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As a consequence of the biochemical reactions in which homocysteine is involved, deficiencies of vitamin B 6, folic acid (vitamin B 9), and vitamin B 12 can lead to high homocysteine levels. [2] Other possible causes of hyperhomocysteinemia include genetics, excessive methionine intake, and other diseases. [3]
A serum folate of 3 μg/L or lower indicates deficiency. [98] Serum folate level reflects folate status, but erythrocyte folate level better reflects tissue stores after intake. An erythrocyte folate level of 140 μg/L or lower indicates inadequate folate status. Serum folate reacts more rapidly to folate intake than erythrocyte folate. [113]
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency is the most common genetic cause of elevated serum levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). It is caused by genetic defects in MTHFR, which is an important enzyme in the methyl cycle. [1] Common variants of MTHFR deficiency are asymptomatic and have only minor effects on disease risk. [2]
Vitamin B 12 deficiency, even when coupled with high serum folate levels, has been found to increase overall homocysteine concentrations as well. [34] Typically, hyperhomocysteinemia is managed with vitamin B 6, vitamin B 9, and vitamin B 12 supplementation. [35]
A serum folate level of less than 7 nmol/L (3 μg/L) is indicative of folate deficiency; Red blood cell folate testing is not routinely performed, since serum folate is sufficient in most cases, however, if there is a strong suspicion of folate deficiency despite a normal serum folate level, a red cell folate test may be performed.
Its collection of nutritional compounds help protect against cardiovascular diseases, induce a vasodilatory effect (i.e., they cause your blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood pressure), and ...
[56] [57] Low levels of serum vitamin B 12 may be caused by other factors than B 12 deficiency, such as folate deficiency, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, haptocorrin deficiency, and myeloma. [57] High serum levels may caused by supplementing with vitamin B 12, present of antibodies to intrinsic factor, or due to underlying condition. [56]
Elevation of serum folate is suggestive of small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Bacterial folate can be absorbed into the circulation. Bacterial folate can be absorbed into the circulation. Once achlorhydria is confirmed, a hydrogen breath test can check for bacterial overgrowth.