Indication: Homocysteine levels (in elderly women)

Source: Am J Clin Nutr, 2003;78(4):765-772.

Research: Prior investigations have found that elderly persons are at higher risk than are younger persons for B vitamin deficiency, which leads to elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations, which are associated with an increased risk for certain diseases such as coronary artery disease. To date, published data have shown decreased vitamin status and elevated tHcy among the elderly. Taking this into consideration, researchers examined the dietary intake and blood status of various B vitamins and homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in 178 women aged 60-70 years old.

Results: According to researchers, indexes of thiamine, pyridoxine and cobalamin indicated insufficient status in one-third of the women, whereas tHcy and MMA concentrations were elevated in approximately 17% and 10% of the women, respectively. An association between vitamin intake and vitamin concentration in the blood was found only for folate. The mean tHcy concentration in subjects in the lowest quartile of serum folate concentration was 23% higher than that in subjects in the highest quartile. There was no association between riboflavin and tHcy concentrations. MMA was positively correlated with age and inversely correlated with serum cobalamin concentration. Re­searchers concluded that even in younger, well educated, female seniors the prevalence of low B vitamin status and elevated plasma tHcy concentration is high. As a result, they said thiamine, pyridoxine, folate and cobalamin supplementation should be considered.