High homocysteine levels and high stress go hand in hand. A recent study in Sweden tested children between the ages of 9 and 15. They found that the children with the lowest test scores had the highest levels of homocysteine, a stress-related hormone usually found in adults! The impairment associated with elevated homocysteine was called “neurocognitive.” Neurocognitive disorders include Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Oppositional-
Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), Tic Disorder (TD) and many others. Neurocognitive disorders are directly linked to elevated homocysteine in children.

A child impaired by a neurocognitive disorder will carelessly make mistakes even when the risk of injury is obvious. Learning disorders, depression and emotional fragility are all consequences of brain inflammation associated with elevated homocysteine.

What can be done for elevated homocysteine levels?

Homocysteine is a protein used in crafting a healthy foundation for all cells – brain cells, heart cells, bone cells – all of your cells. The problem with homocysteine occurs when it escapes from the cells and gets into the bloodstream. This happens because of nutrient deficiencies. One cause of nutrient deficiency is poor diet. Another cause is stress because stress uses up nutrient resources.
When you run out of nutrient reserves, homocysteine can escape into your bloodstream where it goes on a rampage. It damages the cells our young ones are trying to build – including brain cells. Exposure to toxins (like lead) and injuries can also create homocysteine.

The nutrients most closely associated with reducing homocysteine are Vitamins B-12, B-6, folic acid and biotin. These B vitamins form a balanced family of nutrients responsible for keeping homocysteine in the cell where it belongs. If one of these nutrients – especially Vitamin B-12 – is deficient for any reason, homocysteine will escape into the bloodstream. As the homocysteine levels rise, performance declines. Hyperactivity may be the result.

Several medical studies have demonstrated that a balanced combination of B-12, B-6, folic acid and biotin can dramatically reduce blood levels of homocysteine. So far, no prescription drugs reduce homocysteine. Certainly, the common drugs given to children with behavior disorders (Ritalin, Strattera, Focalin, Adderall) will not reduce homocysteine, though they may change behavior. The B-12 family of vitamins is proven to reduce homocysteine.

Nutrient deficiency leads to Neurocognitive disorders , such as A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.

What is more, the B-12 family of vitamins can reduce the impact of stress. This works for children as well as for adults. If your young ones start to fidget or get a little moody, if they can’t concentrate or are not performing at school as well as they used to, try supplementing a healthy diet with TriVita’s Sublingual B-12.

In addition to a healthy diet and balanced B-12 supplements, families can benefit from strategies to help improve organizational skills and relationships while reducing stress and frustration. These services are usually provided by health care professionals. Some children – especially as they enter their teen years – benefit from coaching.

Nutrients (such as Sublingual B-12) and nurturing (encouragement and coaching ) go a long way in improving behavior .

Most of us have experienced the benefits of supplementing our diet with balanced nutrients. Doesn’t it make sense that our stressed-out children and grandchildren could benefit too? Let’s give our kids the very best chance possible to develop into healthy adults without the damaging effects of stress and elevated homocysteine by
supplementing with Sublingual B-12 as early as age eight.

Children and teenagers will love the sweet, berry taste of TriVita Sublingual B-12. An appealing taste makes it more likely that they’ll use Sublingual B-12 consistently, which is important if you want to see behavioral changes.

Adults with a family history or recent diagnosis of high homocysteine levels should consider supplementing with TriVita HCY Guard rather than TriVita Sublingual B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid.

Source: VitaJournal July 2007 pg 8

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can cover several behavioral problems: inattentiveness, being over-active or too impulsive, or a combination of these. While most research into ADHD has focused on children, recent research suggests that the symptoms continue into adulthood in up to 50% of adults who had the disorder in childhood. Some ADHD-type behaviors are to be expected in children, but when several symptoms occur that exceed the normal range for a child’s age, a diagnosis of ADHD may be made. If you’re a concerned parent or grandparent, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms. ADHD isn’t restricted to children. It’s a long-term condition, but adults can often better control their behavior, and disguise their symptoms.

1. Inattentiveness
2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Some children with ADHD may have a combination of these symptoms.

The symptoms that make up ADHD: lack of attention, surplus of activity and impulsive behavior

1. Doesn’t pay attention to details, or makes careless errors in work or school assignments
2. Has trouble maintaining attention in work or play schoolwork, chores or workplace duties
5. Has trouble organizing tasks and activities
6. Resists activities such as schoolwork that require sustained mental focus
7. Tends to lose items needed for tasks or activities, such as toys, pencils or books
8. Is easily distracted

Hyperactivity

1. Has restless hands or feet, or squirms
2. Leaves a seat when staying seated inappropriate situations
4. Has trouble playing quietly
5. Is often excessively active or talkative

Impulsivity

1. Blurts out answers before questions are finished
2. Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
3. Interrupts or breaks into others’ conversations or games children have this disorder.

The brain-boosting power of B-12: proven vital to mental wellness, essential to healthy lives

There are prescription drugs available to treat this disorder. There is strong clinical evidence to support the link between essential nutrients and vitamins – particularly Vitamin B-12 – and mental function. Studies have shown that a B-12 deficiency may decrease levels of substances needed to transmit nerve signals. This reduced ability to transmit nerve signals has shown up in brain tests conducted on children with ADHD. In people of any age, this problem with nerve signals can lessen or damage mental functioning. Other research indicates that those who have a B-12 deficiency can have mental and physical problems, including inability to focus and forgetfulness.

This ensures that you get maximum absorption of B-12 into your bloodstream, for maximum benefit.

TriVita Sublingual B-12 provides over 100% of the daily recommended intake of B-12, B-6 and Folic Acid. What’s more, it’s manufactured strictly to Dr. Libby’s original, patented formula, and produced under pharmaceutical-grade scrutiny. I encourage you to enjoy and share the proven benefits of Sublingual B-12.

Consult your healthcare provider before giving Sublingual B-12 to anyone under age 10.

Source VitaJournal September2008 pg 6