Creatinine to Normalize Homocysteine in Vegetarians? 

What are the implications of synthesizing creatine instead of relying on dietary sources? Research consistently shows that vegetarians tend to have low levels of vitamin B12 due to not taking supplements as recommended. This leads to elevated homocysteine levels, which may contribute to higher rates of stroke among vegetarians. Supplementing with 50 daily micrograms of cyanocobalamin can help normalize homocysteine levels within one to two months. In some cases, even 2,000 micrograms once a week can have the same effect. If homocysteine levels remain high despite B12 supplementation, adding 1 gram of creatine per day may help. Creatine, naturally produced in the body and found in animal tissues, can also be obtained through diet. Vegetarians may have lower levels of creatine, but supplementation can still improve muscle power output. The process of creatine synthesis also produces homocysteine as a by-product, which can be detoxified through B vitamins. A deficiency in B12 or folate can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which can be corrected through dietary adjustments and supplementation. Adding creatine supplements may further reduce homocysteine levels by decreasing the amount produced during creatine synthesis. This approach is explored in the next video in the series on stroke risk.