Serum Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Levels in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

To study alterations in and factors affecting blood levels of homocysteine and its related vitamins (B12 and folic acid) in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this case-control study, conducted in a referral hospital in north India, blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine were compared and also correlated with anthropometric parameters, blood sugar, lipids (total, LDL and HDL cholesterol) and hematological variables. Seventy five subjects (50 patients and 25 controls; mean age 48.6±11.5 years; 57% males) were studied. As compared to controls, patients with metabolic syndrome had higher blood levels of homocysteine (16.77±6.6 vs 6.48±0.87 units; P