Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Homocysteine Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Homocysteine Defense is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 331 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B6, Calcium, Folic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Folate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,360 mcg DFE) without saying how much of each component you get.

Homocysteine Defense contains 5 active ingredients: vitamin B6, folic acid, folate, vitamin B12, and trimethylglycine — all nutrients involved in managing homocysteine, a compound linked to heart and blood vessel health. The product also contains inactive ingredients (fillers and binders): dibasic calcium phosphate, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, silica, and magnesium stearate.

Calcium appears in this product as part of the dibasic calcium phosphate inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support cardiovascular health and homocysteine conversion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Atherosclerosis, Dyslipidemia, Homocysteine metabolism, Heart disease prevention, Vascular health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Calcium is rated "Ineffective" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Dyslipidemia.
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Vitamin B6 in this product is effective for sideroblastic anemia and B6 deficiency, and likely effective for high homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) — the condition this product targets. It's also possibly effective for pregnancy-induced nausea.

Folic acid is effective for folate deficiency and likely effective for preventing neural tube birth defects and for managing methotrexate side effects; it's possibly effective for depression and cognitive issues. Vitamin B12 is effective for B12 deficiency and a rare condition called Imerslund-Grasbeck disease, and possibly effective for canker sores and nerve pain.

We hold no effectiveness data for trimethylglycine in our records.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Folic Acid Vitamin B12 Calcium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B6 is well tolerated at doses below 100 mg daily, though high doses taken over time can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy). The most common side effects are mild — headache, nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

Folic acid is generally safe at recommended doses for most adults; at higher doses (15 mg daily) it may cause confusion, sleep problems, or vivid dreaming. Vitamin B12 is very safe with no established upper limit and is well tolerated orally, though rare allergic reactions have occurred.

Calcium is well tolerated at recommended amounts but may cause constipation or stomach upset; very high doses raise concerns about kidney stones and, in some research, cardiovascular or prostate effects. For pregnancy and breastfeeding: vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe (only under doctor guidance for morning sickness), and likely safe while breastfeeding.

Folic acid is likely safe in both pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin B12 is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation.

Calcium is likely safe in pregnancy and possibly unsafe in lactation — follow your provider's guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Folic Acid Vitamin B12 Calcium

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 331 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir), blood pressure medications, seizure drugs (phenobarbital or phenytoin), methotrexate or other cancer medications, the antibiotic ceftriaxone, levothyroxine (thyroid), or heart medications including diltiazem or sotalol. The calcium in the inactive ingredients and the B vitamins may meaningfully change how these drugs work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Homocysteine Defense is a targeted blend for managing high homocysteine levels, combining B vitamins and trimethylglycine with established roles in this area. If you take HIV drugs (especially integrase inhibitors), seizure medications, blood pressure drugs, thyroid medication, or certain cancer treatments, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions here are real and may affect how your drugs work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss this product with their healthcare provider beforehand.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Homocysteine Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078010395
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2022
DSLD ID 273056
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
021078010395
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Vitamin B650 mg2941%
Protein1 Gram(s)2%
Folic Acid800 mcg--
Folate1360 mcg DFE340%
Vitamin B12500 mcg20833%
Trimethylglycine1 Gram(s)--
Calcium90 mg7%

Other ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, modified Cellulose Gum, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Helps support the cardiovascular system

Source Naturals Homocysteine Defense is an excellent formula which may provide support to the cardiovascular system.

Suitable for vegetarians.

Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no starch, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 2 tablets daily.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formula

Source Naturals Homocysteine Defense is an excellent formula which may provide support to the cardiovascular system. Trimethylglycine (TMG), vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid may help in the conversion of homocysteine to other substances, including methionine, thus preventing an unwanted build-up of homocysteine.*

Precautions

Note: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright SOURCE NATURALS, INC.

See for yourself

Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Protein

1 Gram(s) per serving

Folate

1360 mcg DFE per serving

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
500 mcg per serving Form: Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Trimethylglycine

1 Gram(s) per serving

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
90 mg per serving Form: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Modified Cellulose Gum, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Homocysteine Defense?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
331Drugs
7 Major 297 Moderate 27 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Calcium 168

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Homocysteine Defense with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Folic Acid7 drug types · 40 drugs

