Homocysteine isn’t a nutrient you supplement directly — but it’s one of the most critical biomarkers you can track. Elevated levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, dementia risk, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation. Yet most routine blood panels ignore it.
🧬 What Is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that forms as a byproduct when your body breaks down methionine — an essential amino acid found in protein-rich foods.
Under ideal conditions, homocysteine is quickly converted into other useful compounds. But this requires adequate levels of B6, B12, and folate. Without them, homocysteine builds up — and that’s when problems start.
🚩 What Does High Homocysteine Indicate?
- Heart Health: High levels can damage blood vessel linings, increase clotting, and raise the risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Brain Function: Elevated homocysteine is linked to cognitive decline, memory loss, and increased dementia risk.
- Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Homocysteine promotes free radical activity and cellular inflammation, contributing to aging and chronic disease.
🧪 How to Test Homocysteine Levels
The best way to assess your status is with a simple at-home dried blood spot (DBS) test. Our Homocysteine Test uses gold-standard LC-MS/MS analysis and provides clear reference ranges.
Test at home. Get accurate insights. Take action.
🔁 What to Do If Your Homocysteine Is High
- Increase B-vitamin intake: Especially folate, B6, and B12. Choose methylated forms for better absorption.
- Eat more leafy greens: Spinach, kale, asparagus, lentils, and avocados are rich in folate.
- Improve gut health: Digestive issues can impair B vitamin absorption — consider probiotics or digestive enzymes.
- Address lifestyle factors: Smoking, excess alcohol, poor sleep, and chronic stress can all raise homocysteine.
📊 What’s a Healthy Homocysteine Range?
- Below 10 μmol/L is generally considered optimal
- 10–15 μmol/L is borderline elevated
- Above 15 μmol/L may indicate increased health risks and requires intervention
🧠 Related Tests That Complement Homocysteine
- Vitamin D Test – Linked to cardiovascular and cognitive health
- CoQ10 Test – Supports vascular and mitochondrial function
- NAD⁺ Index Test – Monitors cellular energy and stress
- Glutathione Index Test – Tracks antioxidant capacity and detox function
✅ Final Thought
You won’t feel elevated homocysteine — but it could silently impact your health. Fortunately, it’s easy to test and highly responsive to nutritional changes.
Measure your levels today with the Homocysteine At-Home Test.
🔎 FAQs: Homocysteine Testing
What’s the best way to lower homocysteine?
Focus on methylated B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate), increase intake of leafy greens, and reduce lifestyle stressors like alcohol, smoking, and sleep deprivation.
How often should I retest?
Every 3–6 months is ideal if you’re working on improving your levels or managing cardiovascular or cognitive risk factors.
Is homocysteine included in routine blood work?
No, it’s not part of standard panels. You need to request it specifically or use a specialised at-home test.
Can high homocysteine be caused by genetics?
Yes. MTHFR gene variants can impair folate metabolism and lead to elevated homocysteine. That’s why methylated folate supplements are often recommended.
