Homocysteine and vitamin status in healthy Thai smokers

Abstract

Purpose. Cigarette smoking is considered to increase morbidity and the mortality risk of cardiovascular diseases. B vitamins regulate the metabolism of homocysteine via remethylation and trans‐sulfuration pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate homocysteine concentrations, vitamin status, anthropometric and haematological measurements of healthy smokers compared with healthy non‐smoking subjects.Design. This cross‐sectional study was carried out among smokers and non‐smokers from suburban and urban residential areas in Bangkok, Thailand.Materials and methods. 174 smokers and 97 non‐smokers (aged 19–62), who participated voluntarily in the study, were investigated. Total homocysteine, folate, vitamin B2, B6, B12, and C concentrations were measured.Results. Total homocysteine concentrations in plasma were significantly higher in smokers than non‐smokers. Vitamin B2, folate, B12 and C concentrations were significantly lower among smokers than non‐smokers but vitamin B6 was not significantly di...