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Serum Homocysteine

Also referred as

S. Homocysteine

Total Homocysteine

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The Serum Homocysteine test determines the levels of homocysteine, a naturally occurring amino acid in your blood. Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health conditions. High levels of homocysteine are also associated with low levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folate.

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Understanding Serum Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body during the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid obtained from the diet. The Serum Homocysteine test assesses the levels of homocysteine and helps in determining cardiovascular risk, evaluating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and predicting pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, recurrent miscarriages, and neural tube defects in the fetus.

The Serum Homocysteine test also helps detect vitamin B6, B12, and folate deficiencies. Since these three vitamins are essential for homocysteine's metabolism (breaking down), increased amino acid levels may indicate a deficiency of these vitamins. Additionally, this test helps diagnose homocystinuria, a rare condition that prevents protein breakdown in newborns and infants.

The Serum Homocysteine test may be recommended for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, those with risk factors for heart disease, and those with a history of stroke or peripheral artery disease. It is also beneficial in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism, or those with a history of poor dietary intake of vitamins B6, B12, or folate.

No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. If you have high homocysteine levels, your doctor may suggest dietary changes. If you are considering taking vitamin supplements, talk to your doctor first.

What does Serum Homocysteine measure?

The Serum Homocysteine test measures your blood levels of homocysteine that serves in the body as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine and cysteine. Methionine is an essential amino acid and antioxidant that synthesizes proteins. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid synthesized from methionine. It reduces inflammation, increases communication between immune cells, and increases liver health.

The human body generally has low levels of homocysteine. This is because our body uses vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid (also called folate or vitamin B9) to break down homocysteine rapidly, convert it into other compounds, and transport it to our body. However, high levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, damage to arteries, and brain stroke.

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FAQs related to Serum Homocysteine

What is the Serum Homocysteine test for?

The Serum Homocysteine measures the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid, in your body. This test is often used to diagnose vitamin B6, B9, or B12 deficiency. People with elevated homocysteine may have a higher risk of heart disease.

What factors can affect the homocysteine test results?

Certain medications like carbamazepine, methotrexate, etc., can affect the result of homocysteine test. Smoking and alcohol intake can increase homocysteine levels.

What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the homocysteine test result is not normal?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal homocysteine test results are the urine homocysteine test, lipid profile test, cardiac risk markers, vitamin B12 test, and folic acid test.

Does homocysteine have any functions in the body?

Yes, homocysteine plays a role in the body's metabolic processes, particularly in the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid. However, excessive levels can be harmful.

Is higher homocysteine level inherited?

Yes, increased levels of homocysteine can be genetic, called homocystinuria, an inherited disorder that prevents the body from processing the essential amino acid, methionine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

What is Homocystinuria?

Homocystinuria is a genetic disease where the metabolism of an essential amino acid called methionine is affected, leading to increased levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocystinuria is caused by an inheritable genetic mutation that causes abnormalities in the enzymes required for methionine metabolism.

What are the symptoms of homocystinuria in infants?

Symptoms of homocystinuria appear in infants within a few years of birth. Symptoms include dislocation of the eye lens leading to visual defects, muscular and skeletal deformities, osteoporosis, long and slender body structure (Marfan syndrome-like appearance), seizures, mental retardation, etc. Infants affected by homocystinuria are also at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

What are the symptoms of increased homocysteine levels?

Increased levels of homocysteine in the blood show subtle symptoms similar to vitamin deficiency. These include fatigue, general weakness, dizziness, tingling sensation or numbness in hands and feet, sores on tongue or mouth, loss of appetite, pale complexion, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, pain in the mouth, vision impairment, osteoporosis, cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, increased risk of diseases, increased risk of blood clots forming inside blood vessels, etc.

What are the possible complications of an elevated homocysteine?

Some of the complications of an elevated homocysteine level may include osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

Is there a way to prevent high homocysteine levels?

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12, folic acid, and B6 can help control homocysteine levels. Regular exercise, adequate hydration, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can also contribute to healthy homocysteine levels.

Which foods are good for reducing homocysteine levels?

Eating a rich source of Vitamin B found in fruits and green leafy vegetables like spinach might help reduce homocysteine levels. Apart from these, many breakfast cereals, fortified grain products, lentils, asparagus, potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, lentils, etc., are rich sources of vitamins and helpful in lowering homocysteine levels. Dairy products and meat, good sources of vitamin B12, are also beneficial in reducing homocysteine levels.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

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Last Updated

9th Oct 2025