Overview
Homocysteine is an amino acid metabolite. High levels indicate poor methylation (B-vitamin deficiency) and are strongly correlated with brain atrophy, vascular damage, and Alzheimer's risk.
Health Goals Impacted 2
This item supports, tracks, or is required for the following health goals:
Critical marker for vascular and brain health.
Elevated homocysteine is neurotoxic and damages the endothelial lining of cerebral blood vessels. It is a major risk factor for vascular dementia and brain atrophy.
Keeping homocysteine optimal (< 7-8 umol/L) via adequate B-vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) is a foundational strategy for preserving brain structure.
Marker of methylation capacity.
DNA methylation (the "epigenetic clock") determines our biological age. High homocysteine indicates poor methylation, leading to accelerated epigenetic aging and tissue damage.