vitamin-b-12 and Vitamin-B-Deficiency

Plasma homocysteine (HCY) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease CVD and stroke. However, more than two decades of intensive research activities has failed to demonstrate that Hcy lowering through B-vitamin supplementation results in a reduction in CVD risk. Therefore, doubts about a causal involvement of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and B-vitamin deficiencies in atherosclerosis persist. Existing evidence indicates that HHcy increases oxidative stress, causes endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress, alters DNA methylation and, thus, modulates the expression of numerous pathogenic and protective genes. Moreover, Hcy can bind directly to proteins, which can change protein function and impact the intracellular redox state. As most mechanistic evidence is derived from experimental studies with rather artificial settings, the relevance of these results in humans remains a matter of debate. Recently, it has also been proposed that HHcy and B-vitamin deficiencies may promote CVD through accelerated telomere shortening and telomere dysfunction. This review provides a critical overview of the existing literature regarding the role of HHcy and B-vitamin deficiencies in CVD. At present, the CVD risk associated with HHcy and B vitamins is not effectively actionable. Therefore, routine screening for HHcy in CVD patients is of limited value. However, B-vitamin depletion is rather common among the elderly, and in such cases existing deficiencies should be corrected. While Hcy-lowering with high doses of B vitamins has no beneficial effects in secondary CVD prevention, the role of Hcy in primary disease prevention is insufficiently studied. Therefore, more intervention and experimental studies are needed to address existing gaps in knowledge.

Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Complementary and alternative treatment modalities are commonly utilized by patients for neuropathy and neuropathic pain due to perceived lack of benefit from conventional medical treatment. As the association between metabolic syndrome and neuropathy is increasingly recognized, diet and lifestyle interventions are becoming important components in the management of neuropathy. Progress in the understanding of the gut-immune interaction highlights the role the gut microbiome and inflammation plays in the modulation of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Evidence for nutritional interventions, exercise, supplements, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based practices in the treatment of neuropathic pain is encouraging. This article reviews the available evidence to support the safe use of complementary and alternative treatments for commonly encountered conditions associated with neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Muscle Nerve 60: 124-136, 2019.

Topics: Acetylcarnitine; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Curcumin; Diet; Diet Therapy; Dietary Supplements; Dysbiosis; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Folic Acid; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Integrative Medicine; Life Style; Metabolic Syndrome; Neuralgia; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Thioctic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin D

Homocysteine (HCY) is a degradation product of the methionine pathway. The B vitamins, in particular vitamin B12 and folate, are the primary nutritional determinant of HCY levels and therefore their deficiencies result in hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHCY). Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) and related dietary deficiencies in B vitamins and folate increase with age and have been related to osteoporosis and abnormal development of epiphyseal cartilage and bone in rodents. Here we provide a review of experimental and population studies. The negative effects of HHCY and/or B vitamins and folate deficiencies on bone formation and remodeling are documented by cell models, including primary osteoblasts, osteoclast and bone progenitor cells as well as by animal and human studies. However, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and remain poorly understood. Whether these associations are the direct consequences of impaired one carbon metabolism is not clarified and more studies are still needed to translate these findings to human population. To date, the evidence is limited and somewhat conflicting, however further trials in groups most vulnerable to impaired one carbon metabolism are required.

Topics: Animals; Bone and Bones; Bone Remodeling; Carbon; Folic Acid; Homeostasis; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 mo of life. However, maternal deficiency of some micronutrients, conveniently classified as Group I micronutrients during lactation, can result in low concentrations in breast milk and subsequent infant deficiency preventable by improving maternal status. This article uses thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and choline as examples and reviews the evidence for risk of inadequate intakes by infants in the first 6 mo of life. Folate, a Group II micronutrient, is included for comparison. Information is presented on forms and concentrations in human milk, analytical methods, the basis of current recommended intakes for infants and lactating women, and effects of maternal supplementation. From reports of maternal and/or infant deficiency, concentrations in milk were noted as well as any consequences for infant function. These milk values were used to estimate the percent of recommended daily intake that infants fed by a deficient mother could obtain from her milk. Estimates were 60% for thiamin, 53% for riboflavin, 80% for vitamin B-6, 16% for vitamin B-12, and 56% for choline. Lack of data limits the accuracy and generalizability of these conclusions, but the overall picture that emerges is consistent across nutrients and points to an urgent need to improve the information available on breast milk quality.

Topics: Breast Feeding; Choline; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Lactation; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Milk, Human; Nutritional Status; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Many epidemiologic studies have considered whether markers of B-vitamin status are associated with cognitive function and cognitive decline. This avenue of research was sparked by the homocysteine (Hcy) theory of cardiovascular disease, which was extended to Alzheimer's disease when a link between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease was discovered. Hcy could cause cognitive impairment via direct neurotoxicity. However, decreased remethylation of Hcy to methionine might also compromise cognitive function by means other than mere Hcy lowering. Folate and vitamin B-12 participate in Hcy remethylation and largely determine Hcy status. Consequently, much of the relevant research has focused on these 2 B vitamins. The many subtly different hypotheses that investigators have addressed by attempting to link several B-vitamin status indicators to diverse cognition-related outcomes have created a confusing body of conflicting studies that seems to defy summarization. Nevertheless, themes are discernible that aid interpretation, foster hypothesis generation, and inform future study design. For example, despite a shared metabolic pathway, Hcy, vitamin B-12, and folate are differently related to specific cognitive outcomes. Although consistency of findings across studies is often touted as essential to distinguishing causal from coincidental relationships, discrepancies among study findings can be even more informative.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Methylation; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinemia, when considered as a causal factor of vascular diseases, has been subject of much discussion. Case-control, retrospective and prospective studies have identified a relationship between high plasma concentrations of homocysteine and vascular disease. The aim of the present review was to better understand the interrelation between plasma concentrations of homocysteine and vascular diseases, as well as the involvement of classical risk factors for the disease: genetic factors, such as mutations in the genes that codify the enzymes involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, and nutritional factors, such as complex B vitamin deficiency. The publications of the main databases in health were consulted for the period 1962 to 2009. The mechanism by which hyperhomocysteinemia acts as a risk factor for vascular diseases still has not been fully clarified, but involvement of endothelial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation is suggested. The treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia is based on food supplements and medication, with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Elevated concentration of total homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma (> 12 micromol/l) is a risk factor for several diseases of the central nervous system. Epidemiological studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship between concentrations of Hcy and the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Hcy is a marker for B-vitamin deficiency (folate, B12, B6). Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) causes hypomethylation which is an important mechanism that links Hcy to dementia. Supplementation with vitamins B aims at reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Current evidence suggests that Hcy-lowering treatment has a positive effect for the secondary and primary prevention of stroke. HHcy is very common in patients with Parkinson disease particularly those who receive L-dopa treatment. Furthermore, a positive association has been reported between HHcy and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, HHcy and vitamin B deficiency are reported to have a causal role in depression, and epilepsy. In addition several anti-epileptic drugs cause secondary HHcy. Therefore, sufficient intakes of the vitamins are recommended for patients who have already developed neuropsychiatric diseases. Vitamin B deficiency should be suspected in children with development disorders, failure to thrive and unexplained neurological manifestations. Elderly people are also an important at-risk group where vitamin B deficiency and HHcy have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment with folate, B12, and B6 can improve cerebral function. Preventive vitamin B supplementation and sufficient intake seem very important for secondary and primary prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially in subjects with a low intake or status of the vitamins.

