ascorbic-acid and Folic-Acid-Deficiency

To be efficacious, dietary supplements must either provide a nutrient that is normally undersupplied to cells or exert a pharmacologic effect on cellular processes. In the first case, optimal function is achieved when a nutrient required by the organism reaches a specific concentration within the cell. A supplement has benefit only when the normal intake of a bioavailable form of a nutrient is lower than the amount that would provide maximum benefit as judged from all biological perspectives. Metabolic, environmental, and genetic factors can make individual nutrient requirements differ from the estimated needs calculated from population-based data. For example, under certain circumstances intracellular antioxidants may be depleted and a dietary supplement might restore optimal antioxidant protection. In the second case, the dietary supplement contains a constituent that is normally not required by the cell, but this substance is capable of altering normal cell function. For example, herbal preparations may contain ephedrine (a drug), which might alter heart rate so that the amount of blood pumped by the heart is enhanced. An understanding of how the variation in nutrient requirements comes about and of the pharmacologic actions of nutrient supplements can help to identify which individuals are most likely to benefit from dietary supplements.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Dietary Fats; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Metabolism; Nutritional Requirements; Phytotherapy; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; DNA; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Neoplasms; Niacin; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamins

Routinely measuring iron status is necessary because not only are about 6% of Americans in significant negative iron balance, but about 1% have iron overload. Serum ferritin is in equilibrium with body iron stores, and is the only blood test that measures them. Barring inflammation, each one ng (0.0179 pmol) ferritin/ml of serum indicates approximately 10 mg (0.179 mmol) of body iron stores. Very early Stage I positive balance is best recognized by measuring saturation of iron binding capacity. Conversely, serum ferritin best recognizes early (Stage I and II) negative balance. Deviations from normal are: 1. Both stages of iron depletion (i.e. low stores, no dysfunction). Negative iron balance Stage I is reduced iron absorption producing moderately depleted iron stores. Stage II is severely depleted stores, without dysfunction. These stages include over half of all cases of negative iron balance. Treated with iron, they never progress to dysfunction, i.e. to disease. 2. Both stages of iron deficiency. Deficiency is inadequate iron for normal function, i.e. dysfunction, disease. Negative balance Stage III is dysfunction without anemia; Stage IV is with anemia. 3. Positive iron balance: Stage I is a multi-year period without dysfunction. Supplements of iron and/or vitamin C promote progression to dysfunction (disease). Iron removal prevents progression. Stage II is iron overload disease, encompassing years of insidiously progressive damage to tissues and organs from iron overload. Iron removal arrests progression.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gene Frequency; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Hemochromatosis; HLA-A3 Antigen; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Inflammation; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy

The various roles of the water-soluble vitamins (including choline and vitamin C) in diseases of swine are outlined. The most important role is in the prevention of deficiency disease; another important role is in relation to the immune response. Deficiency signs relating to each vitamin are described and the metabolism of each vitamin is outlined. Recent estimates of requirements are set out, together with suggestions on supplementation of practical diets for swine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biotin; Choline; Choline Deficiency; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Niacin; Nutritional Requirements; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Solubility; Swine; Swine Diseases; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins; Water

Topics: Anticonvulsants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Aspirin; Drug Interactions; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Nutritional Requirements; Risk; Vitamins

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Digestive System; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Immunity; Lymphocytes; Nutrition Disorders; Obesity; Phorbol Esters; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin E; Zinc

Deficiency of either folic acid or vitamin B12 may interfere with DNA synthesis and result in megaloblastic anemia or other conditions. These 2 vitamins have dissimilar molecular structures and are present in different foods; they are also absorbed and metabolized differently. In 201 consecutive cases of megaloblastic anemia, for 90% the cause was alcoholism and poor diet; 0.5% (1 case) was related to oral contraceptives (OCs). Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency has occasionally been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and has been attributed to poor diet, impaired absorption, and increased tissue utilization of folate. Sulfasalazine, a compound containing a sulfa drug and a salicylate that is broken down to its active components by the gut flora, is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and has been shown to impair the absorption of folic acid, polyglutamyl folate, and methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid in patients with these disorders. There is also evidence suggesting an interaction between anticonvulsant drugs and folate balance. A number of cases of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency have been reported in women taking OCs. While in some cases no apparent cause for the megaloblastic anemia other than contraceptive therapy was demonstrated, in many patients other underlying disorders that were likely to disturb folate balance such as celiac disease, decreased dietary vitamin intake, and the administration of other drugs known to affect folate status have also been present. There is no convincing evidence that sex steroids affect folate absorption; about 20% of women taking OCs were found to have mild megaloblastic changes on Papanicolaou smears. These changes disappered after folic acid therapy, suggesting that OCs may cause an increased demand for folate limited to the reproductive system. Another finding is of low serum cobalamin levels in women using OCs; this appears however to be a laboratory abnormality of uncertain cause and of no clinical significance.

