vitamin-b-12 and Avitaminosis

Megaloblastic anemia causes macrocytic anemia from ineffective red blood cell production and intramedullary hemolysis. The most common causes are folate (vitamin B

Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Avitaminosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Recently, connections have been made between feeding and eating problems and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and between autism pathophysiology and diet issues. These could explain some of the mechanisms which have not yet been discovered or are not sufficiently characterized. Moreover, there is an increased awareness for micronutrients in ASD due to the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) problems that can be related to feeding issues. For example, levels of vitamins B

Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Avitaminosis; Child; Correlation of Data; Female; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D

The vitamin status of a child depends on many factors and most of the clinical studies do not take into account the different access to adequate nutrition of children coming from different countries and the consequent major differences in micronutrients or vitamin deficits between low-income and high-income countries. Vitamin supplements are included in the general field of dietary supplements. There is a large amount of not always factual material concerning vitamin supplements, and this may sometimes create confusion in clinicians and patients. Inadequate information may lead to the risk of attributing beneficial properties leading to their over-use or misuse in the paediatric field. Vitamin supplementation is indicated in all those conditions in which a vitamin deficiency is found, either because of a reduced intake due to reduced availability of certain foods, restrictive diets or inadequate absorption. The lack of guidelines in these fields may lead paediatricians to an improper use of vitamins, both in terms of excessive use or inadequate use. This is due to the fact that vitamin supplementation is often intended as a therapy of support rather than an essential therapeutic tool able to modify disease prognosis. In fact, various vitamins and their derivatives have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially in emerging conditions of paediatric age such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present article is to analyse the state of the art and consider new perspectives on the role of vitamin supplements in children.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Databases, Factual; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thiol group containing the amino acid, which naturally occurs in all humans. Hcy is degraded in the body through two metabolic pathways, while a minor part is excreted through kidneys. The chemical reactions that are necessary for degradation of Hcy require the presence of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12. Consequently, the level of the total Hcy in the serum is influenced by the presence or absence of these vitamins. An elevated level of the Hcy, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and homocystinuria is connected with occlusive artery disease, especially in the brain, the heart, and the kidney, in addition to venous thrombosis, chronic renal failure, megaloblastic anemia, osteoporosis, depression, Alzheimer's disease, pregnancy problems, and others. Elevated Hcy levels are connected with various pathologies both in adult and child population. Causes of HHcy include genetic mutations and enzyme deficiencies in 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) methionine synthase (MS), and cystathionine β-synthase (CβS). HHcy can be caused by deficiencies in the folate, vitamin B12 and to a lesser extent, deficiency in B6 vitamin what influences methionine metabolism. Additionally, HHcy can be caused by the rich diet and renal impairment. This review presents literature data from recent research related to Hcy metabolism and the etiology of the Hcy blood level disorder. In addition, we also described various pathological mechanisms induced by hereditary disturbances or nutritional influences and their association with HHcy induced pathology in adults and children and treatment of these metabolic disorders.

Topics: 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase; Animals; Avitaminosis; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

Indiscriminate use of multivitamin/mineral supplements in the general population may be misguided, but patients with chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) should be monitored and compensated for nutritional deficiencies. Mechanistic links between vitamin/mineral deficiencies and IBD pathology has been found for some micronutrients and normalizing their levels is clinically beneficial. Others, like vitamin A, although instinctively desirable, produced disappointing results. Restoring normal levels of the selected micronutrients requires elevated doses to compensate for defects in absorptive or signaling mechanisms. This article describes some aspects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies in IBD, and summarizes pros and cons of supplementation.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Animals; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Iron; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin K; Vitamins; Zinc

Inappropriate food behavior contributes to obesity and leads to vitamin deficiency. This review discusses the nutritional status of water- and fat-soluble vitamins in obese subjects. We verified that most vitamins are deficient in obese individuals, especially the fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B

Topics: Avitaminosis; Comorbidity; Folic Acid; Humans; Metabolic Diseases; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Diet; Folic Acid; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Intestines; Niacinamide; Pantothenic Acid; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins

This article reviews the current literature addressing the treatment of schizophrenia with vitamin supplementation. It describes the important roles that vitamins play in normal metabolism, and reviews the evidence pertaining to vitamin deficiency and supplementation in patients with schizophrenia. There is mounting evidence suggesting that vitamin supplementation, in particular with folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, may be important in treatment within certain subgroups of patients. There is a need for larger randomized controlled trials, and further studies examining the incidence of schizophrenia in countries with poor prenatal care and malnutrition, as well as in countries that have adopted mandatory folic acid fortification of grain products, are recommended.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Humans; Schizophrenia; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Homocysteine is an amino acid, which plays several important roles in human physiology. A wide range of disorders, including neuropsychiatric disorders and autism, are associated with increased homocysteine levels in biological fluids. Various B vitamins: B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and B9 (folic acid) are required as co-factors by the enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. Therefore, monitoring of homocysteine levels in body fluids of autistic children can provide information on genetic and physiological diseases, improper lifestyle (including dietary habits), as well as a variety of pathological conditions. This review presents information on homocysteine metabolism, determination of homocysteine in biological fluids, and shows abnormalities in the levels of homocysteine in the body fluids of autistic children.