Topics: Aged; Central Nervous System; Child; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Mental Disorders; Nervous System Diseases; Parkinson Disease; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) has been suggested as a new risk factor for osteoporosis. Recent epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies provide a growing body of data, which is reviewed in this article. Epidemiological and (randomized) clinical trials suggest that HHCY increases fracture risk, but has minor effects on bone mineral density. Measurement of biochemical bone turnover markers indicates a shift of bone metabolism towards bone resorption. Animal studies confirm these observations showing a reduced bone quality and stimulation of bone resorption in hyperhomocysteinemic animals. Homocysteine (HCY) has been found to accumulate in bone by collagen binding. Cell culture studies demonstrate that high HCY levels stimulate osteoclasts but not osteoblasts, indicating again a shift of bone metabolism towards bone resorption. Regarding B-vitamins, only a few in vivo studies with equivocal results have been published. However, two large cell culture studies confirm the results obtained with exogenous HCY administration. In addition, HHCY seems to have adverse affects on extracellular bone matrix by disturbing collagen crosslinking. In conclusion, existing data suggest that HHCY (and possibly B-vitamin deficiencies) adversely affects bone quality by a stimulation of bone resorption and disturbance of collagen crosslinking.

Topics: Animals; Bone Density; Folic Acid Deficiency; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Osteoporosis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Deficiency

Venous thrombosis is considered as a multicausal disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered as one of the risk factors for venous thrombosis. Because homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by the intake and concentrations of B vitamins, it is worthwhile to assess the role of these vitamins as a risk factor for venous thrombosis.

Topics: Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Risk Factors; Thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

The B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that are required as coenzymes for reactions essential for cellular function. This review focuses on the essential role of vitamins in maintaining the one-carbon transfer cycles. Folate and choline are believed to be central methyl donors required for mitochondrial protein and nucleic acid synthesis through their active forms, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and betaine, respectively. Cobalamin (B12) may assist methyltetrahydrofolate in the synthesis of methionine, a cysteine source for glutathione biosynthesis. Pyridoxal, pyridoxine and pyridoxamine (B6) seem to be involved in the regeneration of tetrahydrofolate into the active methyl-bearing form and in glutathione biosynthesis from homocysteine. Other roles of these vitamins that are relevant to mitochondrial functions will also be discussed. However these roles for B vitamins in cell function are mostly theoretically based and still require verification at the cellular level. For instance it is still not known what B vitamins are depleted by xenobiotic toxins or which cellular targets, metabolic pathways or molecular toxic mechanisms are prevented by B vitamins. This review covers the current state of knowledge and suggests where this research field is heading so as to better understand the role vitamin Bs play in cellular function and intermediary metabolism as well as molecular, cellular and clinical consequences of vitamin deficiency. The current experimental and clinical evidence that supplementation alleviates deficiency symptoms as well as the effectiveness of vitamins as antioxidants will also be reviewed.

Topics: Animals; Folic Acid; Humans; Mitochondria; Pyridoxal; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

For more than 50 years, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences has been reviewing nutrition research and defining nutrient requirements for healthy people, referred to as the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). As new nutrition research is published, the importance of vitamins as vital nutrients is underscored, and new physiologic roles and applications to human health are examined and considered with regard to updating the RDA. Each year a substantial amount of research is published on vitamins. This article examines and summarizes noteworthy research published on individual water-soluble vitamins (excluding vitamin C) in the past 12 months, provides relevant background information on these vitamins, and offers critical reviews as appropriate.

Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Neural Tube Defects; Niacinamide; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Solubility; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

The relationship between four micronutrient deficiencies (iodine, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12) and children's cognitive functioning is reviewed. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has negative and irreversible effects on the developing fetus. Although there is some evidence that postnatal iodine deficiency is associated with cognitive deficits, the findings are controversial. Iron deficiency is widespread and has been associated to cognitive deficits, but the results of prevention trials are inconsistent. Zinc deficiency has been linked with low activity and depressed motor development among the most vulnerable children. Associations with cognitive development are less clear and may be limited to specific neuropsychological processes. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been associated with cognitive problems among the elderly, but little is known about its effect on children's cognitive functioning. Rates of vitamin B-12 deficiency are likely to be high because animal products are the only source of vitamin B-12. Although micronutrient deficiencies often co-occur in the context of poverty, little is known about the impact of multiple micronutrient deficiencies on cognitive development.

Topics: Child; Child Development; Cognition; Developing Countries; Diet; Humans; Iodine; Iron Deficiencies; Micronutrients; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency; Zinc

In this review many examples are given of the complexities involved in using some biomarkers in relation to assessing the effects of dietary exposure, when there is frequently a need to determine changes following long-term low level exposure to dietary components. These range from understanding why the biomarker might be valuable and how best it can be measured, to the pitfalls which can occur in the interpretation of data. Analytical technique is considered in relation to folate and selenium, and flavonoid and carotenoid species are used to illustrate how the metabolism of a compound may alter the validity or adequacy of a marker. Vitamin A is discussed in relation to the difficulties which can arise when there are several biomarkers that may be available to assess exposure to one nutrient. Vitamin B12 is discussed in relation to the dietary choices made by individuals. Possible interactions and the role of measuring total antioxidant capacity is considered in some detail. In contrast to most nutrients, there is a marked lack of biomarkers of either exposure or effect for most non-nutrients. The role of biological effect monitoring is considered for dietary contaminants, fumonisins and polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Aflatoxins are discussed to exemplify food contaminants for which the biomarker approach has been extensively studied. Finally some compounds which are deliberately added to foods and some which appear as processing contaminants are each considered briefly in relation to the requirement for a biomarker of exposure to be developed.

