Understanding the marker
Homocysteine can help answer selected questions about B-vitamin metabolism; kidney function and other factors also affect it.
The body uses B vitamins, including B12 and folate, to process homocysteine. Kidney function also affects its level. The result can add information to vitamin assessment, but does not on its own diagnose cardiovascular disease or establish a need to lower the value.
What does high Homocysteine mean?
An elevation can relate to B12 or folate deficiency, kidney function or other causes. Follow-up is chosen for the clinical question, not simply to lower a cardiovascular risk number.
What does low Homocysteine mean?
An isolated low homocysteine value is usually of limited clinical significance. It is not a treatment target or a complete measure of vitamin status or cardiovascular health.
More markers in the same area
This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: October 2026.