Homocysteine status of elderly slum women in Delhi

Abstract

Objective: The study was undertaken to assess homocysteine levels among economically deprived elderly women in Delhi. Methods: The study was carried out among elderly women aged 60–70 years residing in Kirti Nagar slums of West Delhi. Blood samples were collected, and serum homocysteine was analyzed using chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as serum homocysteine >15 µmol/l. Dietary information was also collected using 24 h dietary recall method and food frequency questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 16.9%. The mean serum homocysteine was 12.35±6.43 µmol/l. Serum homocysteine levels ranged from 3.84 to 35.20 µmol/l. It was observed that hyperhomocysteinemia was higher in vegetarians (31.2%) compared to non-vegetarians (6.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is higher among vegetarians than non-vegetarians. Further, research is necessary to see the effect of elevated homocysteine in multiple age-related diseases.