Topics: Alcoholism; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Ascorbic Acid; Contraceptives, Oral; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Antagonists; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Nervous System; Nitrous Oxide; Sulfasalazine; Vitamin B 12

1. Low serum B12 levels can be measured with considerable precision by microbiological assay with the Euglena gracilis assay and B12 deficiency can be recognised with a high level of consistency by either the Euglena or L. leichmannii assays. Either method is ideally suited for the assay of large numbers of specimens. The Lactobacillus leichmanii technique requires preliminary extraction of protein and it has been suggested that this may be a source of inaccuracy. 2. The radioisotope dilution assay should be the ideal method of measuring B12 levels in small or moderate numbers of specimens for it is a simple method that can be carried out in any laboratory with suitable counting equipment. After many false starts the conditions required for accurate assay are now understood. Each of 40 to 50 radioisotopic dilution techniques that have been introduced claims to be capable of differentiating B12 deficiency from control subjects but the reported correlations between the actual levels found in the two different assays are variable and the levels may be much higher with some radioisotopic methods. 3. The subnormal serum levels which are found in pernicious anaemia with all these techniques indicate severe reduction of the liver B12 level. A low serum B12 level in other conditions has, in the absence of associated folate or iron deficiency, the same significance. If the fall in the serum B12 level is associated with folate or iron deficiency, the tissue B12 levels are usually reduced but not to the low levels found in B12 deficiency states. 4. In practice, a subnormal B12 level is a valuable pointer not only to unsuspected pernicious anaemia but also to other gastrointestinal or nutritional disorders. The significance of a fall in the B12 level can only be understood if its cause is defined by a full clinical and gastroenterological investigation. 5. Falsely low serum B12 levels are found under certain iatrogenic conditions and B12 levels may be normal in spite of cellular deficiency of B12 under the rare circumstances of pernicious anaemia being associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia or when there is deficiency of TC 2.

Topics: Anemia, Megaloblastic; Anemia, Pernicious; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Cells; Carrier Proteins; Deoxyuridine; Euglena gracilis; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Intrinsic Factor; Lactobacillus; Leukemia, Myeloid; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Radioisotope Dilution Technique; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

The literature concerning the influence of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives on vitamins is reviewed. The appearance of an elevated plasma concentration of vitamin A is probably without clinical importance, while there seems to be a clear connection between disturbances of vitamin B6 metabolism and mental symptoms. Low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 have also been noted. Despite this, it is very rare that hematologic abnormalities develop during hormonal contraception. A reduced concentration of vitamin C in plasma and blood corpuscles has been reported. The clinical significance of these alterations is unknown.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Estradiol Congeners; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Lipids; Menstruation; Nicotinic Acids; Pyridoxine; Tryptophan; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Child, Preschool; Digestive System; Erythropoiesis; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Male; Pregnancy; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adult; Anemia, Hemolytic; Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Cell Count; Bone Marrow Cells; Erythrocytes; Erythropoiesis; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hemolysis; Hemorrhagic Disorders; Humans; Iron; Leukocytes; Liver; Reticulocytes; Scurvy; Tissue Extracts; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated with the risk of atherosclerosis and arterial and venous thrombosis. We have previously demonstrated that rabbits rendered hyperhomocysteinemic by parenteral administration of homocysteine develop a dysfibrinogenemia that is associated with the formation of fibrin clots that are abnormally resistant to fibrinolysis. We suggested that this acquired dysfibrinogenemia contributes to the thrombotic tendency in hyperhomocysteinemia. However, it was possible that the homocysteine-associated dysfibrinogenemia was an artifact of the parenteral administration model. Therefore, the goals of the current study were to develop a diet-induced model of homocysteinemia in rabbits and determine whether a dysfibrinogenemia and evidence of oxidative stress develop in this model as they do when homocysteine is injected. We found that rabbits fed a diet severely deficient in folate and mildly deficient in choline develop mild hyperhomocysteinemia: 14.8+/-4.0 microM in deficient rabbits compared to 9.0+/-1.7 microM in controls. The deficient rabbits also develop evidence of oxidant stress: increased lipid peroxidation in liver, impaired mitochondrial enzyme activities in liver and elevated caspase-3 levels in plasma. Most importantly, the deficient rabbits also develop a dysfibrinogenemia characterized by increased resistance to fibrinolysis. We believe that this dietary model of homocysteinemia is clinically relevant and reproduces many features associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in previous work using in vitro and in vivo models. Our findings suggest that an acquired dysfibrinogenemia could play a role in the increased risk of atherothrombotic disease in mildly hyperhomocysteinemic human subjects.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Caspase 3; Choline Deficiency; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fibrinolysis; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Rabbits; Risk Factors; Thrombosis; Vitamin E

