A study of homocysteine level in North Indian subjects with special reference to their dietary habit

SummaryBackground & aimDietary habit may influence homocysteine (Hcy) level and there is paucity of such studies from Northern India. This study was carried out to study Hcy levels in normal volunteers and compare these with dietary habits, plasma B12 and folic acid.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 200 normal volunteers were subjected to evaluation of demographic (age, gender, dietary habit and physical activity), clinical (body mass index, blood pressure, smoking and alcohol) and laboratory (plasma B12, folic acid and Hcy) parameters. The Hcy levels were compared in vegetarians and non-vegetarians and correlated with various demographic, clinical and laboratory findings.ResultsThe mean age of the subjects was 39.4(18–73) years and 76 were females. A total of 27 were sedentary, 36 smokers and 30 took alcohol. Body mass index was high in 36 and 99 were lacto-vegetarians. Plasma Hcy level in vegetarians was significantly higher (20.42±12.98 μmol/L) compared to non-vegetarians (16.43+10.66 μmol/L). Plasma B12 and folic acid levels, however, were insignificantly lower in vegetarians. On multivariate analysis hyperhomocysteinemia was related to low plasma vitamin B12 level only.ConclusionIn vegetarians Hcy levels were higher than non-vegetarians and were related to low plasma B12 level.