What is a normal homocysteine level range: Homocysteine (Normal and Elevated) Levels: Tests, Risks & Treatments

29.09.202007.06.2023 by alexxlab

Содержание

High Homocysteine Levels (Hyperhomocysteinemia)

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. D., FACP — By Kiara Anthony — Updated on September 18, 2018

What does it mean to have high homocysteine levels?

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when proteins are broken down. A high homocysteine level, also called hyperhomocysteinemia, can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots in your blood vessels.

High homocysteine levels usually indicate a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate.

A normal level of homocysteine in the blood is less than 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L) of blood. Higher levels of homocysteine are split into three main categories:

Moderate: 15-30 mcmol/L
Intermediate: 30-100 mcmol/L
Severe: greater than 100 mcmol/L

Hyperhomocysteinemia itself usually does not cause any symptoms in adults, though it can in children. Symptoms can also vary from one person to the next and be subtle.

Doctors may order a homocysteine test if they suspect you have a vitamin deficiency, and if you begin exhibiting symptoms of a vitamin deficiency.

Symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency include:

pale skin
weakness
fatigue
tingling sensations (like pins and needles) in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
dizziness
mouth sores
mood changes

Symptoms of a folate deficiency are often subtle and are similar to those of a B-12 deficiency. These include:

fatigue
mouth sores
tongue swelling
growth problems

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia overlap with those of B-12 and folate deficiencies, also causing additional symptoms:

fatigue
muscle weakness and unsteady movements
pale or yellowish skin
personality changes
shortness of breath or dizziness
irregular heartbeat
numbness or tingling in hands and feet
mental confusion or forgetfulness
weight loss

Many factors contribute to high homocysteine levels. If you have a folate or B vitamin deficiency, you may develop hyperhomocysteinemia.

Other risk factors include:

low thyroid hormone levels
psoriasis
kidney disease
certain medications
genetics

If you test positive for elevated homocysteine levels, you could be at an increased risk of developing a number of health issues. Some common conditions associated with high homocysteine are:

osteoporosis, or bone thinning
atherosclerosis, or a buildup of fats and other substances in the arterial walls
thrombosis, a blood vessel blood clot
venous thrombosis, a blood clot in the veins
heart attack
coronary artery disease
stroke
dementia
Alzheimer’s disease

Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to measure how much is in your bloodstream. This can also detect if you’ve developed a vitamin deficiency or identify the cause of unexplained blood clots.

Your doctor may require you to fast a few hours before the test. Certain medications or vitamin supplements can affect your results. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’ve been taking prior to this test.

Results are usually available within 24 hours.

Once diagnosed, you may have to change your diet to lower your homocysteine levels. If you have a vitamin deficiency, you can increase your vitamin B intake and folic acid by eating folate-rich foods such as green vegetables, orange juice, and beans.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe daily vitamin supplements.

Once you begin treatment, you should have your homocysteine levels rechecked within two months. If your homocysteine levels are still high after taking these supplements, your doctor may prescribe medications with higher levels of folic acid and vitamin B.

If you have developed hyperhomocysteinemia as a symptom from other health conditions, treatment will focus on the underlying condition.

While it’s possible to lower high homocysteine levels, there’s not enough research to determine whether treatment can prevent associated diseases.

If diagnosed with hyperhomocysteinemia, discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Proper treatment and some lifestyle changes can help to ensure a higher quality of life.

Last medically reviewed on January 2, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Akhabue E, et al. (2014). New and emerging risk factors for coronary heart disease. DOI:
dx.doi.org/10.1097/MAJ.0b013e31828aab45
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2014). High homocysteine level: How it affects your blood vessels.
familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/
American Association for Clinical Chemistry. (2014). Homocysteine.
labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/homocysteine/tab/test/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Vitamin deficiency anemia.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025
Pizzorno J. (2014). Homocysteine: Friend or foe?
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566450/
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Homocysteine.
urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=homocysteine
Varga EA, et al. (2005). Homocysteine and MTHFR mutations. DOI:
doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.0000165142.37711.E7

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M.D., FACP — By Kiara Anthony — Updated on September 18, 2018

Homocysteine levels: Symptoms, complications, and treatment

Atypical homocysteine levels may indicate that a person has a deficiency in specific vitamins. It is also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body produces. Most people have low homocysteine levels. This is because the body breaks down the amino acid quickly into other compounds.

