What Is Homocysteine in a Blood Test?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during methionine metabolism. Normally converted back to methionine with B vitamins (B6, B12, folate).
Normal Range
- 5–15 µmol/L
- Above 15 = hyperhomocysteinemia
- Optimal: below 10 µmol/L
High Homocysteine Causes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
- MTHFR genetic mutations
- Kidney disease
- Medications — methotrexate, metformin, PPIs
Health Risks
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia and cognitive decline
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy complications
- Venous thrombosis
Lowering Homocysteine
- Folic acid — most effective
- Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
- Vitamin B6
- Dietary: leafy greens, animal products, bananas
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
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