Homocysteine is an amino acid (building block of protein) that is formed in the body in connection with metabolism. When we eat food, it is converted into energy, during the conversion homocysteine is created. For this process to work, the body depends on a sufficient amount of both B vitamins and enzymes.
This test analyzes your homocysteine level in the body. An elevated homocysteine value is not seen as serious and usually does not cause any serious problems, but can be an indication of reduced kidney function. The homocysteine value may be elevated caused by other factors such as e.g. certain medicines, various diseases or if you are deficient in vitamin B12, vitamin B6 or folate. By measuring the homocysteine value, a possible deficiency of vitamins B6, B12 and folate can be detected, as the homocysteine levels rise even before the levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate fall.