Before we dive in, I’ll do my best to keep this simple—homocysteine may sound complicated, but understanding it can benefit your health!
What Is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a type of amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein in your body. Your body makes it when breaking down another amino acid called methionine, which comes from protein-rich foods. Normally, homocysteine is quickly processed and converted into useful substances with the help of B vitamins (B12, B6, and folate).
But when there aren’t enough of these vitamins, homocysteine can build up in the blood—and that’s where problems can start.
Why I Check Homocysteine Levels as a Geriatrician
As a board-certified geriatrician and lifestyle medicine provider, I take a proactive approach to health. One of the things I routinely check is homocysteine levels because they give me important clues about heart and brain health.
High homocysteine levels can increase the risk of:
By catching elevated homocysteine early, I can recommend simple steps—like dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle tweaks—to help keep levels in check.
Homocysteine & The Brain: The Dementia Connection
Studies show that too much homocysteine can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. When this happens, it can make it harder to process and recall information, increasing the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Keeping homocysteine at a healthy level is one way to support long-term brain health.
What Causes High Homocysteine Levels?
Several factors can contribute to elevated homocysteine:
Vitamin Deficiencies – Low levels of B12, B6, or folate can prevent proper processing.
Diet & Absorption Issues – Poor nutrition or gut problems can limit vitamin absorption.
Medications – Certain drugs (like Metformin for diabetes and acid-reducing PPIs) can affect vitamin levels.
Genetics (MTHFR Mutation) – Some people have a genetic variation that makes it harder to break down homocysteine efficiently.
How to Lower Homocysteine Levels
The good news? There are simple ways to manage homocysteine:
Eat a B-vitamin-rich diet – Load up on leafy greens, eggs, fish, and dairy.
Consider a B-complex supplement – If your levels are high, targeted supplementation may help.
Stay active & maintain a healthy lifestyle – Exercise and a balanced diet support better nutrient absorption and overall metabolic health.
The Role of the MTHFR Gene
A genetic factor could be at play if your homocysteine levels stay high even with vitamin supplements. A mutation in the MTHFR gene makes it harder for the body to activate folic acid (a form of vitamin B9), which is needed to process homocysteine properly.
For those with this mutation, standard folic acid supplements may not work as well. Instead, using the active form—methylfolate—can help bypass the issue and lower homocysteine effectively.
Final Thoughts
Homocysteine may not be a household name, but keeping it in check can make a big difference for your heart and brain health. That’s why I routinely monitor it in my practice.
Talk to your doctor if you’re curious about your homocysteine levels or want to optimize your health. Small changes—like eating more B-vitamin-rich foods, supplementing wisely, and staying active—can go a long way in protecting your body and mind as you age.
For more health insights, check out GeriAcademy.com. And as always, this post is for educational purposes only—talk to your healthcare provider before changing your diet or supplements.
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