Homocysteine is an intermediate compound formed during the metabolism of me
thionine. Several studies have shown that plasma homocysteine concentration
s rise with age, Overt or borderline deficiencies of folate, vitamin B-12 o
r B-6 and possibly age-related kidney dysfunction are the major causes of h
omocysteine elevation in the elderly population. Multiple case-control and
prospective studies have shown that a high plasma homocysteine concentratio
n is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; this associati
on persists in the elderly, Supplementation with folic acid either alone or
with vitamins B-12 and B-6 can lower plasma homocysteine, Intervention stu
dies to assess the effects (if any) of such treatment on prognosis are now
in progress in patients with vascular disease. Coronary Artery Dis 9:725-73
0 (C) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.