Topics: Animals; Autistic Disorder; Avitaminosis; Body Fluids; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Infant; Life Style; Male; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

Nutritional status assessment is a critical tool for the identification of nutrient deficiencies or excesses in individual healthcare and epidemiologic screening. Because low but 'normal' status of folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 have been associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, research has focused on defining sensitive indicators of B-vitamin status and on the development and validation of analytical methods for their quantification.. With the increasing availability and more user-friendly configuration of liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometers (LC-MS/MS), numerous analytical methods for determination of B-vitamin indicators by LC-MS/MS have been developed over the last years. These methods include folate assays for simultaneous determination of numerous folate forms at their specific reduction level. The functional indicators for vitamin B-12 status are plasma methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine and can be measured, either individually or in combination, by high-throughput analysis using LC-MS/MS. Methods for vitamin B-6 status assessment are multianalyte platforms that determine vitamin B-6 forms and functional indicators by the same assay.. The high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity of isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS [and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)] techniques have allowed the development of reference methods and the creation of multianalyte platforms. The additional convenience of automated sample preparation enables high sample throughput and makes those sensitive methods prospective analytical candidates for larger settings including clinical laboratories.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Chromatography, Liquid; Folic Acid; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Radioisotope Dilution Technique; Reproducibility of Results; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex

Although most vitamins are present in a variety of foods, human vitamin deficiencies still occur in many countries, mainly because of malnutrition not only as a result of insufficient food intake but also because of unbalanced diets. Even though most lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are auxotrophic for several vitamins, it is now known that certain strains have the capability to synthesize water-soluble vitamins such as those included in the B-group (folates, riboflavin and vitamin B(12) amongst others). This review article will show the current knowledge of vitamin biosynthesis by LAB and show how the proper selection of starter cultures and probiotic strains could be useful in preventing clinical and subclinical vitamin deficiencies. Here, several examples will be presented where vitamin-producing LAB led to the elaboration of novel fermented foods with increased and bioavailable vitamins. In addition, the use of genetic engineering strategies to increase vitamin production or to create novel vitamin-producing strains will also be discussed. This review will show that the use of vitamin-producing LAB could be a cost-effective alternative to current vitamin fortification programmes and be useful in the elaboration of novel vitamin-enriched products.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Food, Fortified; Humans; Lactobacillaceae; Probiotics; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex

Multifunctional systems must maintain homeostasis. Man is an ideal example of a system that constantly aspires to attain optimal regulation, even under the stress of severe disease. We assume that there are universal, interchangeable (as required) biologically active substances that regulate the system and try to keep it in balance. We propose that one of these substances is vitamin B12. Why vitamin B12? The list of organs and body systems in which vitamin B12 plays a functional role is constantly being added to. Vitamin B12 affects the normal growth of children, the peripheral and central nervous systems, bone marrow, skin, mucous membranes, bones, and vessels. It is possible that even when the serum cobalamin level is normal, treatment with vitamin B12 could correct defects caused by other biologically active substances. We call this phenomenon the "Master Key" effect. We suggest that this "Master Key" concept can be tested by treating diseases, such as recurrent stomatitis, various forms of hyperpigmentation, trophic ulcers, and burns, with vitamin B12, even if the B12 serum level is normal.

Topics: Animals; Avitaminosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dogs; Growth; Humans; Infant; Male; Nervous System Diseases; Skin Diseases; Vitamin B 12

Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that arises during methionine metabolism. Although its concentration in plasma is only about 10 micromolar, even moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Elevations in plasma homocysteine are commonly found as a result of vitamin deficiencies, polymorphisms of enzymes of methionine metabolism, and renal disease. Pyridoxal, folic acid, riboflavin, and Vitamin B(12) are all required for methionine metabolism, and deficiency of each of these vitamins result in elevated plasma homocysteine. A polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T), which is quite common in most populations with a homozygosity rate of 10-15 %, is associated with moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, especially in the context of marginal folate intake. Plasma homocysteine is inversely related to plasma creatinine in patients with renal disease. This is due to an impairment in homocysteine removal in renal disease. The role of these factors, and of modifiable lifestyle factors, in affecting methionone metabolism and in determining plasma homocysteine levels is discussed.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Creatinine; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Incidence; Kidney Diseases; Life Style; Methionine; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pyridoxal; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12

Diet is estimated to contribute to about one-third of preventable cancers -- about the same amount as smoking. Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals might explain the epidemiological findings that people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables have an increased risk of developing cancer. Recent experimental evidence indicates that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to DNA damage. Optimizing vitamin and mineral intake by encouraging dietary change, multivitamin and mineral supplements, and fortifying foods might therefore prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.

Topics: Animals; Avitaminosis; DNA Damage; Folic Acid; Humans; Neoplasms; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Risk Factors; Trace Elements; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

Although vitamin deficiency is encountered infrequently in developed countries, inadequate intake of several vitamins is associated with chronic disease.. To review the clinically important vitamins with regard to their biological effects, food sources, deficiency syndromes, potential for toxicity, and relationship to chronic disease.. We searched MEDLINE for English-language articles about vitamins in relation to chronic diseases and their references published from 1966 through January 11, 2002.. We reviewed articles jointly for the most clinically important information, emphasizing randomized trials where available.. Our review of 9 vitamins showed that elderly people, vegans, alcohol-dependent individuals, and patients with malabsorption are at higher risk of inadequate intake or absorption of several vitamins. Excessive doses of vitamin A during early pregnancy and fat-soluble vitamins taken anytime may result in adverse outcomes. Inadequate folate status is associated with neural tube defect and some cancers. Folate and vitamins B(6) and B(12) are required for homocysteine metabolism and are associated with coronary heart disease risk. Vitamin E and lycopene may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D is associated with decreased occurrence of fractures when taken with calcium.. Some groups of patients are at higher risk for vitamin deficiency and suboptimal vitamin status. Many physicians may be unaware of common food sources of vitamins or unsure which vitamins they should recommend for their patients. Vitamin excess is possible with supplementation, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins. Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Blood Coagulation; Breast Neoplasms; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Colorectal Neoplasms; Coronary Disease; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms; Neural Tube Defects; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

In the past, recommended vitamin or micronutrient intakes have often been based on levels that were adequate to prevent clinical deficiencies from developing. Once these levels were reached, clinicians and nutrition scientists generally attributed little value to higher vitamin intake from supplements or food sources. Evidence has continued to mount showing that the intake and serum concentration of certain vitamins above those necessary to prevent clinical deficiencies, might importantly influence health status. This paper discusses the association of anti-oxidant vitamins and cardiovascular disease, and the association of low intake or serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and elevated serum homocysteine, resulting in an increase in vascular disease risk.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Asia; Avitaminosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Pacific Islands; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