We have investigated the effect of modest supplementation with alpha-tocopherol (100 mg/day), beta-carotene (6 mg/day), vitamin C (100 mg/day) and selenium (50 microg/day) on oxidative stress and chromosomal damage, and the influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype on these end-points. Subjects were two groups of middle-aged men differing in cardiovascular risk; 46 survivors of myocardial infarction before age 50 and 60 healthy controls. They were randomly divided into equal groups to receive antioxidants or placebo for 12 weeks. Twenty-eight patients and 58 controls completed the intervention. Micronucleus levels in peripheral lymphocytes and changes seen after intervention were studied in relation to the MTHFR C677T genotype, basal homocysteine and plasma folate levels. Ferric reducing ability of plasma and concentration of malondialdehyde were measured to assess the antioxidant effect of supplementation. There was no association of micronuclei with folate, homocysteine or malondialdehyde levels before supplementation. Micronucleus frequencies and plasma folate levels did not vary significantly with MTHFR genotype. Homocysteine levels in subjects with the TT variant genotype were significantly higher compared with CT or CC (P = 0.001), especially in subjects with low folate (P = 0.012). In the placebo control group an increase in micronuclei (P = 0.04) was detected at the end of the intervention period. This effect was not seen in the supplemented group. In antioxidant-supplemented myocardial infarction survivors we found an increase in the ferric reducing ability of plasma (P < 0.001) and a decrease in malondialdehyde (P = 0.001). Micronucleus frequency showed a decrease, strongest in subjects with normal folate levels (P = 0.015). In subjects with low folate levels, a high correlation was found between micronuclei after supplementation and homocysteine, both before (r = 0.979, P = 0.002) and after supplementation (r = 0.922, P = 0.009). Thus, folate deficiency may amplify the effect of other risk factors such as elevated homocysteine levels or variant MTHFR genotype, as well as influencing the ability of antioxidant supplementation to protect against genetic damage.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Micronucleus Tests; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Oxidative Stress; Selenium

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bayes Theorem; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Inpatients; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D

Taste perception may influence dietary preferences and nutrient intakes contributing to diet-related disease susceptibility. This study examined bitter taste genetics and whether variation in the TAS2R38 gene at three polymorphic loci (A49P, V262A and I296V) could alter dietary and systemic folate levels and dietary vitamin C intake, and whether a nutrigenetic circuit existed that might link bitter taste, folate/antioxidant status and risk for a colonic adenomatous polyp. TAS2R38 diplotype predicted bitter taste (PROP) phenotype (p value <0.00001) and red cell folate status (p=0.0179) consistent with the diplotype that has the broadest range of bitter perception (AVI/PAV) also possessing the highest average red cell folate value. However, TAS2R38 diplotype did not predict dietary intake of methylfolic acid, pteroylmonoglutamic acid or total folic acid. Neither did it predict dietary intake of vitamin C. Despite this, intake of dietary folate predicts red cell folate with analysis pointing to a key nutrient-nutrient interaction between vitamin C intake and systemic folate status. Analysis of 38 patients with an adenomatous polyp and 164 controls showed that individually, dietary nutrient intake, nutrient status and taste diplotype did not influence polyp risk. However, red cell folate status (in individuals below the population median value) did interact with bitter taste diplotype (AVI/PAV) to predict polyp risk (p=0.0145). Furthermore, synthetic folic acid (below median intake) was statistically associated with adenoma occurrence (p=0.0215); individuals with adenomatous polyps had a 1.77× higher intake than controls. Additionally, stepwise regression taking account of all dietary nutrients showed a tight relationship between methylfolic acid (but not pteroylmonoglutamic acid) intake and red cell folate level in those with a low folate status and occurrence of an adenomatous polyp (p=0.0039). These findings point to a role for folate in the pathoaetiology of adenomatous polyps, with the natural and synthetic vitamers not necessarily having the same biological effect.

