because prevention is better than cure.

because prevention is better than cure.

Mini Cart 0

Your cart is empty.

Mini Cart 0

Your cart is empty.

Homocysteine (Hcy)

£49.95 — or subscribe and save up to 6%

What?

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.

How the test works

PLEASE NOTE The test requires a fasted blood sample.  Perform the test first thing in the morning after 12 hours of fasting i.e. no food or drinks.

Watch the test kit video here.

This test is part of our Citizen Science research. Your results from this test will be anonymised and added to the COGNITION Biobank and contribute to our independent research.

For more information read the FAQs here.

Email tests@foodforthebrain.org with any questions you have.

 

Choose a purchase plan:

SKU: FFB-AN-HOM Category:

Description

What’s in the kit?

Enrollment with the purchase of a Homocysteine blood spot test kit includes:

  • 2-3 lancets
  • Blood spot card(s) for the tests ordered
  • 1 envelope for returning your blood spot card
  • 1 gauze pad, 1 band aid, and 1 alcohol swab

When you order your kit, you will also be participating as a citizen scientist in the world’s most comprehensive Alzheimer’s prevention project. You will be invited to retest your Cognitive Function every six months, and encouraged to reduce your Dementia Risk Index by joining COGNITION, the ‘brain upgrade’ program. This takes you through a six month cycle to motivate simple diet and lifestyle changes to reduce your Dementia Risk Index.

You may choose to retest every 3 months, 6 months or year and, can, at anytime, change your order. For example, if you bring one test into the ‘green’ on the DRIfT section of your DASHBOARD you may only wish to retest other important biochemical markers. If you have selected a retest option we’ll remind you.

Included in the Homocysteine test kit is:

  • 2 lancets
  • 1 Homocysteine blood spot card
  • 1 envelope for returning the card
  • 1 gauze pad, 1 band aid, and 1 alcohol swab

 

Your data

Your data from this test will be fully anonymised and securely stored in our research database, meeting HIPAA and GDPR standards.  By participating, you’re joining a global effort to advance independent research on brain health. Thank you for contributing to this important work.

Each test ordered acts as a donation to our charitable research and education – thank you!

Additional information

Weight 500 g
Dimensions 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 cm

Related products

  • Vitamin D (25(OH)D3)
    What?

    Vitamin D is made in the skin and provided in supplements and foods such as oily fish and eggs. Both are converted in the liver to form 25(OH)D3 which is the form of vitamin D in the blood, measured by this test. Your levels of 25(OH)D3 levels shows your body’s production plus your intake.

    Vitamin D deficiency is linked with many chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer as well as cognitive decline. Many diseases are more prevalent in the Northern hemisphere due to lack of direct sunlight.

    Optimal levels of 25(OH)D3 are certainly above 32ng/mL (80 nmol/l) and ideally over 40ng/ml (100nmol/l)

    £49.95 — or subscribe and save up to 6% Add to cart

  • HbA1c (glucose control)
    What?

    Hemoglobin A1c is a measure of how healthy average blood sugar levels have been in the recent few months, and is a better representation of blood sugar resilience than a single glucose measurement, since glucose levels vary throughout the day. HbA1c forms in the blood when a hemoglobin molecule in a red blood cell binds with a glucose molecule in the blood; the resulting molecule is also known as glycated hemoglobin (sugar coated or damaged red blood cells).

    It can be a good indicator of glucose intolerance even in the absence of abnormal fasting glucose levels indicating the need to reduce your intake of sugar, carbohydrates and alcohol.

    A level above 7% (53nmol/mol) is indicative of diabetes, while 6.5% is considered pre-diabetic. You certainly want to get your score below 5.9% (41nmol/l). Optimal is below 5.5%.

    £49.95 — or subscribe and save up to 6% Add to cart
  • Vector illustration of the letter O and the number 3 in blue against white background

    Omega-3 Index
    What?

    This measures EPA and DHA.These two important omega-3 fats found in seafood, are essential for brain health. The Omega-3 Index measures the amount of EPA and DHA in red blood cells (RBC). The result shows the % of total RBC fats, and is a long-term, stable marker of omega-3 status.

    A higher Omega-3 Index has been associated with optimal cognitive function and cardiovascular health and redcued risk of many diseases. Omega-3s are beneficial for normal vision, anti-aging, skin health, maternal health, immune function, brain health, heart health, normal liver function, joints and muscles.

    Experts recommend an Omega-3 Index of at least 8%.

    £49.95 — or subscribe and save up to 6% Add to cart

  • Comprehensive - Cognitive Health Test Kit - Calculates your DRIfT

    DRIfT 5-in-1 Test Kit (Includes Glutathione Index)
    £239.60 — or subscribe and save up to 6% Add to cart