Homocysteine is made from the break-down of protein in the diet. It is a by-product of an essential amino acid call methionine, which in normal circumstances is detoxified by the body.
We require certain nutrients in order for this process to work effectively, including folic acid, riboflavin (B2) and vitamin B6 amongst others. For this reason, elevated homocysteine can be a reflection of how well the folate cycle is progressing. The folate cycle is also required to synthesise new DNA, a process essential for new cell growth, many aspects of general health and reproductive health.
High homocysteine levels have been implicated in a variety of clinical conditions. Alongside smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, elevated homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Who should take this test?
Your nutritionist may have recommended this test due to the presence of one or more of the following:
- Family/personal history of heart disease or stroke
- Poor diet, high stress levels, use of alcohol, nicotine or drugs
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid Disorders
- Fertility issues including poor sperm quantity or quality or high DNA fragmentation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
- Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
- Osteoporosis
- Autoimmune/ inflammatory conditions
- ME/CFS or Long Covid
Test Procedure
- Please stop taking all supplements for three days ahead of your blood test, particularly B vitamins
- You need to have eaten a protein-containing meal, e.g. 2 eggs, within two to four hours before this test; this should not be a fasting sample
- We can facilitate phlebotomy and courier of the samples from our clinic in Dublin
- The test results will be returned to your nutritionist within 3 weeks of receipt of the sample. Test results will be interpreted by your nutritionist and a protocol tailored accordingly
- While our Nurse is expertly trained in phlebotomy and rarely has an issue in obtaining blood samples, should it happen that she is unable to take the blood sample from you, we will refund you the cost of the test.