High plasma levels of homocysteine are the results of the interplay between congenital and environmental factors. In the last two decades, a growing amount of interest has focused on mild-to-moderate hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor of thromboembolic diseases. Case-control and cross-sectional studies clearly indicated that mild-to-moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with heightened risk of both arterial and venous thrombosis. On the other hand, prospective studies did not unequivocally show that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with a high thrombotic risk. Therefore, additional studies are needed to define whether hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for thrombosis, especially of the venous circulation. Among these, prospective cohort studies will clarify better the temporal relationship between high homocysteine levels and the thrombotic event. Most importantly, however, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of the effects of homocysteine-lowering vitamins on the thrombotic risk are urgently needed. Not only will they help in defining whether the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and thrombosis is causal, they will also have a potential dramatic impact in the prevention of thromboembolic events.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Avitaminosis; Case-Control Studies; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Female; Folic Acid; Gene Frequency; Homocysteine; Homocystinuria; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Methionine; Methylation; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Middle Aged; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors; Prevalence; Primates; Prospective Studies; Pyridoxine; Risk Factors; Smoking; Tamoxifen; Thrombophilia; Thrombosis; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Amidohydrolases; Avitaminosis; Biotinidase; Coenzymes; Folic Acid; Humans; Mutation; Receptors, Calcitriol; Rickets; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Avitaminosis; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Sports; United Kingdom; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Topics: Avitaminosis; Biological Transport, Active; Humans; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Achlorhydria; Alcoholism; Avitaminosis; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Cells; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Chronic Disease; Ethanol; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestine, Small; Iron; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Calcium; Contraceptives, Oral; Copper; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Iron; Metals; Middle Aged; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin K; Vitamins; Zinc

Topics: Aged; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Calcium, Dietary; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Folic Acid; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Milk; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B. This double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled trial will enrol 720 vegetarian pregnant women in their first trimester from antenatal clinics at two hospitals (one in India and one in Nepal). Eligible mothers who give written consent will be randomised to receive either 250 mcg methylcobalamin or 50 mcg (quasi control), from enrolment to 6 months post-partum, given as an oral daily capsule. All mothers and their infants will continue to receive standard clinical care. The primary trial outcome is the offspring's neurodevelopment status at 9 months of age, assessed using the Development Assessment Scale of Indian Infants. Secondary outcomes include the infant's biochemical B

Topics: Adult; Avitaminosis; Cognition; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; India; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Micronutrients; Mothers; Nepal; Pregnancy; Vegetarians; Vitamin B 12

Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies are among the most common deficiencies occurring after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a specially designed multivitamin supplement (WLS Forte, FitForMe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) specifically developed for LRYGB patients.A triple-blind, randomized, 12-month study was conducted comparing WLS forte with a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS) containing approximately 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. WLS Forte contains vitamin B12 14000% RDA, iron 500% RDA, and folic acid 300% RDA.In total, 148 patients (74 in each group) underwent a LRYGB procedure. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. Per protocol analysis demonstrated that sMVS treatment was associated with a decline in ferritin (-24.4 ± 70.1 μg/L) and vitamin B12 (-45.9 ± 150.3 pmol/L) over 12 months, whereas in WLS Forte patients, ferritin remained stable (+3.2 ± 93.2 μg/L) and vitamin B12 increased significantly (+55.1 ± 144.2 pmol/L). The number of patients developing ferritin or vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly lower with WLS Forte compared with sMVS (P < 0.05). Iron deficiency (ID) was reduced by 88% after WLS Forte compared with sMVS. Adverse events related to supplement use did not occur.An optimized multivitamin supplement is safe and reduces the development of iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies after LRYGB.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gastric Bypass; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Iron; Netherlands; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency

In a prospective, multicentre, double-blind controlled study, the effect of an intramuscular vitamin supplement containing 1 mg vitamin B12, 1.1 mg folate, and 5 mg vitamin B6 on serum concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine (HCYS), 2-methylcitric acid (2-MCA), and cystathionine (CYSTA) was compared with that of placebo in 175 elderly subjects living at home and 110 in hospital. Vitamin supplement and placebo were administered eight times over a 3-week period. Vitamin supplement but not placebo significantly reduced all four metabolite concentrations at the end of the study in both study groups. The maximum effects of treatment were usually seen within 5-12 days. Initially elevated metabolite concentrations returned to normal in a higher proportion of the vitamin than of the placebo group: 92% vs 20% for HYCS; 82% vs 20% for MMA; 62% vs 25% for 2-MCA; and 42% vs 25% for CYSTA. The response rate to vitamin supplements supports the notion that metabolic evidence of vitamin deficiency is common in the elderly, even in the presence of normal serum vitamin levels. Metabolite assays permit identification of elderly subjects who may benefit from vitamin supplements.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Avitaminosis; Citrates; Cystathionine; Double-Blind Method; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Homocysteine; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Placebos; Prospective Studies; Pyridoxine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Avitaminosis; Humans; Infant; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Socioeconomic health inequalities are an important global public health problem. However, it is not well known to what extent socioeconomic inequalities culminate in impaired vitamin status and whether this is mediated by diet. We, therefore, aimed to assess vitamin status in a population already at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, i.e., elderly with high and low socioeconomic status (SES), and to investigate whether potential differences therein were mediated by diet quality. Vitamin status in 1605 individuals (60-75 years) from the Lifelines- Micronutrients and Health inequalities in Elderly (MINUTHE) Study was assessed by measuring folic acid and the vitamins B6, B12, D, A, E, and K. Multinomial logistic and linear regression analyses were applied to test the associations between SES and vitamin status. Mediation analysis was used to explore the interrelationship between SES, diet quality, and vitamin status. Low SES was associated with poorer status of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and, notably, folic acid. Moreover, multivitamin deficiencies were more prevalent in the low SES group. Diet quality was found to mediate the associations of SES with folic acid (for 39.1%), vitamin B6 (for 37.1%), and vitamin B12 (for 37.2%). We conclude that low SES is a risk factor for a spectrum of vitamin deficiencies. Diet quality can partially explain the socioeconomic differences in vitamin status, suggesting that policymakers can mitigate socioeconomic inequality in nutritional status through improving diet quality.

