients with celiac disease. The problem with high amount of homocysteine is it can lead to cardiovascular issues, such as coronary heart disease or stroke. But there may be hope in vitamin B supplements.
A study in 2009 evaluated the use of B vitamins—B6, folate (B9) and B12—for managing homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease. The study reported lower plasma homocysteine levels in patients using vitamin supplements than in patients who did not or healthy controls. However, vitamin B6 and folate, not vitamin B12, were significantly and independently associated with homocysteine levels. Researchers concluded: “Homocysteine levels are dependent on Marsh classification and the regular use of vitamin B supplements is effective in reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease and should be considered in disease management.”