High, or elevated, homocysteine levels are known as hyperhomocysteinemia. This could indicate a person has a vitamin deficiency, as the body needs certain nutrients to break it down.

Less commonly, hyperhomocysteinemia can occur due to homocystinuria, which is a genetic disease. Homocystinuria means that the body is not able to process the building blocks of amino acids properly.

Read on to learn more about high homocysteine levels, including the symptoms, causes, and complications.

Typical homocysteine levels are usually from 5–15 micromoles/liter (μmol/l). If the levels are above this, a person has hyperhomocysteinemia.

High homocysteine levels fall into three categories:

moderate, if from 16–30 μmol/l
intermediate, if from 31–100 μmol/l
severe, if over 100 μmol/l

According to a review of previous research in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism, the presence of high homocysteine can indicate a higher risk for developing a range of conditions but may not directly cause them.

A doctor may recommend a homocysteine level test if a person shows signs of a vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiency or if they are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attacks.

To perform the test, a doctor will draw a sample of blood. However, because the test involves quickly separating red blood cells from plasma, a doctor will need a centrifuge to do this. This is a piece of equipment that spins the sample around to separate the components.

If a doctor has a centrifuge, testing may take place in their office. Alternatively, they may require someone to visit a laboratory with the facilities to do this.

Before the test, a doctor may ask the person to fast for 8–12 hours, although they can drink water during this time. The doctor may also ask the person not to take medications or supplements before the test.

Hyperhomocysteinemia itself does not have any symptoms, but if it develops due to a deficiency in vitamins B6, B12, or folate, a person may experience:

weakness
dizziness
sores on the mouth or tongue
tingling in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
fatigue
pale skin
muscle weakness

One of the more common causes of high homocysteine is a B6, B12, or folate deficiency. This is because the body needs these nutrients to break down homocysteine. A lack of them can lead to a buildup of homocysteine in the blood.

Some people are more at risk of deficiencies in these vitamins than others. This includes people with:

restricted diets
vegetarian or vegan diets, as these can make it more difficult to get enough B12
MTHFR gene mutations, which impair the body’s ability to use folate

Some medications can also cause folate deficiency, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and pyrimethamine.

MTHFR gene mutations are also one of the potential causes of homocystinuria, which is a genetic condition that affects how the body processes the building blocks of amino acids, such as folate and B vitamins.

Other genes that can be involved include:

CBS
MTR
MTRR
MMADHC

Worldwide, around 1 in 200,000–335,000 people have homocystinuria. Many states test for the most common type of homocystinuria at birth.

However, high homocysteine is not always a sign of a medical condition or an indication of any serious problem. Sometimes, people have higher levels than is typical due to:

family history and genetics
smoking
alcohol consumption
age, as homocysteine levels appear to naturally increase over time
sex, as males are more likely to have higher levels than females

According to the Food for the Brain Foundation, the following medical conditions and medications may also contribute:

diabetes
rheumatoid arthritis
low thyroid hormone levels
certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, metformin, and methotrexate

High homocysteine levels are associated with a number of medical conditions, including:

osteoporosis, which occurs when bones become weaker
Parkinson’s disease, which is a disorder of the central nervous system
dementia
multiple sclerosis, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the spinal cord and the brain
stroke
epilepsy
eclampsia, which is the onset of seizures caused due to high blood pressure
aortic aneurysm, which occurs when an abnormal bulge develops in the aorta
cardiovascular disease
heart attack
atherosclerosis, which is an arterial disease
cancer
end-stage renal disease
hypothyroidism, which is when the body is unable to produce thyroid hormones
blood clots
cognitive impairment
inflammatory bowel disease
polycystic ovary syndrome

However, this does not necessarily mean a person with high homocysteine levels will develop these conditions — only that prolonged high levels may raise the risk.

