Homocysteine, hɒmə(ʊ)ˈsɪstɪiːn,ˌhɒmə(ʊ)ˈsɪstiːn/, noun BIOCHEMISTRY 1. an amino acid which occurs in the body as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine and cysteine.

 

Even though making sure that your methylation cycle is working optimally, making sure your homocysteine levels are balanced is more important.

Several factors are known to elevate homocysteine levels. These include a poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, and excessive intake of coffee and alcohol. Certain prescription medications, as well as health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid dysfunction, can also contribute.

Elevated homocysteine is often linked to chronic inflammatory conditions and digestive disorders such as coeliac disease and Crohn’s disease. Levels tend to increase with age and are typically higher in men than in women. An oestrogen deficiency and prolonged use of some medications—especially corticosteroids—may also contribute.

People following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet may be at risk due to lower intake of key B vitamins (like B12), as are those under chronic stress. Much like cholesterol, both genetics and family history play a role, as do obesity and lack of physical activity. Importantly, even individuals who lead a seemingly healthy lifestyle may be at risk if they have a genetic predisposition to elevated homocysteine or related health conditions.

When homocysteine levels are too high, it can damage the lining of the arteries and promote blood clot formation, significantly increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

Low levels of may cause high levels of homocysteine:

• Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B-9 (folic acid, folate)

Researchers suggest that:

Many individuals living with cardiovascular disease, stroke, migraines, or dementia may unknowingly be experiencing the harmful effects of elevated homocysteine levels. High homocysteine has also been associated with osteoporosis, birth defects, macular degeneration, and even some types of cancer.

Yet in many cases, homocysteine is not routinely tested, and individuals may be treated for their symptoms without addressing this underlying factor. While most health-conscious people are aware of their cholesterol levels, very few know their homocysteine levels, even though it is equally important.

Homocysteine plays a key role in the MTHFR (methylation) cycle. Interestingly, MTHFR mutations are often considered clinically insignificant unless homocysteine levels are elevated. This means that when investigating the health conditions mentioned above, homocysteine levels should be prioritised over genetic status.

Once again, we see how critical B-vitamins are—particularly B6, B12, and folate—in regulating homocysteine. And it’s important to note that the CBS pathway, your body’s detox and liver pathway, begins with homocysteine. Keeping this pathway balanced is essential for overall metabolic and detoxification health.

How Often Should Homocysteine Levels Be Checked?

After detecting elevated homocysteine levels and beginning treatment with folic acid and/or vitamins B6 and B12, it’s recommended to recheck levels after approximately two months to assess whether they’ve returned to the normal range.
If levels remain high, the dosage of folic acid or B vitamins can be adjusted accordingly. A follow-up test should then be performed two months later to evaluate the effectiveness of the revised protocol.