Topics: Aflatoxins; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Brassica; Carotenoids; Developing Countries; Diet; Environmental Exposure; Flavonoids; Folic Acid; Food Additives; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Free Radicals; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Meat; Neoplasms; Nutritional Status; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Selenium; Selenium Compounds; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

The sulfur-containing amino acid, homocysteine, is formed from the essential amino acid methionine, and a number of B vitamins are involved in methionine metabolism. Pyridoxine, vitamin B6, is a cofactor for cystathionine beta synthase, which mediates the transformation of homocysteine to cystathionine, the initial step in the transsulfuration pathway and the urinary excretion of sulfur. In a normal diet there is conservation of the carbon skeleton, and about 50% of the homocysteine formed is remethylated to methionine via steps that require folic acid and vitamin B12. A deficiency of any of these three vitamins leads to modest homocyst(e)ine elevation, as does diminished renal function, both of which are common in the elderly. It is also established that homocyst(e)ine elevation of this order is associated with increased cardiovascular risk but is also associated with most established risk factors, although it is thought to be an independent contributor. In the inborn error of metabolism homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta synthase deficiency there is greatly increased circulating homocyst(e)ine and a clear association with precocious vascular disease. In about 50% of these patients there is a vascular event before the age of 30 years. The homocysteine-induced adverse vascular changes appear to result from endothelial and smooth muscle cell effects and increased thrombogenesis. We have documented a highly significant reduction in the occurrence of vascular events during 539 patient years of treatment in 32 patients with cystathionine beta synthase deficiency (mean age 30 years, range 9-66 years) by aggressive homocyst(e)ine lowering with pyridoxine, folic acid, and B12 (p = 0.0001). The 15 pyridoxine nonresponsive patients also received oral betaine. Although a cause and effect relationship is postulated for the increased cardiovascular risk associated with mild homocysteine elevation, a common cause of this elevation is the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation. Homozygotes occur in about 11% of Caucasian populations. However, the mutation is not associated with increased coronary risk. Since mild homocysteine elevation is easily normalized by B vitamin supplementation, usually with folic acid, it remains for controlled clinical trials of this inexpensive therapy to determine whether normalizing mild homocyst(e)ine elevation reduces cardiovascular risk.

Topics: Aging; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Homocystinuria; Humans; Pyridoxine; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Biological Evolution; Biological Transport; Cells, Cultured; Child; Cobamides; Female; Fibroblasts; Genes; Genetic Complementation Test; Homocystinuria; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Intestinal Absorption; Intrinsic Factor; Male; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Methylmalonic Acid; Methylmalonyl-CoA Mutase; Mice; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Achlorhydria; Anemia, Pernicious; Humans; Ileal Diseases; Intestinal Absorption; Intestine, Small; Intrinsic Factor; Malabsorption Syndromes; Pancreatitis; Postgastrectomy Syndromes; Protein Binding; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

The role of the metals, iron and copper, and the vitamins E, folic acid, and B12 in the genesis of nutritional anemias in infancy have been reviewed. All are preventable. The precise requirements for each of these trace elements and vitamins in the small premature infant remain to be defined. The nonhematologic consequences of these nutritional deficiencies require further study. Anemia may prove to be the least important manifestation of the deficiency states.

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Anemia, Hemolytic; Anemia, Hypochromic; Child; Child, Preschool; Copper; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Growth; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature; Iron; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Biotin; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Child; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mouth Diseases; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Requirements; Pellagra; Pregnancy; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Tryptophan; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Alcoholism; Anticonvulsants; Cyanides; Deficiency Diseases; Electroencephalography; Erythrocytes; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Isoniazid; Nervous System Diseases; Neurocognitive Disorders; Pellagra; Polyneuropathies; Schilling Test; Spinal Cord Diseases; Thiamine Deficiency; Transketolase; Tryptophan; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Wernicke Encephalopathy

Low vitamin B-12 concentrations are frequently observed among older adults. Malabsorption is hypothesized to be an important cause of vitamin B-12 inadequacy, but serum vitamin B-12 may also be differently affected by vitamin B-12 intake depending on food source. We examined associations between dietary sources of vitamin B-12 (meat, fish and shellfish, eggs, dairy) and serum vitamin B-12, using cross-sectional data of 600 Dutch community-dwelling adults (≥65 years). Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin B-12 concentrations were measured in serum. Associations were studied over tertiles of vitamin B-12 intake using P for trend, by calculating prevalence ratios (PRs), and splines. Whereas men had significantly higher vitamin B-12 intakes than women (median (25th-75th percentile): 4.18 (3.29-5.38) versus 3.47 (2.64-4.40) μg/day), serum vitamin B-12 did not differ between the two sexes (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 275 ± 104 pmol/L versus 290 ± 113 pmol/L). Higher intakes of dairy, meat, and fish and shellfish were significantly associated with higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations, where meat and dairy-predominantly milk were the most potent sources. Egg intake did not significantly contribute to higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations. Thus, dairy and meat were the most important contributors to serum vitamin B-12, followed by fish and shellfish.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Animals; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dairy Products; Diet; Eggs; Female; Fishes; Humans; Male; Meat; Netherlands; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Seafood; Sex Factors; Shellfish; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Mood Disorders; Quality of Life; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Young children in low- and middle-income countries frequently have inadequate vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) status. Poor folate status is also common and is associated with increased diarrheal and respiratory morbidity.. The objective was to measure the effect of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12 administration on the incidence of diarrhea and acute lower respiratory tract infections.. One thousand North Indian children (6-30 mo of age) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to receive 2 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12 or placebo daily for 6 mo. Children were individually randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio in blocks of 16. Primary outcomes were the number of episodes of acute lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, and prolonged diarrhea.. Folic acid and vitamin B-12 supplementation significantly improved vitamin B-12 and folate status, respectively. Neither folic acid nor vitamin B-12 administration reduced the incidence of diarrhea or lower respiratory infections. In comparison with placebo, children treated with folic acid alone or in combination with vitamin B-12 had a significantly higher risk of persistent diarrhea (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.8).. Folic acid or vitamin B-12 supplementation did not reduce the burden of common childhood infections. In view of the increased risk of diarrhea, the safety of folic acid supplements in young children should be further assessed. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00717730 and at www.ctri.nic.in as CTRI/2010/091/001090.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Diarrhea; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; India; Infant; Male; Nutrition Policy; Odds Ratio; Respiratory Tract Infections; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

We assessed essential fatty acid (EFA) and B-vitamin status, together with their determinants, in 61 patients with schizophrenia and established whether those with poor status responded biochemically to the appropriate dietary supplements. As a group, the patients had high erythrocyte saturated fatty acids (FAs), monounsaturated FA and low polyunsaturated FA of the omega3 and omega6 series. Patients reporting not to take vitamin supplements had low vitamin B12 and high homocysteine. Homocysteine variance proved best explained by folate in both the total group and male patients, and by vitamins B12 and B6 in females. Alcohol consumption and duration of illness are risk factors for low polyunsaturated FA status (< P2.5 of reference range), while male gender and absence of fish consumption predict hyperhomocysteinemia (> P97.5 of reference range). Two patients exhibited biochemical EFA deficiency and seven showed biochemical signs of omega3/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) marginality. Four patients exhibited moderate hyperhomocysteinemia with plasma values ranging from 57.5 to 74.8 micromol/L. None of the five patients with either moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, biochemical EFA deficiency, or both, was predicted by their clinicians to have poor diets. That diet was nevertheless at the basis of these abnormalities became confirmed after supplementing 4 of them with B vitamins and with soybean and fish oils. We conclude that a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia has biochemical EFA deficiency, omega3/DHA marginality, moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, or combinations. Correction seems indicated in view of the possible relation of poor EFA and B-vitamin status with some of their psychiatric symptoms, but notably to reduce their high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Erythrocytes; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; Fish Oils; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Schizophrenia; Sex Factors; Soybean Oil; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

