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Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body. Rather than be used directly, it's converted into other substances that the body needs (often using one or more of vitamins B6, B9 & B12).

A high level of homocysteine in the blood may indicate a vitamin B deficiency. Particularly high levels can be harmful and can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a risk factor for the development of a significant number of diseases;

  • atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of;
    • thrombosis
    • heart attack
    • stroke
  • neurodegenerative illness (such as dementia)
  • bone fractures1 2

Homocysteine levels typically are higher in men than women, and increase with age.3 4

References

  1. McLean RR, Jacques PF, Selhub J, Tucker KL, Samelson EJ, Broe KE, Hannan MT, Cupples LA, Kiel DP. Homocysteine as a predictive factor for hip fracture in older persons. N Engl J Med. 2004 May 13;350(20):2042-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa032739. PMID: 15141042. ↩

  2. van Meurs JB, Dhonukshe-Rutten RA, Pluijm SM, van der Klift M, de Jonge R, Lindemans J, de Groot LC, Hofman A, Witteman JC, van Leeuwen JP, Breteler MM, Lips P, Pols HA, Uitterlinden AG. Homocysteine levels and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. N Engl J Med. 2004 May 13;350(20):2033-41. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa032546. PMID: 15141041. ↩

  3. Nygård O, Vollset SE, Refsum H, Stensvold I, Tverdal A, Nordrehaug JE, Ueland M, Kvåle G. Total plasma homocysteine and cardiovascular risk profile. The Hordaland Homocysteine Study. JAMA. 1995 Nov 15;274(19):1526-33. doi: 10.1001/jama.1995.03530190040032. PMID: 7474221. ↩

  4. Refsum H, Nurk E, Smith AD, Ueland PM, Gjesdal CG, Bjelland I, Tverdal A, Tell GS, Nygård O, Vollset SE. The Hordaland Homocysteine Study: a community-based study of homocysteine, its determinants, and associations with disease. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6 Suppl):1731S-1740S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.6.1731S. PMID: 16702348. ↩