Topics: Adenomatous Polyposis Coli; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Erythrocytes; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Humans; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Genetic; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Taste Perception

Whereas there are numerous reports in the literature relating the impact of maternal nutritional status on subsequent birth outcome, much less is known about the long-term impact on infant growth after birth. Therefore, we conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate the association of maternal micronutrient status (vitamins A, C and E, folate) and oxidative stress status in pregnancy with infant growth during the first year of life.. Prospective cohort study.. Outpatient clinic of obstetrics, Ewha Womans University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.. Two groups were constructed for this study - the Ewha pregnancy cohort (n = 677) and the infant growth cohort comprising follow-up live newborns of all the recruited pregnant women (n = 317). Maternal serum vitamin and urinary oxidative stress levels were collected and infant weights and heights were measured at birth and at 6 and 12 months after birth.. Division of the subjects into folate-deficient and normal groups revealed that infant weight and height at 0, 6 and 12 months were adversely affected by folate deficiency. High maternal vitamin C was associated with increased infant weight and height at birth and after birth.. Our findings indicate the importance of preventing folate deficiency and supplementing vitamin C during pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Prospective Studies; Vitamins

A high incidence of iron-deficiency is a common observation among adolescent girls, whereas only limited data are available regarding the folic acid status of this group. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of biochemical folic acid deficiency in a group of Turkish adolescent girls.. We surveyed the serum folic acid, complete blood count, and dietary folic acid intake of Turkish adolescent girls after using three-day self-reported food intakes in urban and rural areas of Edirne, Turkey.. A sample population was composed of 704 adolescent girls; their serum folic acid levels were found to be adequate for 37.6% (> or = 6 ng/mL), marginal for 46% (3 to 5.9 ng/mL), and at deficient levels for 16.3% (< 3 ng/mL). Folic acid deficiencies were found in 20.1% (36 of 179) and 14.7 % (61 of 416) of adolescent girls from rural and urban areas, respectively. Self-reported three-day folic acid intakes were correlated with the corresponding blood values for this nutrient. In the logistic regression analysis, three factors emerged as significant independent predictors of folic acid deficiency: low income (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-4.2, p < .001), low vitamin C (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5, p < .05), and folic acid intake (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.8-8.1, p < .001).. Data from the present study may indicate that serum folic acid is low in a group of Turkish adolescent girls. These low values appear to be associated with low income, and low dietary intakes of folic acid and vitamin C.

Topics: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Diet; Epidemiologic Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Income; Prevalence; Turkey

This investigation aims to explore the association among anemia and vitamins A, C, and folate deficiencies in a probabilistic sample of Mexican children.. Data on hemoglobin, serum vitamins A and C and folate concentrations and percent transferrin saturation (PTS) in children 0.5-11 years (n = 1,770) were extracted from the database of the probabilistic Mexican National Nutrition Survey 1999 (NNS-99).. Overall, 16.6% of children were anemic. Iron deficiency children with or without anemia had more frequent low serum retinol (40.6 vs. 16% and 27.7 vs. 11.9%, p < 0.05, respectively) and lower hemoglobin folate (11.5 vs. 22%, p < 0.05) than their non-iron deficiency counterparts. Mean concentrations of serum iron (p < 0.01), folate (p < 0.001) and retinol (p < 0.0001), but not ascorbic acid (p < 0.6), were significantly lower in anemic than in nonanemic children. In a linear regression model, 15% of hemoglobin variation in children was explained by retinol, folate and PTS, but not vitamin C (p <0.0001).. Anemia was mostly associated with iron deficiency and with a lesser proportion of folate and vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin A deficiency might be overestimated since iron deficiency may lower serum retinol concentrations. Interventions aimed to reduce anemia in this population must consider interactions between those micronutrients in designing strategies.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Child, Preschool; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Male; Mexico; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sampling Studies; Transferrin; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