A vegetarian diet is considered to promote health and longevity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, a vegetarian diet may be deficient in some nutrients. Exclusion of animal products in vegetarian diets may affect the status of certain B-vitamins, and further cause the rise of plasma homocysteine concentration.. The nutritional status of various B-vitamins (B(1), B(2), B(6), B(12), folic acid) and the concentration of homocysteine in blood plasma of omnivores (n = 40), vegetarians (n = 36) and vegans (n = 42) in Austria was evaluated.. The evaluation was done using the functional parameters erythrocyte transketolase (ETK), glutathione reductase (EGR) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (EGOT) activation coefficients. Enzyme activity was measured photometrically. The quantity of vitamins B(1), B(2) and B(6) in urine and the concentrations of vitamin B(6) and homocysteine in plasma were determined by HPLC methods with fluorescence detection. Plasma concentration of vitamin B(12) and folic acid were measured with radioimmunoassay.. Most of the subjects showed a satisfying vitamin B(1) status. Vegans presented a significantly lower mean plasma vitamin B(12) concentration than omnivores and vegetarians and deficiency in 2.4% of the volunteers but the highest mean value of plasma folate among the investigated groups. A deficient status of folate was found in 18% of omnivores and in approximately 10% of vegans and vegetarians. The status of riboflavin is considered to be deficient in about 10% of omnivores and vegetarians and in over 30% of vegans. According to the activation coefficient of GOT, approximately one third of all subjects showed vitamin B(6) deficiency. Elevated homocysteine concentration in plasma was observed in 66% of the vegans and about 45-50% of the omnivores and vegetarians. Vegan subjects had significantly higher mean plasma homocysteine levels than omnivores.. Thiamin and folate need not be a problem in a well-planned vegan diet. Vitamins B(12) and B(2) may need attention in the strict vegan diet, especially regarding elevated homocysteine levels in plasma. Pyridoxine status appeared to be independent of the diet.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcohol Drinking; Anthropometry; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Austria; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Feeding Behavior; Female; Folic Acid; Glutathione Reductase; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Meat; Middle Aged; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Pyridoxic Acid; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Surveys and Questionnaires; Thiamine; Transketolase; Vegetables; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 have been associated with digestive system cancers. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study to assess the causality of these associations.. Two, one and 14 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with serum folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 at the genome-wide significance threshold were selected as genetic instruments. Summary-level data for the associations of the vitamin-associated genetic variants with cancer were obtained from the UK Biobank study including 367,561 individuals and FinnGen consortium comprising up to 176,899 participants.. Genetically predicted folate and vitamin B6 concentrations were not associated with overall cancer, overall digestive system cancer or oesophageal, gastric, colorectal or pancreatic cancer. Genetically predicted vitamin B12 concentrations were positively associated with overall digestive system cancer (OR. These results provide evidence to suggest that elevated serum vitamin B12 concentrations are associated with colorectal cancer.

Topics: Adult; Anemia, Pernicious; Case-Control Studies; Digestive System Neoplasms; Female; Folic Acid; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Humans; Male; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors; Sweden; United Kingdom; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Air Pollutants; Autonomic Nervous System; Female; Heart; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Particulate Matter; Republic of Korea; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B. Absztrakt: A B

Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Black or African American; Female; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Loss of Function Mutation; Male; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Alzheimer Disease; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Cohort Studies; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Executive Function; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Memory; Middle Aged; Niacin; Psychomotor Performance; Verbal Learning; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Young Adult

Many studies have suggested that folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients may play a role in certain cancer risks, but few studies have assessed their associations with the risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the association between four folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients (folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine) and NPC risk in Chinese adults. A total of 600 patients newly diagnosed (within 3 months) with NPC were individually matched with 600 hospital-based controls by age, sex and household type (urban v. rural). Folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intakes were measured using a validated seventy-eight-item FFQ. A higher dietary folate or vitamin B6 intake was associated with a lower NPC risk after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted OR of NPC for quartiles 2-4 (v. 1) were 0·66 (95% CI 0·48, 0·91), 0·52 (95% CI 0·37, 0·74) and 0·34 (95% CI 0·23, 0·50) (P(trend)<0·001) for folate and 0·72 (95% CI 0·52, 1·00), 0·55 (95% CI 0·39, 0·78) and 0·44 (95% CI 0·30, 0·63) (P(trend)<0·001) for vitamin B6. No significant association with NPC risk was observed for dietary vitamin B12 or methionine intake. The risk for NPC with dietary folate intake was more evident in the participants who were not exposed to toxic substances than in those who were exposed (P(interaction)=0·014). This study suggests that dietary folate and vitamin B6 may be protective for NPC in a high-risk population.

Topics: Adult; Carcinoma; Case-Control Studies; China; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Methionine; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Nasopharynx; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that the altered fetal and neonatal environment influences physiological functions and may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. Because homocysteine (Hcy) metabolic imbalance is considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated whether maternal Vitamin B deficiency during early development alters the offspring's methionine-homocysteine metabolism in their brain. To this end, the dams were submitted to experimental diet one month before and during pregnancy or pregnancy/lactation. After birth, the offspring were organized into the following groups: control (CT), deficient diet during pregnancy and lactation (DPL) and deficient diet during pregnancy (DP). The mice were euthanized at various stages of development. Hcy, cysteine, glutathione (GSH), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), folate and cobalamin concentrations were measured in the plasma and/or brain. At postnatal day (PND) 0, total brain of female and male offspring exhibited decreased SAM/SAH ratios. Moreover, at PND 28, we observed decreased GSH/GSSG ratios in both females and males in the DPL group. Exposure to a Vitamin B-deficient diet during the ontogenic plasticity period had a negative impact on plasma folate and brain cortex SAM concentrations in aged DPL males. We also observed decreased plasma GSH concentrations in both DP and DPL males (PND 210). Additionally, this manipulation seemed to affect the female and male offspring differently. The decreased plasma GSH concentration may reflect redox changes in tissues and the decreased brain cortex SAM may be involved in changes of gene expression, which could contribute to neurodegenerative diseases over the long term.

