Homocysteine levels in elderly Spanish people: influence of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes
Ortega, R.M.; Jiménez, A.; Andrés, P.; Faci, M.; Lolo, J.M.; Lozano, M.C.; Bermejo, L.M.; Lopez-Sobaler, A.M.; Requejo, A.M.
Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 6(1): 69-71
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1279-7707 PMID: 11813088 Document Number: 541182
Background: Serum homocysteine level is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate serum homocysteine levels in a group of elderly people in Spain, and analyse the effect of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and folic acid intakes on these levels. Design: The study subjects were 130 independently-living elderly people over the age of 65 years. A dietetic study was performed using a 7-day food record. Serum homocysteine levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Mean pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folate intakes were 67.2+or-16.8, 392.8+or-549.2 and 84.5+or-28.3% of recommended values, respectively. With regard to sex, differences were seen only for vitamin B12 levels (9.1+or-12.7 micro g/day in men and 6.5+or-8.8 micro g/day in women). 93.6% of subjects showed pyridoxine intakes below those recommended, as did 17.6% with respect to vitamin B12 and 72.8% with respect to folic acid. Homocysteine levels were 12.6+or-3.7 micro mol/litre in men and 12.2+or-7.9 micro mol/litre in women (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen in homocysteine levels between subjects with lower than recommended intakes of pyridoxine or vitamin B12 and those with better intakes. However, subjects with folic acid intakes below 200 micro g/day showed higher homocysteine levels (13.0+or-6.7 micro mol/litre) than did subjects with more adequate intakes (10.9+or-4.1 micro mol/litre), P<0.05. Conclusion: The diet of the study subjects might be improved, especially with respect to pyridoxine and folic acid. Raising the intake of the latter might be especially useful in controlling homocysteine levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.