Significance of Low Plasma Homocysteine

Summary

Low plasma homocysteine is clinically relevant because multiple organ and system disturbances can result from limitation of sulfur compounds and methionine methyl donor functions. Richard S. Lord, PhD, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, ND

This content was created by the Metametrix Institute

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Lord RS, and Fitzgerald K, Hypohomocysteinemia. Metametrix white paper, 2005.

Details

While high plasma homocysteine is widely recognized as a cardiovascular disease risk factor, individuals with low homocysteine may also be at risk. The risk of hypohomocysteinemia derives from the fact that homocysteine is the normal intermediate for conversion of methionine into cysteine, and thus for production of glutathione, taurine and sulfate. Individuals with low homocysteine have limited capacity for response to oxidative stress and certain kinds of toxin exposure. The most common treatment for low homocysteine is administration of sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine, N-acetylcysteine and taurine. Preformed glutathione and inorganic sulfate salts (potassium sulfate) may also be employed. Plasma methionine and urinary sulfate, pyroglutamate or alpha-hydroxybutyrate are related tests that may be performed for confirmation of significant cysteine deficit.