What is homocysteine? It is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is synthesized from methionine. Methionine is not produced in the body and enters it only with protein foods: eggs, dairy products, meat.
Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor in pregnancy. At the end of the first – beginning of the third trimester, the level of this amino acid decreases and returns to normal a few days after childbirth. In a pregnant woman, homocysteine should normally be 4,6-12,4 μmol / L. Permissible fluctuations in different directions – no more than 0,5 μmol / l. A decrease in indicators improves blood flow to the placenta. With increased homocysteine, the risk of intrauterine fetal hypoxia increases, a strong excess of the norm can lead to brain defects and death of the child.
It is necessary to maintain normal homocysteine levels. Regular tests will help to identify a risk group in time and take measures to maintain normal homocysteine.
It can be increased in cases where there are such factors in the history of pregnancy:
– deficiency of folic acid and B vitamins: B6 and B12,
– chronic kidney disease,
– active form of psoriasis,
– arterial or venous thrombosis,
– hereditary factors,
– the use of alcohol, tobacco,
– excessive consumption of coffee (more than 5-6 cups a day),
– hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones),
– diabetes,
– the use of certain medications.
If the analyzes during pregnancy planning showed deviations, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment with vitamins and adjust your nutritional plan. You should not rely on a lucky chance in this situation: statistics show that every third inhabitant of Russia has a homocysteine level exceeded by more than 50%.