This measures methylation, your need for B vitamins. Faulty methylation damages the brain and circulation and is the single best indicator of cognitive health. Homocysteine goes up when methylation is impaired, indicating a greater need for B vitamins, especially B6, B12 and folate.
Lowering homocysteine has been shown to reduce brain shrinkage by up to 73% in those with adequate omega-3 DHA. A lower homocysteine level is associated with less cardiovascular and stroke risk, osteoporosis, depression, cognitive decline. Homocysteine is a biomarker for over 100 diseases, especially mental and neurological diseases. You can have raised homocysteine due to poor B12 absorption.The only way to know is to test.
Above 11 µmol/L is associated with accelerated brain shrinkage. 7 µmol/L or less is probably optimal. We recommend supplementation with B vitamins if your level is over 10 µmol/L.