A 2017 meta-analysis states that healthcare professionals associate high homocysteine levels with a higher all-cause mortality risk. This means that there is a correlation between high homocysteine and an increased risk of death from any type of disease.

In the meta-analysis, for every 5 µmol/L increase in homocysteine levels, there was a 33.6% increase of all-cause mortality risk.

An older 2015 study also found a correlation between higher levels of homocysteine levels, folate deficiency, and cancer. But scientists are unable to predict what type of cancer a person may be at risk of based on this.

A doctor may recommend a blood test for homocysteine levels if the person has symptoms of vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiency. They may also run the test if the person already has risk factors for heart disease.

If a person’s test results come back with high levels of homocysteine, a doctor may need to run additional tests to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment for high homocysteine levels will vary depending on the underlying cause. If it is due to a vitamin deficiency, dietary changes or supplements can help decrease the levels.

The following nutrients may help to lower homocysteine levels:

betaine
folic acid
vitamin B2
vitamin B6
vitamin B12
zinc

People with certain genetic differences or homocystinuria may need to take supplements and also follow a diet that limits protein throughout their lives.

However, whether lowering homocysteine reduces the risk of cardiovascular events or cancer is unclear. According to a 2017 review, no firm evidence so far suggests that this is the case, but a 2020 review states that folic acid supplementation to lower homocysteine will “likely” reduce the risk of vascular disease.

Furthermore, a 2019 review suggests that B vitamins, folic acid, and betaine may reduce the severity of conditions linked to hyperhomocysteinemia, including Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.

Because researchers are still learning about the link between homocysteine and diseases, it is generally a good idea to take steps to keep levels within a typical range and to look after heart health by:

eating a balanced and heart-healthy diet
quitting smoking
reducing alcohol consumption

A doctor may want to follow up with another homocysteine test after several months to see if the levels are lowering.

Questions someone may wish to ask a doctor about their homocysteine levels include:

Are my homocysteine levels typical?
Should I be concerned about high levels?
What could be causing it?
Will you run tests to identify the cause?
What is the best way for me to reduce homocysteine?
When should I come back for another test?
What happens if the levels remain high?

Homocysteine is an amino acid. Typically, people have low levels of it in their blood as the body quickly breaks down homocysteine into other substances.

Elevated homocysteine could indicate a nutritional deficiency. Some people are more prone to these deficiencies and may need to take supplements or change their diet to ensure they get enough vitamins.

Consistently high homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and several other conditions. If a person is concerned about their homocysteine levels and what they mean, they should speak with a doctor.

Homocysteine, rules for preparing for the test, interpretation of the results and indicators of the norm.

I confirm

INVITRO
Library
Laboratory…
Homocysteine

Atherosclerosis

Diabetes mellitus

6282

06 November

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is not allowed, the information below is for reference only.

Homocysteine

: indications for prescription, rules for preparing for the test, interpretation of the results and norm indicators.

Indications for testing

Homocysteine is an amino acid, an intermediate product of the metabolism (exchange) of other amino acids – methionine and cysteine. Homocysteine does not come from food, but is formed only in the body. Normally, this amino acid “lives” in the body for a very short time, after which it turns into other compounds. For the implementation of such transformations, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are needed. In case of violations of the metabolism of homocysteine due to a defect in enzyme systems or due to a lack of essential vitamins, it accumulates in large quantities inside the cells, and then enters the bloodstream.

An excess of homocysteine can lead to the formation of blood clots, damage to the walls of blood vessels, making it looser, to the deposition of cholesterol and calcium in it with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The vessels narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques and the tendency to form blood clots significantly increase the likelihood of complete closure of the lumen of the vessels, in particular the vessels of the heart and brain with the development of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, respectively. The likelihood of damage to the vascular wall increases significantly with diabetes mellitus.

Thus, one of the indications for prescribing an analysis for homocysteine is to determine the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including in patients with diabetes mellitus.

It is noted that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia (dementia) increases with an increase in the level of homocysteine, therefore, if these diseases are suspected, determining the level of homocysteine \u200b\u200bmay be useful.