This study investigated levels of serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, in 37 male and 112 female overweight and obese Thai volunteers (body mass index; BMI > or = 25.00), and 23 male and 90 female normal-weight Thai volunteers, who came for a physical check-up at the Out-patient Department, General Practice Section, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok from March to October of 2000. Data included anthropometric measurements and waist/hip ratios. All anthropometric variables, except height, were significantly higher for the overweight subjects than for the normal subjects. Statistically significantly higher levels of serum homocysteine were found in the overweight subjects. Serum homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese males were significantly higher than in overweight and obese females. Serum folic acid and vitamin C in the overweight and obese were found to be statistically significantly lower than in the control subjects. No statistically significant difference in vitamin B12 was found in the overweight and obese subjects compared with the normal control subjects. The medians of serum folic acid and vitamin C concentrations for the overweight and obese males were significantly lower than those of the overweight and obese females. A negative correlation was found between serum folic acid and homocysteine concentrations in all overweight and obese subjects. A significant negative correlation between serum folic acid and vitamin B6 was observed in both male and female overweight and obese subjects. The results of the investigation suggest that homocysteine levels in overweight and obese subjects seem to be caused by insufficient dietary folic acid intake and probably not by B12 deficiency.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Constitution; Case-Control Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Thailand; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6

Sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by genetic and epigenetic changes such as regional DNA hypermethylation and global DNA hypomethylation. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that aberrant DNA methylation is associated with low dietary folate intake, which is aggravated by high alcohol intake. The relationship between promoter methylation of genes involved in CRC carcinogenesis and folate and alcohol intake was investigated. Methylation of the APC-1A, p14(ARF), p16(INK4A), hMLH1, O(6)-MGMT, and RASSF1A promoters was studied using methylation-specific PCR in 122 sporadic CRCs, derived from patients with folate and alcohol intake at either the lower or the higher quintiles of the distribution. Overall, promoter hypermethylation frequencies observed were: 39% for APC; 33% for p14(ARF); 31% for p16(INK4A); 29% for hMLH1; 41% for O(6)-MGMT; and 20% for RASSF1A. For each of the tested genes, the prevalence of promoter hypermethylation was higher in CRCs derived from patients with low folate/high alcohol intake (n = 61) when compared with CRCs from patients with high folate/low alcohol intake (n = 61), but the differences were not statistically significant. The number of CRCs with at least one gene methylated was higher (84%) in the low folate intake/high alcohol intake group when compared with the high folate intake/low alcohol intake group (70%; P = 0.085). Despite the size limitations of this study, these data suggest that folate and alcohol intake may be associated with changes in promoter hypermethylation in CRC.

Topics: Aged; Alcohol Drinking; Ascorbic Acid; Cocarcinogenesis; Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Diet; Dietary Fiber; DNA Methylation; DNA, Neoplasm; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Ethanol; Feeding Behavior; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gene Silencing; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Pilot Projects; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Risk Factors

The aim of the study was to investigate folate and other selected vitamin status (ascorbic acid, tocopherol, retinol, vitamin B12), haematological indices and total homocysteine concentration of serum in women of childbearing age.. A cross-sectional study.. Warsaw.. Healthy women aged 18-30 y (n=78) not pregnant presently or previously, and not taking drugs.. Haemoglobin and haematocrit values according to WHO criteria for 18 to 30-y-old women were normal. The optimal levels of serum tocopherol, >1.29 mg/dl (>29.9 micromol/l) to preventing civilization diseases, were found in 5.5% and serum retinol >71.6 mcg/dl (>2.5 micromol/l) in 6.4% of all studied persons. The analysis of serum folate concentration showed high-risk deficiency,<3 ng/ml (<6.8 nmol/l), in 6.4%, moderate and low risk together (7.0-14.9 nmol/l) in 61.6% and optimal folate levels (>14.9 nmol/l) in 32.0% of the studied group. Folate body stores were insufficient in almost all women. There was no high or moderate deficiency risk of vitamin B12 or ascorbic acid. None of the women under study had serum total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration >15 micromol/l, indicating hyperhomocysteinaemia. Serum total homocysteine concentrations in the range of 5-15 micromol/l were found in 71.8%, and serum tHcy >10 micromol/l in 7.7% of the studied group of women.. The study was sponsored by the Polish Committee for Scientific Research.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Humans; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional Status; Poland; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E; Vitamins

