Homocysteine concentrations in a German cohort of 500 individuals: Reference ranges and determinants of plasma levels in healthy children and their parents

Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease an d a sensitive marker of inadequate vitamin B12 and folate status. We studie d 257 pupils (120 boys, 137 girls, aged 6-17 years) and their parents (88 m ales, 172 females, aged 26-50 years). Our measurements were part of a natio nal Bavarian health and nutrition examination survey evaluating cardiovascu lar risk factors. A mild hyperhomocysteinemia (Hcys > 15 mu mol/l) occurred in 7% of the adults, but in none of the children. Men had significantly hi gher Hcys levels than women (p < 0.0001), boys and girls had comparable con centrations. For adults and children, Hcys correlated inversely with vitami n B12 and folate and positively with the lean body mass and creatinine in s erum, but not with cystatin C. Genetic and nutritional factors are determin ants of Hcys metabolism. The correlation of Hcys and serum creatinine is de pendent on the metabolic link between Hcys production and creatine synthesi s.