An amino acid that, when elevated, raises cardiovascular and cognitive risk.
Homocysteine is an amino acid your body makes as it processes another amino acid called methionine. Normally it is quickly recycled or broken down with the help of B vitamins, mainly folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
When this processing is sluggish, often due to low B vitamins or a genetic variant, homocysteine builds up in the blood. This serum measurement reflects that level.
A raised homocysteine is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and blood clots, and it is often a sign that your B vitamin status or methylation is off. It is also studied in relation to cognitive decline and bone health.
Very high levels can point to inherited metabolic conditions. In most people, a moderately raised level responds to correcting folate, B12, and B6.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Adult guidance values (guidance only, vary by lab):
| Category | Homocysteine |
|---|---|
| Normal | roughly 5 to 15 µmol/L |
| Moderately raised | 15 to 30 µmol/L |
| High | > 30 µmol/L |
Many preventive clinicians prefer levels below about 10 µmol/L.
You learn whether your homocysteine is raised, which can flag low B vitamins or a methylation issue and add to your cardiovascular picture. A high result often guides simple, targeted nutrition steps within a personalized action plan.
Delayed separation of serum from cells falsely raises the result, since red cells keep releasing homocysteine. Low folate, B12, or B6, kidney impairment, hypothyroidism, smoking, and some medications raise levels. EDTA plasma processed quickly is analytically preferred over serum.
Best read alongside vitamin B12, folate, vitamin B6, and your wider cardiovascular risk markers.
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