Homocysteine Serum Level in Relation to Intake of Folate, Vitamins B12, B1, B2, and B6 and MTHFR c.665C→T Polymorphism among Young Women

The study was conducted to assess influence of folate, vitamins B12, B1, B2, B6 intake, and MTHFR c.665 C→T polymorphism on homocysteine (Hcy) level among 176 female university students. Nutrients intake was assessed by 4-day record method. Serum Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 levels were assessed in blood morning samples, MTHFR genotype - after DNA extraction. The frequency of TT genotype of MTHFR gene was 13%. Hcy level was higher in TT individuals (9.4μmol/L) than in CC (8.3μmol/L) and CT (8.2μmol/L), while folate level was lower (13.0nmol/L, 16.0nmol/L and 15.4nmol/L, respectively). Serum B12 was similar in all groups (approx. 274pmol/L). Significant negative correlations between Hcy and folate, B12 serum levels in all genotype groups were found, with the highest values for TT individuals, except of the relation between B12 and Hcy. Nutrients intake did not differ among genotype groups. Total folate intake in the whole group of women was low (162μg DFE/d), vitamin B12 intake amounted 3.1μg/d. Intake of folate and B1 below EAR concerned 88% and 40% of women, respectively. Folate intake indicated significant negative correlation with Hcy level only in TT subjects. We concluded that folate intake by TT subjects was too low to obtain the same serum Hcy level as in CC and CT subjects despite the same intake of folate, B1, B2 and B6 vitamins, and slightly higher B12 intake.