Homocysteine Up, Bone Mineral Density Down, Fractures Up

Elevated homocysteine levels have long been recognized as a risk factor for heart disease. Recently, however, research is pointing to the role for homocysteine in other areas of our health. A January 2006 study confirms that high homocysteine levels have an adverse effect on bone health.

The Norwegian researchers determined that the higher the plasma levels of total homocysteine, the greater the incidence of low bone mineral density among middle-aged and elderly women. Subjects with the highest homocysteine levels had an approximately two-fold higher risk of a fracture compared to those who had the lowest levels. This same association was not seen among men, an interesting outcome that could explain why women are at a far greater risk of this disease. Women with the lowest plasma folate level also had the lowest BMD.

Read more about this study.