5-Fluorouracil

Theoretically, high doses of folic acid might increase the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil.
Increases in gastrointestinal side effects of 5-fluorouracil, such as stomatitis and diarrhea, have been described in two clinical studies when leucovorin, a form of folic acid, was administered with 5-fluorouracil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Use of high-dose folic acid might contribute to capecitabine toxicity.
Clinical research suggests that higher serum folate levels are associated with an increased risk for moderate or severe toxicity during capecitabine-based treatment for colorectal cancer. Additionally, in one case report, taking folic acid 15 mg daily might have contributed to increased toxicity, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, edema, hand-foot syndrome, and eventually death, in a patient prescribed capecitabine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Folic acid might reduce the efficacy of methotrexate as a cancer treatment when given concurrently.
Methotrexate exerts its cytotoxic effects by preventing conversion of folic acid to the active form needed by cells. There is some evidence that folic acid supplements reduce the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and theoretically they could reduce its efficacy in the treatment of other cancers. Advise cancer patients to consult their oncologist before using folic acid supplements. In patients treated with long-term, low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, folic acid supplements can reduce the incidence of side effects, without reducing efficacy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on phenobarbital and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of phenobarbital and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Folic acid might reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients.
Folic acid may be a cofactor in phenytoin metabolism. Folic acid, in doses of 1 mg daily or more, can reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients. Increases in seizure frequency have been reported. If folic acid supplements are added to established phenytoin therapy, monitor serum phenytoin levels closely. If phenytoin and folic acid are started at the same time and continued together, adverse changes in phenytoin pharmacokinetics are avoided. Note that phenytoin also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Primidone (Mysoline)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on primidone and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of primidone and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity. Note that primidone also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)

Folic acid might antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine.
Folic acid can antagonize the antiparasitic effects of pyrimethamine against toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Folic acid doesn't antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine in the treatment of malaria, because malarial parasites cannot use exogenous folic acid. Use folinic acid as an alternative to folic acid when indicated.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Homocysteine Defense, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Homocysteine Defense by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Homocysteine Defense has a known interaction with 331 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Homocysteine Defense contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin B6 and B12 are considered likely safe in pregnancy at normal amounts, and folic acid is especially recommended during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects. However, vitamin B6 is also rated possibly unsafe — it's sometimes used for morning sickness but only under a doctor's guidance. Talk with your doctor or midwife before starting, as they can advise on the right approach for you.
What does trimethylglycine do?
Trimethylglycine is one of the active ingredients in this product aimed at supporting homocysteine management. We don't hold detailed safety or effectiveness data for trimethylglycine in our records, so ask your pharmacist or doctor if you'd like more information about its role.
Will high doses of vitamin B6 cause nerve damage?
Yes. High doses of vitamin B6 taken over a long time can cause sensory neuropathy (nerve damage), especially at doses above 1000 mg daily or cumulative totals of 1000 grams or more. This product should be used at the dose on the label; if you're considering extra doses, check with your doctor first.
Can this interact with my thyroid medication?
Yes — the calcium in this product's inactive ingredients can reduce how well levothyroxine (Synthroid) is absorbed. If you take thyroid medication, separate it from this product by at least 4 hours and discuss the timing with your pharmacist.
Is it safe to take with diabetes medication?
Vitamin B12 in this product may interact with metformin (Glucophage), a common diabetes drug — metformin can lower B12 levels over time, and this product contains B12. There's no interaction that prevents you from using both, but your doctor should monitor your B12 levels if you take metformin long-term.
Does folic acid in this product affect cancer risk?
Population research has raised some concerns: long-term folic acid use has been weakly associated with cancer risk in certain studies, and late-pregnancy use was linked to childhood asthma risk in one study. However, earlier pregnancy use and standard recommended doses are not associated with increased cancer or allergy risk. Use this product at the recommended dose and discuss any personal cancer or family history with your doctor.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Homocysteine Defense label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Homocysteine Defense's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 180 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin B6 32 references
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  6. Baxter P, Aicardi J. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use. Lancet 1999;354:2082-3. PubMed
  7. Bendich A, Cohen M. Vitamin B6 safety issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:321-30.
  8. Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983;309:445-8. PubMed
  9. Gordon N. Pyridoxine dependency: an update. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:63-5. PubMed
  10. Lewis PJ. Pain in the hand and wrist. Pyridoxine supplements may help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 1995;310:1534. PubMed
  11. Kaufman G. Pyridoxine against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity (letter). Lancet 1984;1:51-2. PubMed
  12. Mulrow JP, Mulrow CD, McKenna WJ. Pyridoxine and amiodarone-induced photosensitivity. Ann Intern Med 1985;103:68-9. PubMed
  13. Kawada A, Kashima A, Shiraishi H, et al. Pyridoxine-induced photosensitivity and hypophosphatasia. Dermatology 2000;201:356-60.. PubMed
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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