This article presents current views on the significance of homocysteine as a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis. The majority of numerous and extensive comparative examinations indicate that considerable hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for the development of the premature atherosclerotic lesions. Because of that experts of the Nutrition Committee of American Heart Association published in 1999 the recommendations for the application of the preventive diet rich in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.