There is evidence that the development of hepatocarcinoma in rats fed a methyl-deficient diet is associated with oxidative stress. We investigated, therefore, whether the tissue concentrations of the antioxidant vitamins ascorbic acid (AA) and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol (T) are altered in methyl/folate deficiency. We also measured retinol concentrations in tissues and hepatic mRNA expression of heme oxygenase (HO1). A 6% gelatin, 6% casein diet, devoid of choline and folate (CFD) was selected based on the high rate of tumor development in rats fed this diet. Spectrophotometric measurement of AA and HPLC determination of tissue T and retinol showed decreased concentrations of AA in blood; alpha- and gamma-T in lung, heart and plasma, alpha-T and retinol in liver; retinol in lung; and increased expression of hepatic HO1 mRNA. Similar alterations in tissue vitamin concentrations were found when the CFD diet devoid of niacin (CFND) was fed. Reducing alpha-T in the CFND diet (CFNED) further decreased hepatic alpha-T concentrations. These results show that chronic methyl/folate deficiency is associated with a compromised antioxidant defense system.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Choline Deficiency; Folic Acid Deficiency; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing); Liver Neoplasms; Male; Methionine; Niacin; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamins; Weight Gain

To investigate folate intake and blood levels of folic acid and vitamin C in women with and without a history of two NTD-affected pregnancies and to measure the increase in serum folate following ingestion of orange juice.. Sixteen women with a history of two NTD-affected infants and 16 controls with no such history, none of whom were either pregnant or taking vitamin supplements. The orange juice loading test was carried out on eight matched pairs.. Dietary intake of folate was assessed by questionnaire and blood levels of folate and vitamin C were measured.. There was no evidence of decreased intake of folate in subjects who had had two NTD-affected pregnancies. In controls, both serum and red cell folate showed significant correlation with dietary folate, while in subjects there was no such correlation. Subjects also had smaller increases in serum folate following an oral load than controls, although the differences were not significant.. Women who have had two NTD-affected pregnancies may have defective folate metabolism. Further investigations on short term utilisation of ingested food folates in these women are required.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Beverages; Citrus; Diet; Erythrocytes; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neural Tube Defects; Risk Factors

When compared with the normal population, patients with vitiligo often showed diminished blood levels of folic acid. In a group of fifteen patients with vitiligo, folic acid levels were below normal in the serum of eleven patients, in the whole blood of five patients, and in the erythrocytes of six patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were below normal in five of the fifteen patients. Ascorbic acid plasma levels were also lowered in four of the patients. In eight patients prolonged oral administration of folic acid with simultaneous parenteral treatment with vitamin B12 and oral ascorbic acid was followed by definite repigmentation without side effects.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitiligo

We present a case of a child with iron-deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency, and scurvy. His anemia proved refractory to treatment with iron until he received both folic acid and vitamin C supplementation. This case illustrates the importance of the evaluation of ascorbic acid and folate status in treating iron-deficiency anemia initially refractory to iron supplementation, because multiple nutrient deficiencies may coexist.

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Iron; Male; Scurvy

Concentrations of the vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, folic acid, A, E and beta-carotene were determined in blood and 24-h dialysate in 44 CAPD patients. Twenty-five of these patients were studied during chronic treatment (mean 313 days, range 60-1034 days). Nineteen patients were studied during training. In a longitudinal study, 11 patients were analysed again after 77-507 (mean 238) days. In both patient groups a considerable portion of patients (11%-64%) had blood concentrations indicative of a deficiency of the vitamins B1, B6, C and folic acid. The average concentrations of these vitamins were normal in both groups. The only abnormal finding was the mean EGOT activity being deficient in patients on chronic treatment. Mean concentrations of vitamin A were above normal in both groups. In the longitudinal study a significant increase of vitamin B2 and a decrease of vitamin B6 in blood was found. When compared to 24-h excretion in normal urine, loss with 24-h dialysate was low for vitamin B1, normal to relatively high for vitamin B2 and B6, but extremely high for vitamin C and folic acid. The vitamins B12, A, E and carotenoids were hardly detectable in the dialysate. In ten other patients the effect of daily supplementation with 2 mg vitamin B6, 100 mg vitamin C and 400 micrograms folic acid was analysed during a 16-week period. In all patients a significant increase in blood concentrations was obtained. It is concluded that these dosages were sufficient to maintain a normal status of these vitamins in CAPD patients.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Pyridoxine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamin K; Vitamin K Deficiency; Vitamins