Topics: Animals; Brain; Female; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Lactation; Male; Mice; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Although preconception 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) exposure and B-vitamin deficiencies have each been shown to negatively affect human reproductive outcomes, little is known about their joint effect.. We sought to examine whether B-vitamin sufficiency protects against adverse effects of DDT on clinical pregnancy (CP) and subclinical early pregnancy loss (EPL).. We measured preconception concentrations of plasma B vitamins (vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate) and serum total DDT [sum of p,p' and o,p' isomers of DDT and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] in 291 nulligravid women from Anhui, China, who were studied in 1996-1998. The women were followed prospectively from the time they stopped contraception until CP (gestational age ≥42 d) or 12 mo (whichever occurred first). EPL was identified by using daily urinary human chorionic gonadotropin. The women were categorized according to B-vitamin status (deficiency compared with sufficiency) and DDT concentration (high compared with low).. Of 291 study women, a total of 385 conceptions (31% of which ended in EPL) and 265 CPs occurred. Compared with women with adequate B-vitamins and low DDT, incidence rates of CP were reduced in women with B-vitamin deficiency and a high DDT concentration (P < 0.05 for all). Most notably, in women with sufficient vitamin B-12, DDT was not associated with the incidence of CP; in contrast, in women with vitamin B-12 deficiency, high DDT was associated with a lower incidence of CP (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.84); and the test for interaction was significant (P < 0.05). The odds of EPL decreased by 45% (95% CI: 21%, 62%) for each interquartile distance increase in folate in women with high DDT concentrations, and the test for interaction was significant (P = 0.006).. Our results provide suggestive evidence that vitamin B-12 and folate sufficiency may help protect against adverse reproductive effects of DDT exposure. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; China; DDT; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Reproduction; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Young Adult

We investigated over time whether contemporary Japanese patients with complicated peptic ulcers have any water-soluble vitamin deficiencies soon after the onset of the complicated peptic ulcers. In this prospective cohort study, fasting serum levels of water-soluble vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and folic acid) and homocysteine were measured at 3 time points (at admission, hospital discharge, and 3 mo after hospital discharge). Among the 20 patients who were enrolled in the study, 10 consecutive patients who completed measurements at all 3 time points were analyzed. The proportion of patients in whom any of the serum water-soluble vitamins that we examined were deficient was as high as 80% at admission, and remained at 70% at discharge. The proportion of patients with vitamin B6 deficiency was significantly higher at admission and discharge (50% and 60%, respectively, p<0.05) than at 3 mo after discharge (10%). In conclusion, most patients with complicated peptic ulcers may have a deficiency of one or more water-soluble vitamins in the early phase of the disease after the onset of ulcer complications, even in a contemporary Japanese population.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Cohort Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Homocysteine; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Peptic Ulcer; Prospective Studies; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Unlike most Western populations, MTHFR 677T is a rare allele and a risk factor for a variety of disorders in India. What kind of nutritional (environmental) and/or genetic factors could contribute to the genetic risk is not known. To assess the incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and its correlation with the polymorphism in homocysteine (Hcy)-pathway genes and associated cofactors in the native populations of eastern India.. Healthy population from four eastern states of India. Genotyping of SNPs, HPLC and chemiluminescence-based assay for homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid.. Approximately 30% of the population has hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/lit; hypHcy) with varying frequencies in the four states from where samples were collected (n=1426). Polymorphisms of MTR and CBS do not affect hypHcy. 677T and 1298C alleles of MTHFR and G80 RFC-1 show association with hypHcy. In contrast, RFC-1 80AA is protective even in presence of 677T MTHFR. Addition of each mutant allele has an additive effect on Hcy level. Vitamin B12 (cofactor in methionine synthesis) clearly modulates the genotypic effect on Hcy level. Although frequency of individuals with low folic acid is ≈11, 49% of the population is vitamin B12 deficient (<220 pg/lit) and has a significant negative correlation with Hcy. Individuals with optimum vitamin B12 and folic acid generally have low Hcy, even in risk genotypes.. One of the plausible reasons for susceptibility of individuals with MTHFR C677T in the studied population to various disorders is the high frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamin B12 deficiency in the 'healthy population'. Apparently, supplementation of vitamin B(12) to this health-impoverished community may help lessen the risk of several multifactorial disorders.

Topics: Adult; Alleles; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Genotype; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; India; Male; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Nutritional Status; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prevalence; Replication Protein C; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Choline is an important component of the human diet and is required for the endogenous synthesis of choline-containing phospholipids, acetylcholine and betaine. Choline can also be synthesised de novo by the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate can enhance methylation capacity and therefore could influence choline availability not only by increasing endogenous choline synthesis but also by reducing choline utilisation. In the present experiment, we determined whether combined supplementation of these B vitamins affects plasma choline concentration in a rat model of mild B vitamin deficiency which shows moderate increases in plasma homocysteine. To this end, we measured plasma choline and homocysteine concentrations in rats that had consumed a B vitamin-poor diet for 4 weeks after which they were either continued on the B vitamin-poor diet or switched to a B vitamin-enriched diet for another 4 weeks. Both diets contained recommended amounts of choline. Rats receiving the B vitamin-enriched diet showed higher plasma choline and lower plasma homocysteine concentrations as compared to rats that were continued on the B vitamin-poor diet. These data underline the interdependence between dietary B vitamins and plasma choline concentration, possibly via the combined effects of the three B vitamins on methylation capacity.

Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Choline; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Male; Methylation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Little is known about the direct relationship of B vitamins to mortality in the elderly. All-cause mortality by vitamin B status, using dietary (B-1, B-2, niacin, B-6) or biochemical data (erythrocyte transketolase reductase, erythrocyte glutathione reductase, plasma pyridoxal-phosphate, folate and serum B-12) was evaluated.. The Taiwanese Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey (1999-2000) provided 1747 participants 65 years and over. Dietary and biochemical data were collected at baseline. Survivorship was determined until December 31, 2008.. Survivors had higher vitamin B-1 and niacin intakes and pyridoxal-phosphate and folate concentrations. Controlled for confounders, and relative to the lowest tertile of vitamin B-1 or B-6 intakes, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for tertile 3 were 0.74 (0.58-0.95) and 0.74 (0.57-0.97); both p for trend values were <0.05. Further adjustment for dietary diversity led to insignificant findings. For pyridoxal-phosphate, compared to those with deficiency levels, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for adequacy was 0.52 (0.38-0.71) with p for trend <0.0001 and unchanged with dietary diversity adjustment.. Higher vitamin B-1 and B-6 intakes and plasma pyridoxal-phosphate were associated with lower risk of mortality up to 10 years and could be achieved by increased dietary diversity.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mortality; Multivariate Analysis; Niacin; Nutritional Status; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Riboflavin; Taiwan; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Micronutrients; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Administration, Oral; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Eating; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; International Cooperation; Nutrition Policy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Review Literature as Topic; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Cobalamin deficiency is a common problem in the elderly. There is no consensus about adequate doses for supplementation.. We performed an intervention study in order to establish the efficacy of a supplement providing 500 µg cyanocobalamin for four weeks in sixty-four institutionalized elderly residents, over 60 years of age, in Madrid (Spain). Before and after treatment, concentrations of serum cobalamin, serum holotranscobalamin, serum total homocysteine, and serum and red blood cell folate were analyzed. Clusters were built according to the initial cobalamin status and differences in the effect of supplementation were checked using a general linear model for repeated measures.. Cobalamin and holotranscobalamin increased highly significantly from 308 to 558 pmol/L and from 54 to 96 pmol/L (p < 0.001) in the whole study group as well as in each subgroup (clustered by initial cobalamin levels, all p < 0.01), with the highest relative change in the subgroup with the lowest initial cobalamin values. Total homocysteine decreased from 15 to 13 µmol/l, p < 0.001). Only the change of cobalamin (F = 4.61, p < 0.01), but not of holotranscobalamin nor total homocysteine, depended on the initial serum cobalamin status.. A supplementation with an oral supplement solution of 500 µg cyanocobalamin daily for only four weeks, a shorter period than that found in former studies, may be considered suitable in institutionalized elderly.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dietary Supplements; Erythrocytes; Female; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Institutionalization; Male; Nutritional Status; Spain; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease seems to be a multi-factorial disease with both genetic and non-genetic, environmental, possible causes. Recently, epigenomics is achieving a major role in Alzheimer's research due to its involvement in different molecular pathways leading to neurodegeneration. Among the different epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation is one of the most relevant to the disease. We previously demonstrated that presenilin1 (PSEN1), a gene involved in amyloidogenesis, is modulated by DNA methylation in neuroblastoma cells and Alzheimer's mice in an experimental model of nutritionally altered one-carbon metabolism. This alteration, obtained by nutritional deficiency of B vitamins (folate, B12 and B6) hampered S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methylation reactions. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the regulation of DNA methylation machinery in response to hypomethylating (B vitamin deficiency) and hypermethylating (SAM supplementation) alterations of the one-carbon metabolism. We found that DNA methylases (DNMT1, 3a and 3b) and a putative demethylase (MBD2) were differently modulated, in line with the previously observed changes of PSEN1 methylation pattern in the same experimental conditions.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Carbon; Cell Line; Disease Models, Animal; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; DNA Methylation; DNA-Binding Proteins; Epigenomics; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Methylation; Mice; Mice, 129 Strain; Mice, Transgenic; S-Adenosylmethionine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

B-vitamin deficiencies have been associated with depression; however, there is very little prospective evidence from population-based studies of older adults.. We examined whether dietary intakes of vitamins B-6, folate, or vitamin B-12 were predictive of depressive symptoms over an average of 7.2 y in a community-based population of older adults.. The study sample consisted of 3503 adults from the Chicago Health and Aging project, an ongoing, population-based, biracial (59% African American) study in adults aged > or =65 y. Dietary assessment was made by food-frequency questionnaire. Incident depression was measured by the presence of > or =4 depressive symptoms from the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.. The logistic regression models, which used generalized estimating equations, showed that higher total intakes, which included supplementation, of vitamins B-6 and B-12 were associated with a decreased likelihood of incident depression for up to 12 y of follow-up, after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, income, and antidepressant medication use. For example, each 10 additional milligrams of vitamin B-6 and 10 additional micrograms of vitamin B-12 were associated with 2% lower odds of depressive symptoms per year. There was no association between depressive symptoms and food intakes of these vitamins or folate. These associations remained after adjustment for smoking, alcohol use, widowhood, caregiving status, cognitive function, physical disability, and medical conditions.. Our results support the hypotheses that high total intakes of vitamins B-6 and B-12 are protective of depressive symptoms over time in community-residing older adults.

Topics: Aged; Depression; Diet Surveys; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Logistic Models; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Dietary Supplements; Fatigue; Humans; Nutrition Policy; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Methionine synthase catalyzes the conversion of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine using vitamin B(12) as a cofactor. Transcobalamin is the main transporter of vitamin B(12) from blood into cells. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the transcobalamin P259R (TCN2 776C>G) polymorphism and both serum vitamin B(12) and total Hcy (tHcy) levels.. The population comprised 613 men from Northern Ireland, aged 30-49 years, for whom tHcy, serum vitamin B(12) and serum folate concentrations were available. TCN2 776C>G genotypes were determined using a TaqMan 5' nuclease Real-Time PCR assay. Standard statistical tests of association were applied to assess the relationships between the polymorphism and phenotypic variables.. The TCN2 776CC homozygous genotype was associated with lower serum vitamin B(12) concentrations compared with the 776CG (P(unadjusted)=0.01; P(adjusted)=0.03) and 776GG genotypes (P(unadjusted)=0.015; P(adjusted)=0.045). Among individuals with vitamin B(12) concentrations in the lower half of the distribution, tHcy concentrations were higher in TCN2 776GG homozygotes than in individuals with the other genotypes (P(unadjusted)=0.015; P(adjusted)=0.06).. These data suggest that, relative to transcobalamin with arginine at position 259 (776G), transcobalamin with proline at this position (776C) is either more efficient at vitamin B(12) transport from blood to tissues or has higher affinity for vitamin B(12). Furthermore, vitamin B(12) status influences the relationship between TCN2 776C>G genotype and tHcy concentrations. Thus, the TCN2 776C>G polymorphism may contribute to the risk of pathologies associated with a low B(12), and high tHcy phenotype.

Topics: Adult; Genotype; Homocysteine; Homozygote; Humans; Ireland; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

To evaluate the efficiency of the vitamin B(12-)producing Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1098 strain in preventing the symptoms caused by a nutritional cobalamin-deficient diet in pregnant female mice and their weaned offspring.. Pregnant female mice were divided into three groups: animals fed with a B(12)-deficient diet (DD), animals fed with DD plus L. reuteri CRL1098 and animals fed with a B(12)-sufficient diet. The animals received the different feedings from the end of gestation up to weaning. At the end of the trials, they and their corresponding offspring were bled to determine haematological, immunological and histological parameters. The administration of the pseudovitamin B(12)-producing strain prevented the symptoms observed in female and weaned young animals fed with a nutritional B(12)-deficient diet.. Our data suggest that the pseudovitamin B(12) produced by L. reuteri CRL1098 is biologically active and effective in preventing the pathologies caused by the nutritional deficiency of B(12) both in pregnant mice and their offspring.. The ability of L. reuteri CRL1098 to prevent a nutritional vitamin deficiency was demonstrated for the first time. The addition of a GRAS micro-organism to complement the B(12) content in deficient foods is an interesting biotechnological alternative.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Female; Limosilactobacillus reuteri; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Probiotics; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency; Weight Gain

