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Homocysteine is an amino acid

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid formed during the body’s metabolism. With the help of folate, vitamin B12, and B6, homocysteine is converted into cysteine or methionine, which are amino acids. If this conversion does not occur properly, homocysteine levels may become elevated.

Plasma homocysteine (P-Homocysteine) is an analysis used in diagnosing deficiencies in vitamin B12, B6, and folate.

Previously, it was believed that the level of homocysteine in the body could be used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this.

What are the reference values for homocysteine?

Children under 15 years: < 10 µmol/L

Adults 15-65 years: < 15 µmol/L

Elderly individuals over 65 years: < 20 µmol/L

Pregnant women: < 10 µmol/L

Reference values may vary depending on where the analysis is performed and which analysis method is used.

What does a high value mean?

A high homocysteine level may be due to:

• Deficiency in vitamin B12, B6, and/or folate
• Reduced kidney function
• Malnutrition
• Smoking
• Advanced age, as homocysteine levels increase with age
• Coffee and alcohol can increase homocysteine levels
• Several medications can cause elevated levels, such as diabetes medications and epilepsy medications
• Homocystinuria, which is a congenital, hereditary metabolic disorder.

Symptoms of elevated levels:

Elevated levels due to B12 deficiency:

• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Poor balance
• Dizziness

Elevated levels due to folate deficiency:

• Fatigue
• Easy irritability (neurasthenic)

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Vitamin B12 – Sources, recommended intake, symptoms of deficiency, and reference values

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, enables the formation of hereditary factors, boosts metabolism, and ensures the health of the central nervous system.

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Folate (vitamin B9) is especially important for pregnant women

Lack of folate can cause, among other things, nervous system symptoms, growth retardation and megaloblastic anemia.

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Ferritin, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia: Symptoms, measurement, and treatment

Ferritin indicates the amount of iron stored in the body. Low ferritin level is a sign of low iron stores.

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Hemoglobin (Hb) – Measurement and reference values

When suspecting anemia, it is important to test the hemoglobin. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include paleness and fatigue.

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Iron affects your coping, well-being and mood

Iron is essential for the body. It affects many bodily functions. One of its main tasks is to transport oxygen to important organs such as the heart and muscles.

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