Nutritional determinanty of homocysteinaemia are folic acid and vitamin B12 (remethylation pathway of homocysteine metabolismy as well as vitmin B6 (transsulphuration pathway). Remethylation prevails at conditions of low and optimal methionine intake (malnutrition, alternative nutrition, traditional nutrition). Transsulphuration dominates in condition of excessive methionine intake - above 3 g (overnutrition with prevailing consumption of animal food sources). From several studies in correlation to metabolic homocysteine pathwys and the nutrition regimen ensues tkat vitamin B6 is non-effective in treatment of hyperhomocysteinaemia. A considerable effect on homocysteine level reduction was achieved by folic acid in the general population and by vitamin B12 in subjects on alternative nutrition. Nutritional and pharmaceutical requirements for maintenance of normal homocysteine levels call for the use of multivitamin supplements with a folic acid concentration of 200 ~g/tablet and more. In strict vegetarians, oral vitamin B12 supplement (200 ~g/tablet and more) must be used (ohly 1 % of oral vitamin B12 is utilized = 2 wg is the recommended dietary allowance).

        Key words: homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, traditional nutrition, vegetarians.