The effects of exercise on homocysteine levels in men and women
A recent coronary risk factor, and one believed to be and important biochemical marker of Coronary Heart Disease, is elevated levels of serum homocysteine (Boushley et al., 1995; Malinow et al., 1994; Malinow et al., 1999; Nygard et al., 1995; Stampfer et al., 1992). Serum homocysteine levels above 10 umol/L are considered elevated. There are several unalterable factors, which result in the elevation of homocysteine such as heredity, age, and gender. There are other factors that are alterable such as diet and possibly exercise. The purpose of the study was to determine if a 12-week daily progressive exercise program reduced homocysteine levels in men and women. Six men and four women between the ages of 32 and 50 years of age participated in the study. The subjects were all sedentary, business or professional individuals who joined the study to improve their physical fitness. Subjects' homocysteine levels were 10 umol/L or greater. The female subjects were all premenopausal. Homocysteine levels were assessed before and after the 12-week exercise program and a dependent t test evaluated the changes (∝ = .05). After the 12-week exercise program the analysis revealed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels (t = 5.71, p < .05) providing evidence that regular exercise reduces homocysteine levels in men and women.
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