With a physiologically proceeding pregnancy, the level of blood homocysteine decreases by almost two times, and in the first trimester by more than 30%, reaching the lowest value at the end of the second trimester. Such a decrease may be associated with an increase in circulating blood volume, hormonal changes. In the case of an increase in the level of homocysteine, pregnancy complications are likely to develop – miscarriages, eclampsia (convulsions with loss of consciousness, a sharp rise in blood pressure and even death), vein thrombosis, etc. In this regard, the determination of the level of homocysteine is prescribed for pregnant women who have an increase in blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine – proteinuria.

An increase in homocysteine occurs in some genetic diseases, such as homocystinuria.

Preparation for the procedure

Like any planned study, a blood test for homocysteine should be carried out outside of acute viral and bacterial diseases, two weeks after recovery.

Certain medications may affect test results; it is necessary to discuss with the attending physician the list of drugs used and, possibly, cancel some of them if this does not affect the quality of life.

Blood sampling should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, after 8-14 hours of overnight fasting. Drinking water is allowed. It is permissible to take an analysis during the day, 4-6 hours after a light meal.

Homocysteine (Homocysteine)

Homocysteine is an amino acid, an intermediate product formed during the metabolism of the amino acid methionine, a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.

…

Up to 1 business day

2 145 RUB

Add to cart

Deadline

The analysis is carried out within one business day.

What can affect the results

The result of the analysis for homocysteine may be incorrect if the patient is taking anticancer hormonal drugs, cytostatics, antiepileptic drugs, as well as drugs whose action is aimed at lowering cholesterol, glucose, and some others.

Kidney failure, thyroid dysfunction, alcohol abuse, smoking, drinking large amounts of coffee can also increase the level of homocysteine, which should be taken into account by the doctor when interpreting the results of the analysis.

You can take a blood test for homocysteine at the nearest INVITRO medical office. The list of offices where biomaterial is accepted for laboratory testing is presented in the “Addresses” section.

The interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.

Normal

Age	Floor	Level of homocysteine, µmol/l
5 days – 1 year	both	2.87 – 9.99
1 year – 7 years	both	2.76 – 7.62
7 – 12 years old	both	3.43 – 8.45
12 – 15 years old	female	4.07 – 10.36
12 – 15 years old	male	4. 71 – 10.40
15 – 19years	female	4.92 – 11.88
15 – 19years	male	5.5–13.39
>19 years old	female	4.44 – 13.56
>19 years old	male	5.46 – 16.20

Explanation of indicators

Values differ depending on the age and gender of the patient. With age, the content of homocysteine increases. Homocysteine levels are higher in men than in women.

What do low values mean

A decrease in homocysteine can be detected in the initial stages of diabetes mellitus, with increased thyroid function – hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy (in the 1st and 2nd trimesters), as well as in a genetic disease – Down’s syndrome.

Certain medications, such as estrogen preparations, expectorants, and some others, may be associated with low homocysteine levels.

What do high rates mean

An increase in homocysteine occurs with a deficiency of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, with kidney failure, endocrine disorders – diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function)

An increase in homocysteine may accompany various severe complications of pregnancy.

Decreased cognitive functions in the elderly (senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease) may be associated with an increase in homocysteine.

The level of homocysteine tends to increase as a result of taking cytostatics, hypoglycemic agents, preparations of male sex hormones androgens, etc.

Additional examination in case of deviation from the norm

An analysis for homocysteine is usually prescribed by general practitioners or general practitioners, neurologists, obstetricians-gynecologists and endocrinologists.

When assessing cardiovascular risks, in addition to determining homocysteine, they study the lipid spectrum, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide, insulin, etc.

Lipid profile: extended

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

3 960 RUB

Add to cart

Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (cardio), (high sensitivity CRP, hs-CRP)

Synonyms: Ultrasensitive C-reactive protein; CRP cardio; High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), quantitative; Cardio CRP; High-sensitivity CRP; Ultra-sensitive CRPs.
Brief description define…

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

600 RUB

Add to cart

Glucose (in the blood) (Glucose)

Research material

Serum or blood plasma. If it is not possible to centrifuge the sample 30 minutes after collection for serum/plasma separation. ..

