Home Remedies and Herbs for Homocystinuria

Homocystinuria is a rare, inherited disorder that prevents the baby from properly processing certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. By not properly processing these amino acids it can cause a buildup of substances in the blood and urine which can harm the body.^{1 2 3} There are different types of homocystinuria. The different types have different genetic causes and produce different signs and symptoms. The most common form affects vision and causes blood clotting and skeletal abnormalities.¹ It is believed that around 1 in every 250,000 babies born are affected by homocystinuria.³

What Causes Homocystinuria?

Homocystinuria causes are due to an inherited condition. It is considered an autosomal recessive trait. This means that the baby must have inherited a mutated copy of this gene from each parent in order for homocystinuria to fully develop.² However, the parents usually don’t have any symptoms themselves.³ If the baby only receives one mutated gene from one parent, then they will just be a carrier for homocystinuria.³ If two carriers of the homocystinuria gene have a baby then it will result in:³

• A 25% chance of the baby developing homocystinuria
• A 50% chance of the baby being a carrier of homocystinuria
• A 25% chance of the baby not being affected and instead receiving normal genes

It’s not possible to prevent homocystinuria causes. However, you can let your doctor know if either you or your partner have a family history of homocystinuria.

Homocystinuria Symptoms

Most homocystinuria symptoms develop within the first year of life. However, milder cases of the condition may not produce symptoms until later childhood or into adulthood. General homocystinuria symptoms include delayed development and vision problems.^{1 2} Specific homocystinuria symptoms include:^{1 2 3}

• Chest deformities
• High foot arches
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Brittle bones and joint problems
• Knock knees
• Long limbs
• Spidery fingers
• Risk of blood clotting and strokes

Homocystinuria also can affect the child’s development. They may experience intellectual disabilities and mental disorders caused by brain damage.³ If you and your partner are carriers, you can have your children tested for homocystinuria as soon as possible so that they can begin to receive proper treatment.³ There are several homocystinuria natural treatments that can help address certain homocystinuria symptoms.

References

1. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/homocystinuria
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001199.htm
3. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/homocystinuria/Pages/Introduction.aspx