Studies have found that the presence of homocysteine in the blood may indicate an increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, and new research indicates that this principle may even hold true for obese teenagers.

Scientific investigation conducted at the Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland in California found that teens whose body mass indices qualify them as obese tend to have high levels of of inflammation, insulin resistance and homocysteine.

The latter is an amino acid whose presence in the bloodstream can indicate deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12, as well as an excessively fatty diet.

Researchers compared the blood levels of homocysteine among 52 youths between the ages of 11 and 19. Those who were obese had an average of 62 percent more of the amino acid in their bodies.

The team concluded that the beginnings of heart disease may extend as far back as adolescence in obese Americans.

Besides eating a healthy regimen based on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, individuals who want to avoid deficiency-related homocysteine buildup may consider taking a daily dietary supplement or multivitamin.