Homocysteinemia, a separate but related entity of Homocystinuria, is defined as elevation of the homocysteine level in blood. This condition has also been referred to as homocyst(e)inemia to reflect metabolites that may accumulate. A mild elevation of plasma homocysteine may exist without homocystinuria.Homocysteinemia may be due to a genetic predisposition to abnormal activity in the same pathways as homocystinuria. Nutritional and environmental factors, as well as specific medications, may worsen this abnormality and provoke symptoms.
See also : Homocystinuria
Symptoms
Home remedies
No consensus exists on optimal approaches to the treatment of homocysteinemia.
Plasma homocysteine levels are reduced by Folic Acid supplementation. With the mandated fortification of cereals with folic acid in the United States, Vitamin B12 deficiency (or relative B-12 deficiency) may influence homocysteinemia. The optimal dose and route of administration of B-12 and dose of folic acid and the effect on clinical outcome have not been studied prospectively. Initiation of therapy with B-12, folic acid, and B-6 tends to normalize homocysteine in 4-8 weeks.
The Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) trial showed no difference in stroke outcome between high- and low-dose vitamin (B-12, B-6, folic acid) supplementation groups. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with a high baseline homocysteine who were assigned to low-dose vitamins had a higher risk of stroke.
Reanalysis of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation 2 (HOPE 2) trial showed a reduced incidence of nonfatal stroke with long-term (>3 y) treatment with B vitamins.
Warnings
References
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.