Topics: Aged; Avitaminosis; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Food Quality; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Risk Factors; Social Class; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins

Bariatric surgery increases the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency. We analysed early changes in biomarkers of B12 status following bariatric surgery.. We prospectively included adult patients (n = 27) referred for either Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) (n = 19) or Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) (n = 8). Blood samples were drawn before surgery and 2 and 6 months following surgery for measurement of B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), and methylmalonic acid (MMA). The B12 absorption capacity was estimated from the increase in plasma holoTC two days after a standardised oral B12 challenge.. B12 status decreased following both RYBG and SG. While a decrease in plasma B12 was not evident until 6 months postoperatively, we observed a statistically significant decrease in plasma holoTC and increase in MMA already 2 months postoperatively. These changes were more pronounced at 6 months post surgery. Correspondingly, the B12 absorption capacity was decreased following surgery.. HoloTC and MMA were superior to B12 to detect early changes in B12 status following bariatric surgery. Our data challenge the current concept that liver B12 stores secure long-term maintenance of B12 status. They indicate that B12 treatment in pharmacological doses may be warranted immediately after surgery.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; Female; Gastrectomy; Gastric Bypass; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Middle Aged; Obesity, Morbid; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12

Endobarrier® is a minimally invasive, reversible endoscopic treatment for obesity. It provokes malabsorption along 60 cm of the small intestine, which can contribute to the development of vitamin deficiencies and to changes in bone mineral density (BMD). To determine the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies, changes in body composition and BMD during the first year after Endobarrier® placement. Twenty-one patients with type 2 diabetes met inclusion criteria. Levels of vitamins, micro and macronutrients were assessed prior and at 1, 3 and 12 months post-operatively. DEXA was performed before and 12 months after implant. Nineteen patients completed the 12 months follow-up. Vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent finding before Endobarrier® implant. The percentage of patients with severe deficiency decreased from 19 to 5% at 12 months after supplementation. Microcytic anaemia was initially present in 9.5% of patients and increased to 26.3% at 12 months. Low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels were observed in 14.2 and 4.8% of patients before the implant and worsened to 42 and 10.5%. Low concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus were also common but improved along the study. A significant but not clinically relevant decrease in BMD of 4.14 ± 4.0% at the femoral neck was observed at 12 months without changes in osteocalcin levels. Vitamin deficiencies are common after Endobarrier® implant. It is therefore important to screen patients prior to and at regular intervals after the implant, and to encourage adherence to diet counselling and supplementation.

Topics: Anemia; Avitaminosis; Bone Density; Deficiency Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Femur Neck; Ferritins; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestine, Small; Magnesium; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Phosphorus; Prostheses and Implants; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin D Deficiency

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the values of the mean platelet volume (MPV) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease in these 2 disorder groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a total of 79 patients with ADHD or ASDs and controls in the Van region of Turkey. The control group included subjects of matching age and sex with no ADHD, ASDs, or chronic disease and taking no vitamins. The hematological parameters of the patients, including MPV, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, were assessed. RESULTS The study included a total of 79 children and adolescents aged 2-18 years (32 females and 47 males). Of the patients, 36 were in the ADHD group, 18 in the ASDs group, and 25 in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in hematological parameters between the groups, but there were significant differences in terms of vitamin D and vitamin B12. The patient groups showed lower levels of vitamin B12 and vitamin D. In the ADHD group, there was a negative correlation between both vitamins and MPV (p<0.05). Partial correlation analysis of the ADHD group showed that MPV in particular was negatively correlated to vitamin D, and not to vitamin B12 (p: 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Both ADHD and ASDs may accompany increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to the presence of vitamin B12 and D deficiency and their own characteristics. Therefore, these disorders should be closely followed up.

Topics: Adolescent; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Mean Platelet Volume; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D

Vitamins are known to be associated with immunity and nutrition. Moreover, vitamin deficiency can affect host immunity to various infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. Although patients with tuberculosis often have vitamin D deficiency, little is known about the levels of other vitamins. Here, we aimed to investigate the status of vitamins A, B. We performed a case-control study to investigate the serum vitamin concentrations in 152 patients with tuberculosis and 137 control subjects. The concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. Patient demographic data and other biochemical parameters were also analyzed.. The serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, and E were significantly lower in patients with tuberculosis than in control subjects (1.4 vs. 2.0 μmol/L, P < 0.001; 10.6 vs. 19.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001; and 22.8 vs. 30.6 μmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, the methylmalonic acid levels were higher in patients with tuberculosis (134.9 vs. 110.8 nmol/L, P < 0.001). The prevalences of vitamin deficiencies were significantly higher in patients with tuberculosis. Moreover, multiple vitamin deficiencies were only observed in patients with tuberculosis (22.4% of all patients with tuberculosis vs. 0% of all control subjects). Positive correlations among vitamin A, D, and E concentrations were observed (vitamins A and D, r = 0.395; vitamins D and E, r = 0.342; and vitamins A and E, r = 0.427, P < 0.001). Body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, iron, and total iron-binding capacity all showed positive correlations with vitamin A, D, and E concentrations.. Vitamin deficiencies are common in patients with tuberculosis. Further research investigating the clinical importance of vitamin and nutritional status in patients with tuberculosis is needed.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Avitaminosis; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin E; Young Adult

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the design of a personalized, multimodal multidisciplinary plan for minimizing transfusion and simultaneously achieving a positive impact on patient outcomes. The first pillar of PBM consists of optimizing the erythrocyte mass. The best chance for this step is offered by preoperative preparation. In most cases, a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will identify the cause of anemia. A correct evaluation of parameters that assess the state and function of iron, such as ferritin levels, and the parameters that measure functional iron, such as transferrin saturation and soluble transferrin receptor levels, provide us with essential information for guiding the treatment with iron. The new blood count analyzers that measure hypochromia (% of hypochromic red blood cells and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentrations) provide us useful information for the diagnosis and follow-up of the response to iron treatment. Measuring serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels is essential for treating deficiencies and thereby achieving better hemoglobin optimization.

