Homocysteine is produced in our body (it is not contained in food) through the metabolism of an essential amino acid called methionine. Normally, formed homocysteine quickly turns into other, harmless substances – vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are needed for these transformations. But in elevated concentrations, homocysteine provides a whole range of adverse effects, which we will discuss in detail below. Also, Also, this article describes who and why may benefit from checking homocysteine serum levels in terms of improving health.

Thirdly, homocysteine in high concentrations has 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 first trimester) or to impaired placental development, which further increases the risk of placental insufficiency, fetal growth retardation, preeclampsia, placental abruption, pregnant hypertension, and kidney damage.

Elevated homocysteine levels are also associated with increased thrombus formation, as well as higher risks of heart attacks, cerebral accidents, peripheral arterial diseases, and fractures.

Doctors measure homocysteine levels as a possible cardiovascular risk factor, to diagnose homocystinuria, thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, senile dementia and Alzheimer’s, and obstetric pathology. The testing is necessary in a number of situations since elevated homocysteine levels are cytotoxic.

Which level of Homocysteine passes for normal?

The “ideal” homocysteine level levels of about 5-7 µmol/L¹.

“Good” levels of less than 10 µmol/L². So, homocysteine > 10 μmol/L is associated with some risk factors like peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (PMED), higher major cardiovascular events, etc.

The normal range of homocysteine levels are less than 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L).

Higher levels are: Moderate (15 to 30 mcmol/L); Intermediate (30 to 100 mcmol/L); Severe (greater than 100 µmol/L).

Any higher than 15 and you will want to work with your Health Coach to further investigate the cause.

The latest studies show that homocysteine is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases³. Clinical research shows that a 5 umol/L elevation in homocysteine concentration in blood plasma increases the vulnerability to cardiovascular disease and total mortality by 1.3 – 1.7 times. Lowering of elevated homocysteine levels in blood plasma can prevent cardiovascular complications.

If levels of homocysteine are found to be elevated, it is advisable to measure the levels of creatinine, thyroid stimulating hormones, folacin, cobalamine to define probable causes of hyperhomocisteinemia and suggest appropriate treatment.

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Causes for High Homocysteine Levels

At first, don’t panic if your homocysteine level is above the norm values.

Just because you have high homocysteine doesn’t mean you will develop heart disease or a neurological condition tomorrow, next week or even next month.

That’s the beauty of functional lab tests; they often allow us to catch patterns of disease and imbalance in the body before they become chronic or diagnosable. And if you’re already dealing with a chronic disease, then by examining your homocysteine levels, you’ve gotten one big step closer to uncovering the root cause and getting your health back on track.

It’s worth mentioning that smokers are more vulnerable to hyperhomocysteinemia. Moreover, high coffee consumption is one of the most powerful factors increasing homocysteine in blood. Those who drink more than six cups of coffee a day have 2-3 umol/L higher homocysteine levels than people who drink no coffee.

Elevated homocysteine levels are often associated with a sedentary lifestyle. So, moderate physical activity lowers homocysteine levels in case of hyperhomocysteinemia. Vegan diet can also decrease its levels by 13% without any supplements.

However, the most frequent cause of high homocysteine levels is folacin deficit⁴. The deficit of cobalamine (vitamin В12) may also lead to homocysteine accumulation⁵. However, the effectiveness of using vitamins is a subject of debate among researchers. Several major randomized experiments showed that relatively easy lowering of homocysteine levels through taking supplements did not result in lowering vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases⁶.

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How Often Should You Check?

As with all lab work, how often to re-test is highly individual. Yet, there is a number of indications for investigation, such as:

– cerebral accident, heart attack, thrombosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in family history;
– blood-clotting disorder;
– neurological disorders in childhood;
– preparation for IVF, pregnancy;
– chromosomal abnormality of the fetus, congenital defects, complications;
– smoking;
– age higher than 75 years old.

Typically, if your levels are on the high-side your Health Coach will recommend re-testing after about 6 months.

In conclusion, some estimates suggest that if homocysteine levels decreased by 40% would lead to an extra 8 years of life per 1000 men, and 4 years of life per 1000 women.

FURTHER READING

1. Homocysteine: Friend or Foe?
2. Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated with impaired peripheral microvascular vasomotor response
3. Homocystein–an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases
4. Folic Acid Deficiency
5. Vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine
6. Homocysteine‐lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events