Possible interactions between folic acid (folate) and ascorbic acid (AA) have been suspected because megaloblastic anemia is occasionally observed in scorbutic patients, and it may or may not respond to folate treatment. Male weanling guinea pigs were fed diets containing high levels of folate and AA or diets deficient in one or both vitamins. A total of 36 animals, including 9 controls, were studied. When anorexia began to appear in the deficient groups, all animals were killed by exsanguination, and tissue samples (blood, liver, adrenal, kidney, spleen, and intestinal mucosa) were removed for AA and folate analyses. Folate and AA deficiency lowered tissue folate and AA levels, respectively. AA deficiency, either alone or in combination with folate restriction, did not affect tissue folate levels, nor did AA deficiency significantly exacerbate the anemia and leukopenia caused by folate deficiency. However, there was an unexpected decrease in AA levels in the liver and adrenal glands with folate deficiency. Although AA does not appear to be needed for normal folate metabolism, the lower AA levels associated with a folate deficiency are indicative of an interaction between the two vitamins.

Topics: Anemia, Megaloblastic; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Guinea Pigs; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Leukopenia; Male; Organ Specificity; Tissue Distribution

Reports concerning the interaction between steroidal contraceptives (the combined pill) and vitamins indicate that in users the mean serum-vitamin-A level is raised and the mean serum-vitamin-B2 (riboflavine), vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), vitamine-C, folic-acid, and vitamin-B12 levels are reduced. Other vitamins have been insufficiently studied for comment. Biochemical evidence of co-enzyme deficiency has been reported for vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and folic acid. Clinical effects due to vitamin deficiency have been described for vitamin B6--namely, depression and impaired glucose tolerance. Folic-acid deficiency with megaloblastic anaemia has been reported in only 21 cases.

Topics: Anemia, Megaloblastic; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Coenzymes; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

A high prevalence of folate and iron-deficiency anemia was found in women and children of Kiryat Shmoneh, an Upper Galilee community. Malnutrition was assumed to be partially responsible for these deficiencies. To verify this assumption, a detailed nutrition survey was carried out in 30 families, comprising 232 individuals in this community. A low overall caloric intake was found in 30% of the population studied. The dietary folates consumed were much below the recommended dietary allowance in all subjects. In over 60% of the subjects investigated, the daily iron intake was also below the recommended allowance. These data support the role of malnutrition in the development of folate and iron deficiencies in the community studied.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Child, Preschool; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Iron; Israel; Male; Nutrition Surveys

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Burns; Child; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infections; Leg Ulcer; Pyridoxine; Scurvy; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Wound Healing; Zinc

Topics: Anemia, Pernicious; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Densitometry; Erythrocytes; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hematocrit; Hemolysis; Humans; Lacticaseibacillus casei; Methods

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Collagen; Colorimetry; Diet; Elastin; Erythrocyte Count; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid Deficiency; Growth Disorders; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Hydroxylation; Hydroxyproline; Leukocyte Count; Male; Proline; Protein Biosynthesis; Rats; Skin; Trichloroacetic Acid; Tritium

Topics: Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Glutathione Reductase; Humans; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Food Analysis; Food Microbiology; Freezing; Hot Temperature; Humans; Iron; Lacticaseibacillus casei; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Iron; Male; Protein Binding; Salicylates; Scotland; Sex Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Diagnosis, Differential; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Male; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Depression; Diet Fads; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gingivitis; Humans; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Protein Deficiency; Scurvy

Topics: Aged; Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Diet Therapy; England; Female; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Lactobacillus; Leuconostoc; Vitamin B 12

Measurement of the serum Lactobacillus casei (;folic-acid') activity is widely used as an index of folic-acid deficiency. Present methods of assay result in recovery of about half the active material in normal serum. A modified method of assay is described which gives higher L. casei values and a clearer distinction between the sera of normal subjects and of patients with folic-acid deficiency.

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Blood; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Lactobacillus; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Ascorbic Acid; Asian People; Blood Chemical Analysis; Bone Marrow Examination; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Leucovorin; Lipids; Myanmar; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Scurvy; Tracheophyta

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Rats