What is an abnormal homocysteine level?
In a healthy person, homocysteine levels are around five to 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L). Nearly all that homocysteine converts to other proteins. If you have more than 50 mcmol/L, the excess homocysteine may damage the lining of your arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body).
What is the optimal level of homocysteine?
Most laboratories report normal homocysteine levels in the blood between 4 and 15 micromoles/liter (µmol/L). Any measurement above 15 is considered high. Any measurement below 12 is considered low. Optimal homocysteine levels are below 10 to 12.
What causes high homocysteine levels?
What causes raised levels? Many factors are thought to raise levels of homocysteine. Among these are poor diet, poor lifestyle especially smoking and high coffee and alcohol intake.
What is normal homocysteine metabolism?
The normal levels of Hcy range between 5 and 15 μmol/L. Based on the levels of Hcy, HHcy has been classified as mild/moderate (15–30 μmol/L), intermediate (30–100 μmol/L) and severe (>100 μmol/L) [56–59].
What does a homocysteine blood test show?
A homocysteine test is a blood test. It measures the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body. The test is often used to diagnose vitamin B6, B9 or B12 deficiency. People with elevated homocysteine may have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Can homocysteine be cured?
If your homocysteine level is too high, you may not be getting enough B vitamins. Most people who have a high homocysteine level don’t get enough folate (also called folic acid), vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in their diet. Replacing these vitamins often helps return the homocysteine level to normal.
How to reduce your homocysteine levels naturally?
– Heart disease, especially before 50 years of age – Strokes – Alzheimer’s disease – Abnormal blood clots – Osteoporosis – Cancer, especially myelomas – Severe depression (especially in women) – Elevated homocysteine levels
How does homocysteine levels impact your health?
– weakness – dizziness – sores on mouth or tongue – tingling in the feet, legs, hands, or arms – fatigue – pale skin
Why you should get your homocysteine levels tested?
osteoporosis,which occurs when bones become weaker
How to reduce homocysteine levels to improve your health?
– Diet. Consume more fish and vegetable proteins as opposed to fatty meat. – Reduce stress. Consider yoga, meditation, or traditional exercise to relieve stress. – Avoid smoking. There is no safe level of smoking when it comes to homocysteine and health. – Lose extra weight. – Supplements. – Testing.