Homocysteine
An amino acid intermediate in methionine metabolism, in umol/L. Optimal range: Below 10 umol/L.
What it measures
An amino acid intermediate in methionine metabolism, in umol/L. Rises when B-vitamin (B12, folate, B6) status is poor or methylation is impaired.
Why it matters
Elevated homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. It is easy to measure and usually easy to lower with B vitamins, though trials of lowering have not consistently reduced events.
Optimal ranges
Sourced targets, not just lab reference ranges. Lab ranges describe the population; these describe where the evidence says you want to be.
Sourcing note
This target rests on credible but thin sourcing, such as expert-opinion statements or a single review. Stronger than a heuristic, weaker than a guideline. We upgrade it as better sources land.
| Range | Context |
|---|---|
| Below 10 umol/L | DACH-Liga recommendation for secondary prevention (von Eckardstein et al.); conventional lab cutoffs near 15 umol/L are widely considered too permissive. Note: B-vitamin lowering of homocysteine has not reduced CV events in RCTs, so the target is associative. |
How to improve it
- 1
Ensure adequate B12, folate, and B6 from food or supplements
- 2
Eat leafy greens, legumes, and animal foods
- 3
Limit excess alcohol, which depletes B vitamins
- 4
Check MTHFR only if levels resist correction
Connected to
Goals
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Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before acting on any biomarker result.