The researchers found that homocysteine levels were higher in both black and white women with preeclampsia compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies.  Black women with  preeclampsia had the highest homocysteine levels: 8.7 micromoles per liter (umol/L); while the levels were 7.6 umol/L for black women with normal pregnancy; 7.5 umol/L for white women with preeclampsia and 5.5 umol/L for white women without preeclampsia.

There were no differences in folic acid or B12 levels within racial groups, but there were differences in those levels between races.  Folic acid was higher in white women compared to black women, whereas B12 was higher in black women compared to white women, Patrick said.  That finding is intriguing because both folic acid and B12 are needed to break down homocysteine.

I had assumed folic acid and B12 tracked until this, she said.  In searching the literature, I found a study of postmenopausal women that found the same thing: homocysteine was elevated in black women and their folate was down but their B12 was increased.

The discovery of another study with similar results indicates that it probably is not a fluke, Patrick said.  We need to test this further either through supplementation or by controlling diet or weight to see if the same thing happens, she said. 

Co-authors are Robert W. Powers, Ph.D.; Ashi R. Daftary, M.D.; Roberta B. Ness, M.D., M.P.H.; and James M. Roberts, M.D.

The study was partly funded by the National Institutes of Health.