Homocysteine

Homocysteine

As Measured by Homocysteine

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid involved in the metabolism of methionine and plays a key role in methylation, a process essential for DNA repair, detoxification, and neurotransmitter production. Elevated levels often indicate deficiencies in B vitamins (B6, B12, folate), methylation issues, or cardiovascular risk. It serves as a valuable marker for assessing overall metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Contributing Factors

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of B6, B12, or folate impair homocysteine metabolism.
  • Genetic Factors: MTHFR gene mutations can affect processing.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, high alcohol intake, and sedentary habits elevate levels.

Healthy Levels: Optimal homocysteine levels are typically <10 µmol/L, with 5-10 µmol/L considered normal. Lower levels on this scale are generally healthier for cardiovascular risk.

Effects of High/Low Levels

  • High: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and blood clots.
  • Low: Rare but usually benign, though extremely low levels may indicate over-supplementation of folate or B12.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid involved in the metabolism of methionine and plays a key role in methylation, a process essential for DNA repair, detoxification, and neurotransmitter production. Elevated levels often indicate deficiencies in B vitamins (B6, B12, folate), methylation issues, or cardiovascular risk. It serves as a valuable marker for assessing overall metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Contributing Factors

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of B6, B12, or folate impair homocysteine metabolism.
  • Genetic Factors: MTHFR gene mutations can affect processing.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, high alcohol intake, and sedentary habits elevate levels.

Healthy Levels: Optimal homocysteine levels are typically <10 µmol/L, with 5-10 µmol/L considered normal. Lower levels on this scale are generally healthier for cardiovascular risk.

Effects of High/Low Levels

  • High: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and blood clots.
  • Low: Rare but usually benign, though extremely low levels may indicate over-supplementation of folate or B12.

Sources

1) https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=homocysteine#:~:text=Homocysteine%20is%20a%20type%20of,%2C%20blood%20clots%2C%20and%20strokes.

Disclaimer

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