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

335 RUB

Add to cart

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1С, Glycated Hemoglobin)

Synonyms: Blood test for glycated hemoglobin. Glycohemoglobin; HbA1c; Hemoglobin A1c; A1c; HgbA1c; Hb1c.

Brief characteristics of the analyte Glycated hemo…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

820 RUB

Add to cart

C-Peptide

Synonyms: C-peptide blood test; Linking peptide; connecting peptide.
connecting peptide.
Brief description of the analyte С-peptide
C-peptide – side product

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

800 RUB

Add to cart

Often together with homocysteine, the level of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid is determined.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, cobalamin, Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, hematopoiesis and the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Synonyms: Cobalamin; cyanocobalamin; Anti…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

RUB 1,095

Add to cart

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a vitamin necessary for normal DNA synthesis (especially in ontogenesis) and hematopoiesis processes.

Synonyms: Vitamin B9; Folacin; Pte…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

1 200 RUB

Add to cart

Sources:

Kishkun A. A. Clinical laboratory diagnostics: textbook. 2nd edition, revised and enlarged. – M.: GEOTAR-Media. 2019. 1000 s.
Zobova D.A., Kozlov S.A. The role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of certain diseases. News of higher educational institutions. Volga region. Magazine. No. 3(39). 2016. S. 132-144.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Recommendations

PSA (prostate specific antigen) test
11667
may 13
Human papillomavirus
4657
04 May
Alkaline phosphatase
16658
16 April

HIGH HOMOCYSTEIN: WHAT IS THE DANGER?

My obstetrician-gynecologist colleagues are well aware that before referring a patient to me, it is necessary to determine her blood homocysteine level. After all, if this is not done, then I will send this analysis myself (unless, of course, it has never been performed before). Because yes, it is important. Genetic thrombophilia, testing for antiphospholipid syndrome or thrombotic purpura – there are still certain indications for these tests, they are not assigned to everyone in a row. But knowing your homocysteine, as well as the level of glucose or cholesterol, will not be superfluous for everyone, and even more so if there are problems in the reproductive sphere.

WHAT IT IS

Homocysteine is an amino acid, but it is not included in proteins like other amino acids. All homocysteine is produced in the cells of the body, we do not get it with food. Normally, the resulting homocysteine quickly turns into other, harmless substances – these transformations require vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Therefore, the main reason for the accumulation of homocysteine and an increase in its level in the blood is the deficiency of folates and B vitamins.

HARMFUL INCREASE

In elevated concentrations, homocysteine has a whole range of adverse effects.

First, it directly damages the inner lining of blood vessels, causing activation of the blood coagulation system and leading to the development of atherosclerosis, arterial and venous thrombosis.

Secondly, folic acid deficiency, which almost always accompanies an increase in homocysteine, can lead to gross malformations of the fetal nervous system during pregnancy – anencephaly (absence of the brain), non-closure of the neural tube. It is for the prevention of these defects that all pregnant women are prescribed folic acid preparations. However, patients with elevated homocysteine generally require a higher, individually adjusted folate dosage.

Thirdly, high concentrations of homocysteine have a direct toxic effect on trophoblast cells, from which the placenta is subsequently formed, causing their death and a decrease in the production of hCG, the pregnancy hormone. This can lead to termination of pregnancy (usually in the 1st trimester) or placental developmental disorders, which further increases the risk of placental insufficiency, fetal growth retardation, preeclampsia, placental abruption, gestational hypertension and kidney damage.

WHY IT INCREASES

As already mentioned, homocysteine does not come with food. Most often, the violation of its metabolism is associated with genetic causes. An analysis confirming the presence of certain genetic polymorphisms in the patient’s genotype is available and widely prescribed by doctors. However, there is no high sense in the study of these genes: sometimes a patient has several so-called folate cycle mutations at once, and his homocysteine is absolutely normal. And vice versa: far from all people with high homocysteine, the presence of genetic polymorphisms is confirmed.

A gross malnutrition can also lead to an increase, when there is a pronounced deficiency of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 in the diet. In addition, high homocysteine can be the result of smoking, taking oral contraceptives, autoimmune diseases.

