Plasma homocysteine level in relation to folate and vitamin B6 status in apparently normal men.

The prevalence of subclinical deficiencies of folate and vitamin B6 in India is high and preliminary investigation showed higher mean plasma total homocysteine level in Indians compared with the values reported for western populations. The present study was carried out in 40 apparently normal men to examine the relationship between plasma total homocysteine level and folate and vitamin B6 status. The mean plasma homocysteine level was high and was inversely related to folate status as judged by red blood cells or plasma folate concentrations. There was no significant relationship between fasting homocysteine level and vitamin B6 status.