Topics: Anemia; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; Blood Banks; Blood Transfusion; Chronic Disease; Contraindications; Elective Surgical Procedures; Erythrocyte Indices; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Hematinics; Hemoglobinometry; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Perioperative Care; Receptors, Transferrin; Transferrin; Vitamin B 12

The aim of the study--the assessment of the prevalence of hypovitaminoses B9 (folic acid) and B12 in the population of the city of Omsk and the determination of the possibility of their nutritional prevention. The subject of study--the adult population (18-59 years). The actual nutrition was studied by method of analysis of the frequency of food consumption. Prevalence of hypovitaminoses B9 and B12 was estimated upon the results of laboratory tests of blood by immunochemiluminiscent methods. Established prevalence of hypovitaminoses B (folic acid) and B12 in the population of the city of Omsk accounted for 63.2 ± 5.8% and 13.2 ± 4.1%, respectively. There was shown the possibility of correction of supply with vitamins by means of regular taking offermented dairy product "Prolacta". The serum content of vitamin B12 after a 2-month course of daily use of the product was increased by 17.8%, and the serum folate content--by 29.1%. The proportion of cases with insufficient content ofvitamin B9 in the experimental group decreased from 80.0 ± 6.8% to 38.7 ± 8.7%.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Avitaminosis; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Hygiene; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Nutritional Support; Population Surveillance; Siberia; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Young Adult

Is well known that obesity has increased significantly in recent times and therefore many dietary supplements, synthetic or natural, have been proposed in order to prevent and/or to treat obesity or overweight. Chitosan, a polysaccharide with ability to act as a carrier and to absorb fat, has been used for this purpose. However, interactions with other molecules present in the body may also occur and, therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate interactions of chitosan with vitamin B12. Spectroscopic properties of vitamin B12 (acid aqueous solution) were monitored in the absence and the presence of chitosan in order to evaluate possible interactions between the two. Results showed that the rigid micro-environment generated by chitosan solution modifies the photophysical properties of vitamin B12. Thus, chitosan is able to eliminate vitamin B12 and, based on this information, some care must be taken during prolonged treatment with chitosan.

Topics: Anti-Obesity Agents; Avitaminosis; Chitosan; Dietary Supplements; Obesity; Photochemical Processes; Vitamin B 12

Vitamins are not uncommonly uncritically prescribed by neurologists and other medical professions. The effects of vitamins are, however, often pharmacologically and biochemically well-defined. This offers the opportunity for a rational scientific approach to treatment. In this article the biochemical and pharmacological mode of action of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamine) will be discussed and modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical states of hypervitaminoses (B6) and vitamin deficiencies (B1, B6, and B12) will be presented.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Pyridoxine; Therapeutics; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12

It is unknown whether biochemical vitamin deficiencies in critical illness are associated with severity of illness, organ dysfunction, inflammation or mortality. This nested cohort study recruited 98 patients admitted as emergencies to the intensive care unit, who had a stay of greater than 48 hours. Patient data were prospectively collected. Within the first 48 hours of admission, concentrations of C-reactive protein, vitamins A, E, B1, B12 and folate were measured on arterial blood. These measures were then repeated at least once during the later (> 48 hours) period of their stay. Seventy patients (71%) had completed vitamin studies eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Ten patients died (14.3%) during their hospital stay and mortality was associated with age, admission source and severity of illness scores. Vitamin B12 concentration was weakly associated with C-reactive protein concentrations on admission to the intensive care unit (r on days one and two = 0.4 [P = 0.002], 0.36 [P = 0.04], respectively) and with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score between days two and four (Spearman's r = 0.361 [P = 0.04], 0.42 [P = 0.02] and 0.48 [P = 0.02], respectively). Vitamin A concentration was weakly associated with the C-reactive protein concentrations on days one and five (Spearman's r = -0.5 [P = 0.001], -0.4 [P = 0.03], respectively). Change in deficiency status of any of the vitamins over time in the first week of intensive care admission did not appear to influence mortality. We conclude that while weak correlations were identified between vitamins A and B12 and C-reactive protein and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, the importance of these associations and their relationship to hospital mortality remain to be determined.

Topics: Adult; Aged; APACHE; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Cohort Studies; Critical Illness; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Organ Failure; Severity of Illness Index; Statistics, Nonparametric; Thiamine; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E

