Homocysteine is an amino acid that is normally present in very small amounts in the blood. Normally the vitamins B6, B12, and folate quickly convert homocysteine to other products but when there is a deficiency of these vitamins leaves the amino acid in the blood at higher than normal levels. There is some evidence that excess homocysteine is linked to atherosclerosis allowing blood clots to form and causing damage to blood vessel walls.
Excess homocysteine is also found in people with a rare genetic disorder called homocystinuria caused by a dysfunctional enzyme that is required for metabolism. The buildup of this enzyme and homocysteine in infants can cause serious health issues including failure to thrive and people with the disease may develop heart or blood vessel diseases at an early age.
TEST DETAILS
The homocysteine test consists of a blood test that measures the level of homocysteine in the blood.
FAQS
"This content is for educational purposes and does not substitute personalized medical advice."
Quentin Caswell, MSN, is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Specialist dedicated to helping patients feel their best. Board certified in advanced bioidentical hormone replacement and peptide therapy, he earned his Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and opened Advanced Practice Wellness Clinic in 2011.