HOW TO DIAGNOSIS

To determine the level of homocysteine, it is necessary to donate blood from a vein “for homocysteine”. In general, nothing complicated. But there are a number of nuances:

you need to take the test strictly on an empty stomach, do not eat or drink water on the day of blood donation;
On the eve of blood donation in the evening, it is not recommended to eat food rich in protein. In the evening – this is approximately after 19.00 – you can have dinner as usual, but after seven o’clock do not eat meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, soy products. According to some reports, excessive protein intake the day before can lead to an increase in the figure the next day.

As for the normal values of homocysteine, there are some disagreements among specialists. Different laboratories give different ranges of normal values, but approximately less than 12 for women, less than 15 µmol / l for men.

However, in clinical practice, especially in obstetrics, their normal, safe values of homocysteine are accepted. For pregnant women and planning pregnancy – less than 8 µmol / l (at the same time, ideally, in the 2-3rd trimester it becomes even lower and should not exceed 4-6 µmol / l). It is especially important that homocysteine is in the target range during conception and in the 1st trimester, when its high concentration especially adversely affects the processes of implantation and placentation.

All other patients are conditionally advised to maintain their homocysteine levels below 10 µmol/L. Raising from 10 to 20 is considered easy, from 20 to 29- moderate, from 30 and above – severe. However, these boundaries are also very arbitrary. I had patients with venous thrombosis, in whom all possible thrombophilias were excluded and the only thing that could be “hooked” on in search of the cause was a slightly elevated homocysteine, at a level of 13-15 µmol / l, while, remember, these values by the laboratories themselves are treated as normal. A “light” degree of increase, in particular, figures of the order of 17-19 μmol / l, in practice lead to difficult consequences in the form of the development of preeclampsia, miscarriage.

HOW TO FIGHT IT

Fortunately, high homocysteine is a manageable risk factor. The appointment of high doses of folic acid can reduce it to normal values. However, in practice, we often encounter difficulties in the process of reduction.

Most patients benefit from initial folic acid therapy, often prescribed in combination with B vitamins. metafolin. Doses of drugs, regimen and duration of administration in each case are individual. Sometimes even changing the drug does not achieve the desired effect, but for these cases there are reserve funds. The main thing is to achieve, in the end, the target level of homocysteine. Usually, after the result is achieved, the drugs are canceled, and the frequency of further laboratory control is discussed with the attending physician.

It is important to remember that diagnosis and treatment of elevated homocysteine should ideally be done before conception! After all, the treatment can take several months, and if you first find out about the problem with homocysteine already against the background of pregnancy, you may simply not have time to prevent an unfavorable outcome. Men, especially smokers, are also recommended to determine homocysteine when planning a child’s birth in the family.

What is a normal homocysteine level range: Homocysteine (Normal and Elevated) Levels: Tests, Risks & Treatments

High Homocysteine Levels (Hyperhomocysteinemia)

How we reviewed this article:

related stories

Read this next

Homocysteine levels: Symptoms, complications, and treatment

Homocysteine, rules for preparing for the test, interpretation of the results and indicators of the norm.

Indications for testing

Preparation for the procedure

Deadline

What can affect the results

Normal

Explanation of indicators

What do low values mean

What do high rates mean

Additional examination in case of deviation from the norm

Similar articles

Subscribe to our newsletters

HIGH HOMOCYSTEIN: WHAT IS THE DANGER?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

What is a normal homocysteine level range: Homocysteine (Normal and Elevated) Levels: Tests, Risks & Treatments

High Homocysteine Levels (Hyperhomocysteinemia)

How we reviewed this article:

related stories

Read this next

Homocysteine levels: Symptoms, complications, and treatment

Homocysteine, rules for preparing for the test, interpretation of the results and indicators of the norm.

Indications for testing

Preparation for the procedure

Deadline

What can affect the results

Normal

Explanation of indicators

What do low values ​​mean

What do high rates mean

Additional examination in case of deviation from the norm

Similar articles

Subscribe to our newsletters

HIGH HOMOCYSTEIN: WHAT IS THE DANGER?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

What do low values mean