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Homocysteine
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Common Questions
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1. What are some good sources of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12?
2. Is there a difference in risk between men and women?
3. Could any medications I may be taking have an effect on my homocysteine level?
1. What are some good sources of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12?
Cereal grains are the main source of folic acid. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration requires the addition of folic acid to grain products in this country. Fruits and vegetables have significant amounts of vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can be found in red meats, poultry, fish, and other seafood. People with high homocysteine levels also may benefit from taking multivitamins to supplement this amount.
2. Is there a difference in risk between men and women?
Homocysteine levels in women increase after menopause, possibly due to decreased estrogen production. Even so, the risk for women does not appear to increase with moderately elevated levels.
3. Could any medications I may be taking have an effect on my homocysteine level?
Yes. There are numerous drugs that may either increase or decrease the amount of homocysteine in your body. You should always keep your doctor and pharmacist aware of any medications, traditional or herbal, you are taking, since they may interfere with the test results.
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This article was last reviewed on
November 14, 2005.
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