Recent studies have shown that urinary excretion of water-soluble vitamins reflects their intake in humans. However, some have reported that physical characteristics and urine volume may affect the amount of vitamin compounds found in urine. We hypothesized that physical characteristics and urine volume could affect urinary excretion of B-group vitamins. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from 186 free-living Japanese women aged 19 to 21 years and 104 free-living Japanese subjects aged 70 to 84 years. Correlations between urinary output of each B-group vitamin and body height, body weight, body mass index, body surface area, urine volume, and urinary creatinine were determined. Only urinary vitamin B(12) was strongly correlated to urine volume in young (r = 0.683, P < .001) and elderly (r = 0.523, P < .001) subjects. To confirm this finding, 20 Japanese adults were orally administered 1.5 mg of cyanocobalamin (500-fold higher daily intake); and correlations between urinary vitamin B(12) and urine volume were determined. The load of cyanocobalamin increased vitamin B(12) content in the urine by only 1.3-fold. Urinary vitamin B(12) was strongly correlated with urine volume on the day before taking, the day of taking, and the day after taking cyanocobalamin (r = 0.745, P < .001; r = 0.897, P < .0001; and r = 0.855, P < .0001, respectively). We conclude that urinary excretion of vitamin B(12) is dependent upon urine volume, but not on intake of vitamin B(12). Physical characteristics and urine volume are less important for B-group vitamins except for vitamin B(12) as biomarker.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Anthropometry; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Creatinine; Diet; Female; Humans; Japan; Male; Nutritional Status; Urine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Young Adult

Iron depletion is a well-known side effect of blood donation. Research evidence also suggests an increasing prevalence of vitamin deficiency in apparently healthy subjects, but there is little information regarding the relationship between blood donation and vitamin status. A total of 217 volunteers (80 first-time and 137 repeat blood donors) were consecutively enrolled in the study. All subjects completed self-administered medical history and food intake forms, which included questions regarding alcohol consumption and smoking as well as on vitamin supplement, iron and contraceptive use (females). Vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12 and biotin levels were measured using standard techniques. The mean vitamin levels of first-time and repeat blood donors did not significantly differ. Vitamin deficiencies occurred in both first-time and repeat blood donors but not on vitamin supplements. Vitamin status was affected by alcohol, nicotine and contraceptives. Blood donation does not decrease the level of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies occur in apparently healthy first-time as well as in repeat blood donors and can be prevented by vitamin supplementation.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Blood Donors; Contraceptives, Oral; Dietary Supplements; Female; Ferrous Compounds; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Smoking; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Cobalamin (Cbl) and folate deficiencies and gene polymorphism of key enzymes or carriers can impair homocysteine metabolism and may change the serum values of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). We investigated the nutritional and genetic determinants for total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and SAM/SAH in healthy Brazilian childbearing-age women.. Serum concentrations of Cbl, folate, red blood cell folate, ferritin, tHcy, MMA, SAM, SAH and other metabolites were measured in 102 healthy unrelated women. The genotypes for MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, MTRR A66G, TC2 C776G, TC2 A67G and RFC1 A80G gene polymorphisms were identified by PCR-RFLP.. Serum folate and Cbl were inversely correlated with tHcy and serum MMA, respectively. Cbl deficiency was associated with increased MMA and reduced alpha-aminobutyrate, serine and N-methylglycine concentrations. No variable was associated with SAM/SAH ratio. In addition, gene polymorphisms were not selected as determinants for tHcy, MMA and SAM/SAH ratio. Iron, Cbl and folate deficiencies were found respectively in 30.4%, 22.5% and 2.0% of individuals studied.. There was a high frequency of Cbl and iron deficiency in this group of childbearing-age women. Serum folate and Cbl were the determinants of serum tHcy and MMA concentration, respectively.

Topics: Adult; Aging; Alleles; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Brazil; Female; Genotype; Homocysteine; Humans; Methylmalonic Acid; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Polymorphism, Genetic; Reproduction; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

To explore the dependence of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), as well as the consequences for the diagnosis of cobalamin and/or folic acid deficiency in an elderly community-dwelling population.. Population-based study of 209 community-dwelling subjects, mean age 76 years.. Four months' treatment study with oral vitamin B(12), folic acid and B(6) or placebo.. Determinants of tHcy and MMA: cystatin C as a marker of GFR and serum/plasma concentrations of vitamin B(12) and folate, age and sex.. Elevated cystatin C (>1.55 mg L(-1)) was found in 31.3% (men) and 13.0% (women). Elevated tHcy (> or = 16 micromol L(-1)) occurred in 53% and elevated MMA (> or = 0.34 micromol L(-1)) in 11% of all subjects. When GFR was taken into consideration, the proportion of elevated tHcy was reduced to 10% (20/209), whilst the proportion of elevated MMA was unchanged. Cystatin C was correlated with tHcy (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and with MMA (r =0.28, P < 0.001), independently of vitamin B(12)- and folate status. According to multiple regression, independent predictors for tHcy were plasma folate (15%), cystatin C (11%) and vitamin B(12) (4%), and for MMA, cystatin C (8%) and vitamin B(12) (2%).. The prevalence of elevated tHcy may be overestimated in elderly populations unless GFR is taken into account. Nomograms for evaluation of tHcy and MMA in relation to both cystatin C and serum creatinine are presented.

Topics: Aged; Avitaminosis; Biomarkers; Creatinine; Cystatin C; Cystatins; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Homocysteine; Humans; Kidney; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Nutritional Status; Regression Analysis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6

The study aimed to establish the intake of vitamins in an average diet of Warsaw adult inhabitants using 3-day records method. The consumption of vitamin B1 was about 40% lower than recommended, the intake level of vitamin C, B2, PP and B6 was about 20-30% lower than recommended, whilst, folate in the diet realized the norms only in 50%. The intake of vitamins E, A and B12 was higher than recommended. In order to ensure the proper intake of vitamin C, it is recommended to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables rich in this vitamin and their products. In order to increase the participation of vitamin B1, PP, B6 and folate in the diet, a higher consumption of vegetable and vegetable products and bread and cereal products is recommended, however, in order to supply the proper amount of vitamin B2 in the diet it is recommended to increase the intake level of milk and milk products, vegetables and bread and cereal products.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Diet; Diet Records; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Niacinamide; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Poland; Retrospective Studies; Urban Population; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamins

The objectives of these analyses were to (1) develop a semimechanistic-physiologic population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to describe neutropenic response to pemetrexed and to (2) identify influential covariates with respect to pharmacodynamic response.. Data from 279 patients who received 1,136 treatment cycles without folic acid or vitamin B12 supplementation during participation in one of eight phase II cancer trials were available for analysis. Starting doses were 500 or 600 mg pemetrexed per m2 body surface area (BSA), administered as 10-min intravenous infusions every 21 days (1 cycle). The primary analyses included 105 patients (279 cycles) for which selected covariates-including vitamin deficiency marker data (i.e., homocysteine, cystathionine, methylmalonic acid, and methylcitrate [I, II, and total] plasma concentrations)-were available. Classical statistical multivariate regression analyses and a semimechanistic-physiologic population PK/PD model were used to evaluate neutropenic response to single-agent pemetrexed administration.. The timecourse of neutropenia following single-agent pemetrexed administration was adequately described by a semimechanistic-physiologic model. Population estimates for system-based model parameters (i.e., baseline neutrophil count, mean transit time, and the feedback parameter), which mathematically represent current understanding of the process and physiology of hematopoiesis, were consistent with previously reported values. The population PK/PD model included homocysteine, cystathionine, albumin, total protein, and BSA as covariates relative to neutropenic response.. These results support the programmatic decision to introduce folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation during pemetrexed clinical development as a means of normalizing patient homocysteine levels, thereby managing the risk of severe neutropenia secondary to pemetrexed administration. The current results also suggest that the addition of vitamin B6 supplementation to normalize patient cystathionine levels may further decrease the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia following pemetrexed administration. The results also suggest the use of folic acid as a means of lessening hematologic toxicity following administration of cytotoxic agents other than antifolates.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Algorithms; Analysis of Variance; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Area Under Curve; Avitaminosis; Blood Cell Count; Body Surface Area; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Female; Folic Acid; Glutamates; Guanine; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Neutropenia; Neutrophils; Pemetrexed; Population; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins

We investigated the correlation of hippocampal volume with homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12 and B6 in alcoholic patients and healthy controls applying a Kohonen feature map (KFM) and conventional statistics. Representation of subjects on the KFM suggested an inverse correlation of hippocampal volume with blood levels of homocysteine and correlation with folate and vitamin B6. In conventional statistical analyses (t-test) reduced folate and increased homocysteine was found in alcoholics compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). In female alcoholics vitamin B6 was reduced significantly (p = 0.03). Multiple linear regression analyses showed a significant correlation between average hippocampal volume and homocysteine (p < 0.001). KFM proved to be a sensitive tool for visualisation of statistical correlations in data sets even if no further statistical information is available.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System; Atrophy; Avitaminosis; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Ethanol; Female; Folic Acid; Hippocampus; Homocysteine; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Neural Networks, Computer; Reference Values; Sex Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

Topics: Adult; Avitaminosis; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; HIV Infections; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Pediatrics; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12

Relationships of nutritional status with ethanol consumption and diet were studied in 33 chronic alcoholics with no clinical or laboratory evidence of liver disease.. Nutritional assessment included subjective global assessment, weight-height index, body mass index, and serum albumin measurements. Dietary intake included estimates of daily intake of substrates, folic acid, vitamins B1, B5, B6, and B12. Circulating concentrations of folate, pyridoxal-phosphate and vitamin B12 were evaluated as well.. Only 18.1% of patients were considered malnourished, with body mass indices lower than those with an average or good nutritional status (p < 0.0001). Body weight was under 90% of the ideal in 8/33 (24%) patients. Serum albumin values were within normal range in all patients. In terms of calories provided by nonalcoholic substrates, protein, or vitamin intake, we observed no differences between well and poorly nourished individuals. However, malnourished alcoholics consumed significantly more ethanol (p = 0.01) and an inverse correlation was found between ethanol intake and weight-height index (r = -0.35; p = 0.03). Low circulating concentrations of pyridoxal-phosphate and red blood cell folate were found in 51.5% and 60.6% of alcoholics, respectively. These were not correlated with vitamin dietary intake or ethanol consumption, but there was a trend toward malnourished patients to present lower concentrations of red blood cell folate (p = 0.13).. Although over malnutrition is infrequent in this group of chronic alcoholics, specific vitamin deficiencies are present in a substantial proportion of patients and are more likely related to alcohol consumption.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Avitaminosis; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Erythrocytes; Ethanol; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional Status; Prospective Studies; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Pyridoxine; Serum Albumin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12

The present study was aimed to determine the vitamin status of vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B6, B12 and folate in plasma using HPLC and vitamins B1, B2 and B6 in erythrocytes using the apoenzyme stimulation test with the Cobas-Bio analyzer in 29 elderly type II diabetic women with (G1: n = 17, age: 68.6 +/- 3.2 years) and without (G2: n = 12, age: 71.8 +/- 2.7 years) diabetic polyneuropathy. The basic parameters as age, hemoglobin A1c, fructosamine and duration of the disease did not differ in both groups. Furthermore, retinopathy was assessed with fundoscopy and nephropathy with creatinine clearance. The creatinine clearance (G1: 50.6 +/- 3.4 vs. G2: 63.6 +/- 3.7 ml/min, 2p < 0.025) and the percentage of retinopathy (G1: 76.5% vs. G2: 16.7%, 2p = 0.002) were different indicating that G1 had significantly more severe late complications than G2. Current plasma levels of all measured vitamins (A, E, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B6, B12 and folate) and the status of B1, B2 and B6 in erythrocytes did not vary between the two groups (2p > 0.1). In summary, we found a lack of association between the actual vitamin condition in plasma and erythrocytes and diabetic neuropathy.

