Plasma homocysteine level and selected dietary habits in young healthy men
Czajkowska, A.; Lutosławska, G.; Mazurek, K.; Ambroszkiewicz, J.
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 60(1): 85-89
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-7715 PMID: 19579776 Document Number: 630889
Elevated plasma homocysteine level is recognized as independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Homocysteine metabolism in the body is precisely regulated by many factors including dietary habits as folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 daily intakes. Data concerning the relationship between methionine daily intake and plasma homocysteine concentrations are contradictory indicating increased or decreased plasma homocysteine levels in response to high protein or high methionine daily intakes. This study aimed at the evaluation of the relationship between habitual dietary habits of young, healthy men and plasma homocysteine levels. A total of 65 healthy students volunteered to participate in the study. Their dietary habits were assessed from 4 dietary records concerning daily food intake during two week days and weekend. Macronutrient, methionine and vitamin B6 intakes were calculated using FOOD 2 computer program purchased from Institute of Food and Nutrition in Warsaw. Blood was drawn from antecubital vein after overnight fast. Plasma homocysteine concentration was determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay using commercial kits from Abbott (USA). It has been demonstrated that plasma homocysteine levels were significantly and inversely correlated with daily total protein intake (r = -0.372, p = 0.003) and to lesser extent with methionine nutritional density (r = -0.319, p = 0.02). There were no correlation between daily vitamin B6 intake and plasma homocysteine concentration. Assuming our results it could be postulated that habitual daily intake of protein and consequently methionine has a beneficial effect on plasma homocysteine levels in young healthy men. In addition, it seems feasible that protein effect on plasma homocysteine is due to methionine and protein-originated vitamins action.