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HOMOCYSTEINE 17 µmol/L
Hello Doctor,
I am a 27-year-old male. I initially had an elevated homocysteine level of 19.96 µmol/L about 4–5 months ago. Based on this, I started taking Homocheck (which contains Cyanocobalamin 400 mcg, Pyridoxine/B6 10 mg, and Folic Acid 1 mg) daily on my own.
After taking Homocheck regularly for around 4 months, I recently repeated my tests.
My homocysteine is now 17 µmol/L, so it has reduced but is still slightly above normal.
My Vitamin B12 level is 762 pg/mL, which is within the normal–high range.
During the course of treatment, I experienced gastric discomfort, acidity, and intermittent tingling/virbration sensations, especially in the feet. Because of this, I am concerned about long-term use of B6 and high-dose B-complex combinations.
I have now stopped Homocheck and am considering switching to methylcobalamin (B12) alone with folate, without B6. should I continue Homocheck or stop it now?
Answers (9)
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Continue with b12 folate and b6...no need of homocheck...both appears same
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Your homocysteine has improved from 19.96 → 17 μmol/L after ~4 months of Homocheck — that is a positive response, but the level is still mildly elevated (most labs consider
Next Steps
1. Stop Homocheck now
• You can safely stop it today — there is no withdrawal or rebound risk with these vitamins.
• The tingling/vibration sensations should gradually fade over 2–6 weeks after stopping B6 (if it is indeed B6-related).
2. Switch to a safer, more targeted regimen (doctor-guided — please show this report to your physician):
• Methylcobalamin 1000–1500 mcg once daily (sublingual or oral) — active form, better tolerated, no cyanide concern.
• L-methylfolate 400–1000 mcg (active folate) once daily — better than regular folic acid for homocysteine reduction in many people.
• No pyridoxine (B6) for now — you can re-introduce low-dose (2–5 mg) only if homocysteine stays high after 2–3 months and tingling has completely resolved.
3. Retest in 8–12 weeks
• Homocysteine
• Vitamin B12
• Folate (serum or RBC folate)
• If homocysteine still >15 → doctor may add betaine (trimethylglycine) 1–3 g/day or check MTHFR polymorphism.
4. See your doctor soon (within 1–2 weeks)
• Show old & new reports
• Mention the tingling + gastric side effects
• Ask whether to investigate cause of persistently elevated homocysteine (MTHFR, diet, gut absorption, kidney function, etc.)
Health Tips
• Take new supplements after food to minimize acidity
• If acidity persists → take Pantoprazole / Rabeprazole 20–40 mg once daily (empty stomach) for 2–4 weeks
• Diet to help homocysteine: more green leafy vegetables (natural folate), eggs, fish (natural B12), avoid excess methionine-rich foods (red meat) if possible
• The vibration/tingling is almost certainly B6-related and should disappear after stopping — if it worsens or spreads, see a neurologist (very unlikely)
You have already achieved a good reduction — switching to methylcobalamin + active folate without B6 is a safer, more logical next step for most people in your situation.
Please consult your doctor before starting any new supplement (even though these are over-the-counter) — they can confirm the dose and rule out other causes.
If you get the doctor’s advice or new test results, feel free to share — happy to help interpret further.
Take care
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Please share details of your symptoms, as it is the illness which is treated.
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Tingling likely due to B6 and should improve..if you avoid B6
Stop Homocheck permanently
Switch to other medication which doesn't effect these symptoms
Consult for better and proper treatment
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Stop homocheck and eat protein rich non veg for b12
And spinanch for zinc
B12 with folate also stop after 10 days
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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