Topics: Aged; Avitaminosis; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Neuropathies; Female; Folic Acid; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurologic Examination; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E; Vitamins

The nutritional status of individuals from areas of South Africa that are known for having a high incidence of esophageal cancer was investigated. Our results show that individuals living in high-risk areas differ significantly from those in low-risk areas with respect to vitamins A, E, and B12 in addition to folate. These results suggest that deficiencies in these nutrients may play a significant role in the etiology of esophageal cancer.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Esophageal Neoplasms; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Methionine; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; South Africa; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E

Topics: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Choline; Folic Acid; Inositol; Niacin; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Terminology as Topic; Thiamine; Thioctic Acid; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

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

Deficiencies of water-soluble vitamins may occur in uremic patients mainly because of restricted consumption and of loss during chronic hemo- and peritoneal dialysis. Although the daily requirement for most vitamins is not well defined in chronic renal failure supplementation of the vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, niacin and ascorbic acid, the form of one multivitamin preparation without vitamin A as well as folic acid in dialysis patients after each dialysis is recommended. There is no need for vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin E.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Folic Acid; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Niacin; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

The thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C, vitamin A, folacin, and vitamin B12 nutriture was assessed in a longitudinal study in 206 aged pensioners of the city of Perugia. The prevalence of thiamin and riboflavin malnutrition, particularly in men, was rather high. Unexpectedly low values of plasma vitamin C were not uncommon among men. For folacin there were a large number of individuals with low plasma levels, while the plasma levels of vitamin A and B12 is in general satisfactory. As in other studies, no significant correlation between vitamin nutriture and intake was found.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Italy; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Riboflavin; Sex Factors; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Cote d'Ivoire; Diet; Folic Acid; Humans; Nicotinic Acids; Parasitic Diseases; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Vitamins are absorbed by different mechanisms ranging from simple diffusion for most of the water soluble vitamins to more complex processes in the case of vitamin B12, folate, and the fat soluble vitamins. These processes are discussed. Malabsorptive disorders result in significant deficiency of only these latter vitamins which require specialized digestive or transport mechanisms. The underlying disease also determines which, if any, deficiency is likely to occur. The effects of different types of pancreatic, biliary, and intestinal disease on vitamin absorption are discussed.

Topics: Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Diseases; Malabsorption Syndromes; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Vitamins intakes cannot be absolutely established; they depend on basic composition of the diet, ecological conditions and physiological status of the subject. Nevertheless, approximate norms can be established, which avoid deficiencies or overdosages. Dietary and epidemiologic surveys, assays on volunteers conducted the commissions of F.A.O./O.M.S. Experts and National Authorities to propose values with a practical consensus for vitamins A, B1, B2, PP, P, C, D, B12 folates and some other factors.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Pantothenic Acid; Pregnancy; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Contraceptives, Oral; Female; Humans; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

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

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Injections, Intravenous; Labor, Obstetric; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Niacinamide; Pantothenic Acid; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Folic Acid; Humans; Mental Disorders; NAD; Nicotinic Acids; Psychiatry; Pyridoxine; Schizophrenia; Substance-Related Disorders; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Anemia, Hypochromic; Avitaminosis; Diet Therapy; Dietary Proteins; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Contraceptives, Oral; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Pyridoxine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Germany, West; Humans; Quackery; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Biotin; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Niacinamide; Nutritional Requirements; Pantothenic Acid; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Avitaminosis; Female; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Malabsorption Syndromes; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Animals; Avitaminosis; Calcium; Catalysis; Chickens; Cobalt; Cobamides; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Mice; Rats; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Avitaminosis; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Humans; Niacinamide; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adult; Anemia, Macrocytic; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Middle Aged; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Humans; Nervous System; Nervous System Diseases; Niacinamide; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Diarrhea; Disaccharides; Edema; Feces; Folic Acid; Glucose; Humans; Hypocalcemia; Hypokalemia; Hypoproteinemia; Intestinal Absorption; Intestine, Small; Iron; Malabsorption Syndromes; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin K; Xylose

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Avitaminosis; Blood Cell Count; Bone Marrow Examination; Child; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Glutamates; Glutamic Acid; Histidine; Humans; Imidazoles; Kwashiorkor; Metabolism; Urine; Urocanic Acid; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Avitaminosis; Blood Chemical Analysis; Corrinoids; Diagnosis; Drug Therapy; Geriatrics; Humans; Mental Disorders; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anorexia Nervosa; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Celiac Disease; Deficiency Diseases; Diet; Diet Therapy; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Sprue, Tropical; United Kingdom; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin K; Vitamins; Vomiting

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Avitaminosis; Cholestyramine Resin; Common Bile Duct; Diet; Diet Therapy; Diuretics; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Humans; Hydrochlorothiazide; Ion Exchange Resins; Jaundice; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; Postoperative Complications; Prothrombin Time; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin K

Topics: Aging; Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Anemia, Macrocytic; Avitaminosis; Biomedical Research; Calcium; Enzymes; Erythrocytes; Erythrocytes, Abnormal; Folic Acid; Geriatrics; Spherocytes; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Avitaminosis; Biological Assay; Biopsy; Blood; Bone Marrow Examination; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Diet; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Jejunum; Lactobacillus; Metabolism; Pathology; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Pernicious; Avitaminosis; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Female; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Formiminoglutamic Acid; Geriatrics; Glutamates; Humans; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Metabolism; Pregnancy; Primary Myelofibrosis; Urine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Avitaminosis; Biotin; Diagnosis; Folic Acid; Humans; Niacin; Niacinamide; Pantothenic Acid; Pharmacology; Riboflavin Deficiency; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Avitaminosis; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; DNA; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hepatitis; Liver Diseases; Liver Regeneration; Metabolism; Necrosis; Pharmacology; Rats; Research; Thymidine; Uracil; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Avitaminosis; Coenzyme A; Coenzymes; Flavin Mononucleotide; Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide; Humans; Metabolic Diseases; NAD; NADP; Thiamine Pyrophosphate; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Avitaminosis; Erythropoiesis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Pernicious; Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Geriatrics; Humans; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infections; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Avitaminosis; Humans; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Antibodies; Antigens; Avitaminosis; Folic Acid; Humans; Niacin; Tryptophan; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins