What is homocysteine and how does it impact health. How are homocysteine levels measured. What factors influence homocysteine levels in the body. What are the risks associated with high homocysteine.

Understanding Homocysteine: A Crucial Amino Acid

Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that plays a vital role in various bodily functions. It is formed through the breakdown of methionine, an essential amino acid obtained from dietary sources. The body relies on vitamins B12, B6, and folate (B9) to convert homocysteine into other necessary amino acids, including methionine and cysteine.

While homocysteine is a normal component of metabolism, elevated levels can have serious health implications. Understanding the role of homocysteine and monitoring its levels is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing various diseases.

The Homocysteine Cycle

The homocysteine cycle is a complex biochemical process that involves several key steps:

1. Methionine is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)
2. SAM donates a methyl group and becomes S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)
3. SAH is hydrolyzed to form homocysteine
4. Homocysteine is then either remethylated back to methionine or converted to cysteine

This cycle is essential for various cellular processes, including DNA methylation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification reactions.

Homocysteine Blood Testing: Measuring Levels and Implications

A homocysteine blood test is a valuable diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of homocysteine in the bloodstream. This test can help detect vitamin B12, B6, or folate deficiencies and diagnose rare inherited disorders like homocystinuria.

When is a Homocysteine Test Necessary?

Healthcare providers may recommend a homocysteine test in the following situations:

• Increased risk of heart disease due to conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
• Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, such as weakness, fatigue, tingling sensations, dizziness, or mood changes
• Family history of cardiovascular diseases or genetic predisposition
• Screening for homocystinuria in newborns

Interpreting Homocysteine Test Results

Homocysteine levels are typically categorized as follows:

• Normal: 5.0-15.0 µmol/L
• Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia: 16-30 µmol/L
• Intermediate hyperhomocysteinemia: 31-100 µmol/L
• Severe hyperhomocysteinemia: >100 µmol/L

Levels exceeding 50 µmol/L are considered particularly concerning, as they may increase the risk of arterial damage and various cardiovascular complications.

Factors Influencing Homocysteine Levels

Several factors can affect homocysteine levels in the body, including both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors:

Age and Gender

Homocysteine levels tend to increase with age, and men generally have higher levels than women. Menopausal women may also experience an increase in homocysteine levels.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can significantly impact homocysteine levels:

• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor diet lacking in B vitamins
• Sedentary lifestyle

Medical Conditions

Various health conditions can affect homocysteine metabolism:

• Kidney disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain types of cancer

Genetic Factors

Rare inherited disorders, such as homocystinuria, can significantly impair the body’s ability to process homocysteine effectively.

Health Risks Associated with High Homocysteine Levels

Elevated homocysteine levels can have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of health. Understanding these risks is crucial for early intervention and prevention of serious health complications.

Cardiovascular Risks

High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Heart attack

Excess homocysteine can damage the lining of blood vessels, promoting the formation of plaques and increasing the risk of thrombosis.

Neurological Implications

Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to various neurological conditions:

• Cognitive decline
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression

Research suggests that high homocysteine levels may contribute to brain atrophy and impaired neurotransmitter function.

Bone Health

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Elevated homocysteine levels may interfere with collagen cross-linking, affecting bone strength and quality.

Strategies for Managing High Homocysteine Levels

Addressing high homocysteine levels typically involves a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, supplementation or medication.

Dietary Approaches

Incorporating foods rich in B vitamins can help lower homocysteine levels:

• Leafy green vegetables (folate)
• Legumes and whole grains (B6)
• Fish, poultry, and lean meats (B12)
• Fortified cereals and plant-based milk alternatives

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can positively impact homocysteine levels:

• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Supplementation

In cases of significant vitamin deficiencies or genetic disorders, healthcare providers may recommend supplementation with:

• Folic acid
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Betaine (trimethylglycine)

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen, as excessive intake of certain vitamins can have adverse effects.

The Role of Homocysteine in B12 Deficiency Diagnosis

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be challenging to diagnose accurately, as serum B12 levels alone may not provide a complete picture. In this context, homocysteine levels, along with methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels, serve as more reliable indicators of B12 deficiency.

Homocysteine and MMA in B12 Deficiency

A true B12 deficiency typically results in elevated levels of both homocysteine and MMA, even when serum B12 concentrations appear normal. This phenomenon underscores the importance of comprehensive testing in cases of suspected B12 deficiency.

Risk Factors for B12 Deficiency

Certain populations are at higher risk for B12 deficiency:

• Elderly individuals
• Strict vegans
• Individuals with alcohol use disorder
• People taking certain medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, metformin)
• Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or history of GI surgeries

For these at-risk groups, monitoring homocysteine levels can be particularly valuable in detecting and addressing B12 deficiency.

Future Directions in Homocysteine Research

As our understanding of homocysteine’s role in health and disease continues to evolve, several areas of research show promise for future developments:

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Advancements in genetic testing may allow for more tailored approaches to managing homocysteine levels based on individual genetic profiles. This could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for hyperhomocysteinemia.

Novel Therapeutic Targets

Research into the molecular mechanisms underlying homocysteine-related pathologies may uncover new therapeutic targets. This could potentially lead to the development of more targeted interventions for conditions associated with elevated homocysteine levels.

Homocysteine and Epigenetics

Emerging research suggests that homocysteine may play a role in epigenetic modifications, potentially influencing gene expression and disease susceptibility. Further studies in this area could provide valuable insights into the long-term health implications of altered homocysteine metabolism.

In conclusion, homocysteine plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, and maintaining optimal levels is essential for overall health. Regular monitoring, particularly for at-risk individuals, along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, can help prevent the complications associated with elevated homocysteine levels. As research in this field progresses, we can expect to gain even deeper insights into the complex relationships between homocysteine, nutrition, and human health.

Everything you need to know about homocysteine

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Homocysteine is an amino acid that works in conjunction with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 to create other important chemicals. However, high homocysteine levels can spell disaster for your health, and even increase your risk of numerous health conditions. From blood tests to symptoms and dietary sources, here’s everything you need to know about homocysteine.

Elle Penner, MPH, RD

5 mins

  What is homocysteine, and what does it do?   What is a homocysteine blood test?  What factors affect homocysteine levels?  High homocysteine symptoms  Risks of high homocysteine  What is the treatment for high homocysteine?  How to lower high homocysteine levels naturally  Summary  Key takeaways

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood, and while vitamin deficiency is the most common cause of high homocysteine levels, the symptoms can be hard to detect. Without treatment, elevated homocysteine increases your risk for numerous health conditions, including dementia, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Here’s everything you need to know about homocysteine, including blood tests, symptoms, dietary sources, and supplementation.

What is homocysteine, and what does it do? 

Homocysteine is an amino acid (a building block of protein) found in the blood. It is formed by the breakdown of methionine, an essential amino acid that must be obtained through diet [

1

,

2

].

Vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9 (folate) break down homocysteine to make other amino acids your body needs, including methionine (an essential amino acid) and cysteine (a non-essential amino acid) [

2

,

3

].

What is a homocysteine blood test?

A homocysteine blood test measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood, and may help detect vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency [

1

,

4

]. Doctors can also use it to diagnose homocystinuria, a rare, inherited disorder that prevents the body from breaking down methionine. Because this disorder has serious health implications, most US states require infants to have their homocysteine levels checked at birth as part of their newborn screening [

1

].

Homocysteine levels are categorized as follows [

2

]: 

• Normal: 5.0-15.0 µmol/L

• Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia: 16-30 µmol/L

• Intermediate hyperhomocysteinemia: 31-100 µmol/L

• Severe hyperhomocysteinemia: >100 µmol/L

If your homocysteine level is >50 µmol/L, excess homocysteine may damage the lining of your arteries, and can increase your risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack [

3

,

4

].

Do I need a homocysteine test? 

You may need a homocysteine test if you have an increased risk for heart disease (through conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or genetic predisposition). You may also need a homocysteine blood test if you have symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency, such as [

3

]:

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Tingling (like pins and needles) in the hands, arms, legs, or feet

• Dizziness

• Pale skin

• Tongue or mouth sores

• Mood changes

If you experience any of these symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend a homocysteine test. 

Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) in B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by nutritional factors, malabsorption, and other gastrointestinal (GI) causes [

5

]. 

Individuals at greater risk for deficiency include the elderly, strict vegans, alcoholics, people taking certain medications (including proton pump inhibitors, h3 receptor antagonists, and metformin), and those with cancer or certain GI conditions, or who have had certain GI surgeries [

5

]. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be challenging to diagnose because B12 levels in the blood can be misleading. In fact, research has shown testing serum B12 levels alone can hide B12 deficiency in up to 50% of patients [

5

].

A true B12 deficiency will cause increases in both methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine, even when serum vitamin B12 concentrations are within the normal range. For this reason, MMA and homocysteine levels are considered better indicators of B12 deficiency than a serum B12 test [

5

].

What factors affect homocysteine levels?

With the help of vitamins B6, B12, and folate, homocysteine converts into other amino acids so only a tiny amount remains in your blood. However, certain factors and health conditions can increase your risk for elevated homocysteine levels, including [

2

,

3

]: 

• Older age (homocysteine levels can increase as you get older)

• Menopause

• Being male (men usually have higher homocysteine levels than women)

• Drug and tobacco use

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, or folate

• Kidney or thyroid problems

• Cancer

• Psoriasis

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Rare inherited diseases, including homocystinuria

High homocysteine symptoms

High homocysteine levels can be dangerous as excess homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. Without treatment, elevated homocysteine levels can lead to severe health complications and increase your risk for blood clots, heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and osteoporosis [

3

,

6

].

The symptoms commonly associated with high homocysteine levels are typically related to a folate or vitamin B12 deficiency since these are the most common causes of high homocysteine levels [

3

].

Children with homocystinuria may develop symptoms during the first few years of life, although some never do. Some of the more common symptoms in children include [

16

]: 

• Slow growth and weight gain 

• Pale skin and hair 

• Abnormally-shaped chest

• Weak bones

• Severe nearsightedness and lens dislocation (which can cause blindness)

• Tall, slender build and long, skinny fingers

• Blood clots (with increased risk for stroke and heart disease)

• Seizures

• Developmental delays

• Learning disabilities

• Behavior and emotional challenges

Risks of high homocysteine

Elevated homocysteine levels can have significant health risks, so here are some common conditions associated with high homocysteine.

Cardiovascular disease. 

High homocysteine negatively impacts your heart and blood vessels, as it damages the lining of your arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. Levels greater than 50 µmol/L can cause inflammation and constriction of the arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and heart attacks [

3

,

4

]. 

High levels of homocysteine may also make the blood clot more easily, increasing the risk of blood vessel blockages and stroke [

7

].

Osteoporosis.

High homocysteine puts you at greater risk for osteoporosis, a weakening of the bone that affects nearly 13% of adults and almost 20% of women over age 50 in the US [

8

]. 

Evidence shows elevated homocysteine levels contribute to bone demineralization and turnover, decreased bone blood flow, and low-quality bone mass [

9

]. They also appear to be a significant risk factor for osteoporosis-related fractures in older men and women [

10

].  

In addition to getting enough calcium, vitamin D, protein, and regular exercise, treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia may be an additional therapeutic approach for osteoporosis prevention in the future; however, more research is needed [

11

].

Dementia.

It’s estimated that around 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias [

12

]. 

Research shows high homocysteine levels play a significant role in the development of mental declines associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and are considered a risk factor for these diseases in older adults [

13

]. 

A recent systematic review found that those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or vascular dementia had higher levels of homocysteine and lower folate levels than those without dementia [

14

]. Another study found an increment in plasma homocysteine levels of 5 μmol/L increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 40%, and for those with homocysteine levels >14 μmol per liter, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease nearly doubled [

15

].

While there is still no effective therapy for dementia, researchers are exploring ways to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in older adults with cognitive impairment [

14

]. For instance, intervention trials show that lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamins slows the rate of brain atrophy and cognitive decline in cognitively-impaired older adults [

14

]. While further trials are needed to prove whether B vitamin treatment is effective for slowing or preventing dementia, considering the treatment is safe, effective, and inexpensive, it could have a significant public health impact [

13

].

What is the treatment for high homocysteine?

The treatment for high homocysteine caused by a B vitamin deficiency is B vitamin supplementation. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend taking supplements of vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid (the supplemental form of folate). 

Over-the-counter multivitamins that contain at least 250 μg of folic acid, 2-25 mg of vitamin B6, and 5-100 μg of B12 may help reduce high homocysteine levels, but this may not be sufficient as they contain much lower amounts than individual supplements [

2

]. As such, it’s recommended to take separate supplements consisting of 50 mg/day of vitamin B6, 1,000 µg/day of vitamin B12, and 2,400 µg/day of folic acid (split into three doses) [

2

]. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend rechecking your homocysteine levels after two months and increasing the dosage if they have not normalized. 

How to lower high homocysteine levels naturally

Increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins from foods may help lower your homocysteine level naturally. Here are some dietary sources to include in your daily routine. 

• Folate: obtained through fruits, green leafy vegetables, fortified bread and breakfast cereals, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and asparagus. 

• Vitamin B12: found in sardines, clams (including the broth of boiled clams), tuna, trout, beef, milk, and fortified foods like breakfast cereal and nutritional yeast. 

• Vitamin B6: present in tuna, beef, fortified cereals, milk, chickpeas, chicken, and eggs.  

Summary

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood produced by the breakdown of methionine, an essential amino acid found in foods. Vitamins B12, B6, and folate break down homocysteine and create other proteins that the body needs. High homocysteine levels may be caused by a B vitamin deficiency, an underlying condition such as heart disease, or a rare genetic disease called homocystinuria. 

Elevated homocysteine levels can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias, but can be treated with vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folate supplements along with subsequent dietary sources. 

Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace personalized medical care. 

Key takeaways

• Homocysteine is an amino acid (a building block of protein) found in the blood. It is formed by the breakdown of methionine, an essential amino acid that must be obtained through diet [

  1

  ,

  2

  ].

• A homocysteine blood test measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood, and may help detect vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency [

  1

  ,

  4

  ]. 

• You may need a homocysteine test if you have an increased risk for heart disease or have symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency.

• High homocysteine levels put you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke), blood clots, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

• The most common cause of high homocysteine levels is vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiency and can be treated with B vitamin supplementation.

• Increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins from foods may help lower your homocysteine level naturally. 

References:

1. Ganguly, P., & Alam, S. F. (2015). Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. Nutrition Journal, 14(1).

   https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-14-6

2. Varga, E. A., Sturm, A. C., Misita, C. P., & Moll, S. (2005). Homocysteine and MTHFR Mutations. Circulation, 111(19).

   https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000165142.37711.e7

3. Homocysteine: Levels, Tests, High Homocysteine Levels. (2018, December 2). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from

   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21527-homocysteine

4. Homocysteine Test. (2020, December 3). Medline Plus (National Institutes of Health). Retrieved June 3, 2022, from

   https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/

5. Vashi, P., Edwin, P., Popiel, B., Lammersfeld, C., & Gupta, D. (2016). Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine as Indicators of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency in Cancer. PloS one, 11(1), e0147843.

   https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0147843

6. Heart Disease and Homocysteine. (2007, January 1). WebMD. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from

   https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/homocysteine-risk

7. Familydoctor.org editorial staff. (2020, May 4). High Homocysteine Level: How It Affects Your Blood Vessels. Familydoctor.Org. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from

   https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/

8. Sarafrazi N, Wambogo EA, Shepherd JA. Osteoporosis or low bone mass in older adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief, no 405. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. DOI:

   https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:103477

9. Behera, J., Bala, J., Nuru, M., Tyagi, S. C., & Tyagi, N. (2017). Homocysteine as a Pathological Biomarker for Bone Disease. Journal of cellular physiology, 232(10), 2704–2709.

   https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25693

10. van Meurs, J. B., Dhonukshe-Rutten, R. A., Pluijm, S. M., van der Klift, M., de Jonge, R., Lindemans, J. , de Groot, L. C., Hofman, A., Witteman, J. C., van Leeuwen, J. P., Breteler, M. M., Lips, P., Pols, H. A., & Uitterlinden, A. G. (2004). Homocysteine levels and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. The New England journal of medicine, 350(20), 2033–2041.

    https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa032546

11. de Martinis, M., Sirufo, M. M., Nocelli, C., Fontanella, L., & Ginaldi, L. (2020). Hyperhomocysteinemia is Associated with Inflammation, Bone Resorption, Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency and MTHFR C677T Polymorphism in Postmenopausal Women with Decreased Bone Mineral Density. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 4260.

    https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph27124260

12. The Truth About Aging and Dementia | CDC. (2019, August 20). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from

    https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html/

13. Smith, A. D., Refsum, H., Bottiglieri, T. , Fenech, M., Hooshmand, B., McCaddon, A., Miller, J. W., Rosenberg, I. H., & Obeid, R. (2018). Homocysteine and Dementia: An International Consensus Statement. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease: JAD, 62(2), 561–570.

    https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-171042

14. Wang, Q., Zhao, J., Chang, H., Liu, X., & Zhu, R. (2021). Homocysteine and Folic Acid: Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease—An Updated Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13.

    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.665114

15. Seshadri, S., Beiser, A., Selhub, J., Jacques, P. F., Rosenberg, I. H., D’Agostino, R. B., Wilson, P. W., & Wolf, P. A. (2002). Plasma Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(7), 476–483.

    https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa011613

16. What Is Homocystinuria? (2017, April 6). WebMD. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from

    https://www.webmd.com/children/what-is-homocystinuria

June 28, 2022

HomocysteineNutritionBiomarker test

The Top Side Effects Of High Homocysteine

Life Extension Magazine®

Some people suffer stubbornly high homocysteine levels despite taking folic acid and other B-vitamins. Elevated homocysteine is linked with heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Ordinary folic acid fails some people because they have a gene variant that precludes them from converting folic acid into its active form within the body. Fortunately, the active form of folic acid is now available as a low cost supplement to slash elevated homocysteine.

Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. April Parks, MD, MS, in May 2022.
Written by: Robert Haas, MS.

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HOMOCYSTEIN – AN AMINO ACID THAT DAMAGES VESSELS

Earlier, we talked about how excess salt and sugar intake is a factor that threatens our blood vessels. Today we will talk about the amino acid homocysteine, since many do not even suspect what danger this amino acid can pose.

What is HOMOCYSTEIN?

To begin with, let us remind you that proteins consist of amino acids, which in turn are divided into nonessential (synthesized in the body) and irreplaceable (not synthesized in the body). So, homocysteine ​​ – is an amino acid that does not come from food, but is synthesized in the cells of the body, i.e. refers to replaceable. Further, under the influence of B vitamins and folic acid, homocysteine ​​is converted into harmless substances necessary for the body.

Why is a high level of homocysteine ​​in the blood dangerous?

• Damages the inner wall of blood vessels, which in turn leads to the formation of cholesterol plaques in places of damage

• Activates the blood coagulation system and leads to the development of atherosclerosis, arterial and venous thrombosis, which is fraught with a heart attack or stroke

• During pregnancy, lead to gross malformations of the fetal nervous system

• Increases the risk of miscarriage

What can cause an increase in homocysteine ​​levels?

• Folate and B vitamins deficiency (B6, B12 and B1)

• Coffee abuse (more than 4-5 cups per day)

• Kidney dysfunction

• Fermentopathies

Who is at risk?

• Pregnant women with previous obstetric complications

• Persons with a history of arterial / venous thrombosis, coronary heart disease

• Women under the age of 50 with relatives who have had strokes, heart attacks, and thrombosis

• smokers

• Persons leading a sedentary lifestyle (obese)

• Chronic alcohol abusers

How to prevent an increase in homocysteine?

• Control the level of B vitamins and folic acid in the body.

• Moderately consume foods sources of methionine, from which homocysteine ​​is synthesized (meat, cheese, cottage cheese, eggs).

• More often include in the diet foods sources of omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins (fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds / oil, oatmeal, greens, beef liver)

• Lead an active lifestyle (regular moderate physical activity).

• Do not abuse coffee and alcohol

• Quit smoking

Norms of homocysteine ​​for adults!

The average norm of homocysteine ​​in the blood is not more than 10 µmol/l.

For pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy – less than 8 µmol / l (in the 2-3rd trimester, no more than 4-6 µmol / l).

Increase from 10 to 20 µmol/l
– light,

20 to 29 moderate,

from 30 and above – severe.

Remember!
A high level of homocysteine ​​is not felt or manifested in any way, so it is recommended that people at risk have their levels checked periodically.

Homocysteine ​​- what is it?

Homocysteine ​​ is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which is a product of processing in the body of the essential amino acid methionine. They are rich in animal products, especially meat, dairy products (cottage cheese), eggs. Plasma homocysteine ​​is found predominantly in protein-bound form. Plasma total homocysteine ​​is the sum of free and conjugated homocysteine. Most of it undergoes reverse methylation with the formation of methionine. There are also options when it can irreversibly turn into cysteine ​​and glutathione.

Blood homocysteine ​​level normal

In adults, the level of homocysteine ​​is in the range of 10-11 µmol/l, in men this figure is higher than in women. With age, the level of homocysteine ​​begins to increase, but it is important to note that in women the rate of increase is higher than in men in this case. The increase in homocysteine ​​levels with age is due to the fact that there is a decrease in kidney function. Higher homocysteine ​​levels in men are initially due to greater muscle mass.

Vitamins B12, B6, folic acid are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine. In violation of the metabolism of homocysteine ​​due to genetic or functional defects in the enzymes involved in metabolic reactions, with a deficiency of essential vitamins, homocysteine ​​accumulates inside the cells in large quantities and enters the extracellular space, and then into the plasma. Further, accumulating in the human body, homocysteine ​​begins to attack the inner wall of the intima arteries, covered with endothelium.
Cholesterol and calcium are deposited on the damaged surface, forming an atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to either a blood clot or rupture of the vessel with all the consequences (strokes, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism). An increase in the level of blood homocysteine ​​by 5 µmol/l leads to an increase in the risk of atherosclerotic vascular damage by 80% and 60% in men.

Why is high homocysteine ​​dangerous?

Individuals with elevated homocysteine ​​levels have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia. With a combination of elevated levels of homocysteine ​​and diabetes mellitus, vascular complications occur more often – peripheral vascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy.
During pregnancy, an increase in the level of homocysteine ​​leads to disturbances in the fetoplacental circulation, which can be the cause of miscarriage and infertility as a result of implantation defects in the embryo. In the later stages of pregnancy, an increase in the level of homocysteine ​​is the cause of the development of chronic placental insufficiency and chronic intrauterine fetal hypoxia.
It is recommended to check the level of homocysteine ​​in all persons with a history of arterial and venous thrombosis, coronary heart disease. It is mandatory to check the level of homocysteine ​​in patients with previous obstetric complications and in women whose relatives had strokes, heart attacks and thrombosis under the age of 45-50 years.

Reference values:

– Men 6.26-15.01 µmol/l

– Women: 4.6-12.44 µmol/l

When does the level of homocysteine ​​in the blood rise?

1. For deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B6, B12
2. Genetic defects in enzymes involved in homocysteine ​​metabolism
3. For renal insufficiency
4. For severe psoriasis
5. For proliferative diseases
6. For hypothyroidism
7. Smoking, alcoholism, coffee abuse
8. When taking drugs such as cyclosporine, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, carbmazepine, nitrous oxide, 6-azauridine
9. After suffering a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

Where can I get tested for homocysteine?

To date, a blood test for homocysteine ​​is a very affordable and common test. In our medical center VIP clinic-M, you can take an analysis at any convenient day and time. The clinic is within walking distance from Belomorskaya metro station and is open seven days a week.