Low B-vitamin status and high levels of serum homocysteine are found in depressed inpatients, but results of population-based studies of this association are inconclusive. We investigated whether a low dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins and high levels of serum homocysteine are associated with depressive symptoms in elderly men.. The study sample included a total of 332 men aged 70-90 years who were free from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at baseline in 1990. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale at baseline in 1990 and dietary factors with the crosscheck dietary history method in 1985 and 1990. Serum levels of homocysteine were obtained in 1985. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed.. Dietary intake of folate (-1.19, 95% CI -2.03; -0.36) and vitamin B(6) (-2.09, 95% CI -2.92; -1.26) per standard deviation increase was associated with lower levels of serum homocysteine, while vitamin B(12) was not associated with serum homocysteine. Intake of folate, vitamin B(6), vitamin B(12) and levels of serum homocysteine were not related to depressive symptoms.. Our results do not support the hypothesis that a low dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins and high levels of serum homocysteine are related to depression in healthy elderly men.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Depression; Diet; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinemia has occasionally been reported in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and B-vitamin deficiency. In our study total homocysteine (tHcy) and B-vitamins were measured in treated PKU patients and healthy controls. In the patients, dietary parameters and genetic polymorphisms affecting the Hcy pathway were investigated to identify parameters modulating tHcy. A case control study including 37 PKU patients and 63 healthy controls was conducted. t-Tests for independent samples were used to test between groups. Multiple regressions with tHcy as dependent variable were calculated. Hardy-Weinberg expectations were tested against the observed distribution of genotypes applying the Chi-square goodness-of-fit method. THcy concentrations were not significantly different (p=0.059) while folate and cobalamin (Cbl) concentrations were significantly higher in PKU patients compared to controls. However, 29.7% of patients had tHcy concentrations >97th centile. THcy did not vary with age nor correlate with folate and Cbl concentrations probably due to high saturatory levels. The presence of genetic polymorphisms had no impact on tHcy. In conclusion, in PKU patients treated with amino acid mixtures enriched with B-vitamins, tHcy is not significantly higher than in healthy controls, but tHcy concentrations exceed the 97th centile in about one third of patients. Even higher B-vitamin saturation may be required to further decrease tHcy concentrations and factors generally influencing tHcy such as betaine are to be investigated in PKU patients in the future.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Phenylketonurias; Polymorphism, Genetic; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an accepted risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and possibly also for cognitive impairment and dementia. It has also been proposed as a marker for the status of the B vitamins, which participate in the metabolism of homocysteine. Therefore, especially in the elderly, it is important to know the prevalence of high homocysteine (tHcy) levels and the influence that B vitamins have on them.. 218 elderly of both sexes, aged 60-105, living in an elderly home in Granada (Spain), were screened for serum folate, red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum cobalamin (B12) (Abbott, IMx), holotranscobalamin II (Holo-TC II) (HoloTC RIA, Axis-Shield), methylmalonic acid (MMA) (MS-GC), total pyridoxine (B6) (HPLC), and total homocysteine (tHcy) (Abbott, IMx).. Hyperhomocysteinemia (tHcy >12 pmol/L) was detected in 80.7%. Serum folate deficiency was severe (< or =4 ng/mL) in 19.3% and moderate (4-7 ng/mL) in 43.1%. In 14.2% of the elderly RBC folate was < or =175 ng/mL, and in 61.0% it was between 175-400 ng/mL. Vitamin B12, measured in serum (< or =200 pg/mL), was deficient in 15.8%, but if measured as Holo-TC II (< or =45 pmol/L), deficiency ranged up to 39.1%. MMA was high (> or =300 nmol/L) in 45.6%. Vitamin B6 (< 20 nmol/L) was low only in one person. In order to identify the factors that could predict tHcy levels, a multiple regression analysis was performed. Best results corresponded to the combination of log serum folate and log Holo-TC II, which gave values of R > 0.5. If analyzed independently, the highest correlation was with log serum folate (r = -0.290), followed by RBC folate (r = -0.263), Holo-TC II (r = -0.228), log B12 (r = -0.175), and log B6 (r = -0.078).. There is a high prevalence of vitamin B deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in the studied population. Our data confirm the influence of these vitamins, especially folate, on tHcy levels, but hyperhomocysteinemia cannot be used as the only diagnostic criterion to detect subclinical vitamin deficiency in elderly people, especially to detect vitamin B12 deficiency.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Erythrocytes; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Institutionalization; Male; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Sex Characteristics; Spain; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Deficiency in nutritional determinants of homocysteine (HCY) metabolism, such as vitamin B(12) and folate, during pregnancy is known to influence HCY levels in the progeny, which in turn may exert adverse effects during development, including liver defects. Since short hypoxia has been shown to induce tolerance to subsequent stress in various cells including hepatocytes, and as vitamins B deficiency and hypoxic episodes may simultaneously occur in neonates, we aimed to investigate the influence of brief postnatal hypoxia (100% N(2) for 5 min) on the liver of rat pups born from dams fed a deficient regimen, i.e., depleted in vitamins B(12), B(2), folate, and choline. Four experimental groups were studied: control, hypoxia, deficiency, and hypoxia + deficiency. Although hypoxia transiently stimulated HCY catabolic pathways, it was associated with a progressive increase of hyperhomocysteinemia in deficient pups, with a fall of cystathionine beta-synthase activity at 21 days. At this stage, inducible NO synthase activity was dramatically increased and glutathione reductase decreased, specifically in the group combining hypoxia and deficiency. Also, hypoxia enhanced the deficiency-induced drop of the S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio. In parallel, early exposure to the methyl-deficient regimen induced oxidative stress and led to hepatic steatosis, which was found to be more severe in pups additionally exposed to hypoxia. In conclusion, brief neonatal hypoxia may accentuate the long-term adverse effects of impaired HCY metabolism in the liver resulting from an inadequate nutritional regimen during pregnancy, and our data emphasize the importance of early factors on adult disease.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Choline Deficiency; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Food, Formulated; Glutathione; Homocysteine; Hypoxia; Liver; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B(12) deficiency is a well-known cause of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). However, the mechanism by which this deficiency causes the stomatitis is not well understood. Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome (IGS) causes vitamin B(12) deficiency and proteinuria due to a defect in the vitamin B(12) receptor. We sought to determine whether the RAS observed in IGS patients is associated with neutrophil dysfunction. We report 3 infants with vitamin B(12) deficiency due to IGS, who presented with borderline or normal hemoglobin concentrations, RAS, and a neutrophil function defect. All 3 patients were homozygous for a splice site mutation affecting exon 4 of the AMN gene. A direct correlation was observed between low serum vitamin B12 levels and defective neutrophil function (low chemotaxis and elevated superoxide production) in the patients. Vitamin B(12) therapy led to an immediate resolution of aphthous stomatitis and full correction of neutrophil function. We demonstrated that serum vitamin B(12) deficiency is associated with a neutrophil chemotactic defect and RAS in IGS patients. We suggest that the RAS observed in these patients is due to this defect.

Topics: Anemia, Megaloblastic; Chemotaxis; Consanguinity; Diseases in Twins; Female; Humans; Infant; Leukocyte Disorders; Male; Membrane Proteins; Mutation; Neutrophils; Proteins; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Superoxides; Syndrome; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

The adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ensures an adequate intake of B vitamins and w-3 fatty acids. A protective role on depression has been suggested for both nutrients.. Cross-sectional analysis from the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) prospective cohort study. Data from 9670 participants (4211 men and 5459 women) were analised. Logistic regression analyses were fitted to assess the association between B-vitamins and w-3 fatty acids intake (quintiles) and the prevalence of depression.. Folate intake was inversely associated with depression prevalence among men, especially smokers. Among women, B12 vitamin intake was inversely associated with depression, especially among smokers and physically active women. No significant associations were observed for w-3 fatty acids intake.. The adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ensures an adequate intake of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, legumes or fish, important sources of nutrients linked to depression prevention.

Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Diet, Mediterranean; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Feeding Behavior; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Spain; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Anemia, Macrocytic; Comorbidity; Epilepsy; Humans; Male; Polyneuropathies; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolic disease (VTD). However, it is not clear whether homocysteine (Hc) itself or a related metabolite or a cofactor is primarily responsible for VTD. We carried out a case-control study to investigate whether vitamin concentrations that are involved in the Hc metabolism are associated or not with an elevated risk of VTD.. Case-control study.. We measured serum vitamin B12, folate, creatinine and albumin concentrations and plasma Hc concentrations in 101 consecutive patients with VTD, diagnosed by image tests and 101 control subjects, matched for age and sex.. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly lower in VTD patients than in the control subjects. There were no differences in plasma Hc or serum folate concentrations between the groups. Among the male subgroup aged more than 70 years, serum vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly lower (240.88 +/- 103.07 vs. 421.20 +/- 314.31 pmol L(-1); P = 0.03) and plasma Hc concentrations were significantly higher (13.1 +/- 4.18 vs. 10.56 +/- 3.06 micromol L(-1); P =0.04) in VTD patients than in the control group. On multivariate analysis, in patients aged more than 70 years, serum vitamin B12 concentrations were independently associated with VTD. Compared with the highest quartile of vitamin B12 (>512.6 pmol L(-1)) the odds ratio (OR) for VTD in the lowest quartile (<230.9 pmol L(-1)) was 3.8 (95% CI 1.44-10.18; P = 0.01). In the VTD group, lowest vitamin B12 concentrations (percentile 10 <152.8 pmol L(-1)) were associated with the factor V Leiden mutation (OR = 6.07, 95% CI 0.93-38.55; P = 0.04).. Measuring vitamin B12 concentrations in elderly males may help in identifying people at risk of venous thromboembolism in our population.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Creatinine; Female; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Risk Assessment; Thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Biotin; Humans; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritive Value; Risk Factors; United Kingdom; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Methionine is the precursor of homocysteine, a sulfur amino acid intermediate in the methylation and transsulfuration pathways. Elevated plasma homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) is associated with occlusive vascular disease. Whether homocysteine per se or a coincident metabolic abnormality causes vascular disease is still an open question. Animals with genetic hyperhomocysteinemia have so far not displayed atheromatous lesions. However, when methionine-rich diets are used to induce hyperhomocysteinemia, vascular pathology is often observed. Such studies have not distinguished the effects of excess dietary methionine from those of hyperhomocysteinemia. We fed apolipoprotein E-deficient mice with experimental diets designed to achieve three conditions: (i) high methionine intake with normal blood homocysteine; (ii) high methionine intake with B vitamin deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia; and (iii) normal methionine intake with B vitamin deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. Mice fed methionine-rich diets had significant atheromatous pathology in the aortic arch even with normal plasma homocysteine levels, whereas mice fed B vitamin-deficient diets developed severe hyperhomocysteinemia without any increase in vascular pathology. Our findings suggest that moderate increases in methionine intake are atherogenic in susceptible mice. Although homocysteine may contribute to the effect of methionine, high plasma homocysteine was not independently atherogenic in this model. Some product of excess methionine metabolism rather than high plasma homocysteine per se may underlie the association of homocysteine with vascular disease.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins E; Arteriosclerosis; Diet; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Methionine; Mice; Models, Biological; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; Chorea; Dystonic Disorders; Humans; Male; Tiapamil Hydrochloride; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

The associations between homocysteine, B vitamin status, and pregnancy outcomes have not been examined prospectively.. We assessed the associations of preconception homocysteine and B vitamin status with preterm birth and birth of low-birth-weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants in Chinese women.. This was a case-control study of women aged 21-34 y. Preterm cases (n = 29) delivered living infants at <37 wk gestation; term controls (n = 405) delivered infants at > or =37 wk. LBW cases (n = 33) had infants weighing <2500 g; normal-birth-weight controls (n = 390) had infants weighing > or =2500 g. SGA cases (n = 65) had infants below the 10th percentile of weight-for-gestational-age; appropriate-for-gestational-age controls (n = 358) had infants above this cutoff. Nonfasting plasma concentrations of homocysteine, folate, and vitamins B-6 and B-12 were measured before conception.. Elevated homocysteine (> or =12.4 micro mol/L) was associated with a nearly 4-fold higher risk of preterm birth (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 10.0; P < 0.05). The risk of preterm birth was 60% lower among women with vitamin B-12 > or =258 pmol/L than among vitamin B-12-deficient women (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.9; P < 0.05) and was 50% lower among women with vitamin B-6 > or =30 nmol/L than among vitamin B-6-deficient women (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.2; NS). Folate status was not associated with preterm birth, and homocysteine and B vitamin status were not associated with LBW or SGA status.. Elevated homocysteine and suboptimal vitamin B-12 and B-6 status may increase the risk of preterm birth. These results need to be confirmed in larger prospective studies.

Topics: Adult; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; China; Female; Folic Acid; Gestational Age; Homocysteine; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Nutritional Status; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Preconception Care; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

In a pilot study we measured the effect of three different combinations of the vitamins B6, folate and B12 on the serum concentrations of homocysteine, cystathionine and methylmalonic acid in five healthy young men without hyperhomocysteinemia. The results indicate that there are still undescribed interactions between vitamin B6 and folate, suggesting that these two vitamins should be given together to avoid depletion of the one not given. With regard to the well known metabolic pathways of methionine and cysteine, this confirms the hypothesis that a combined supplementation with the vitamins B6 and folate (and B12) is superior to folate alone in order to lower homocysteine.

Topics: Adult; Cystathionine; Cysteine; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Methionine; Methylmalonic Acid; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Pilot Projects; Time Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B1- and B-deficient encephalopathy was produced in adult Wistar rats and the effect of methylcobalamin was studied. These experiments were performed in vitamin B1- or B-deficient rats with or without the administration of guanidine, a magnesium antagonist. These encephalopathic rats showed symmetrical lesions in the pontine tegmentum. No pathological changes in the brainstem were seen in guanidine-administered rats. This suggests that guanidine itself doesn't produce these brainstem lesions. Moderate to severe pathological changes occurred in vitamin B-deficient rats with guanidine administration, whereas these pathological changes were milder in vitamin B1-deficient rats with guanidine administration and in vitamin B1- and B-deficient rats with the combination of the guanidine and methylcobalamin administrations. These facts suggest that vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, plays an important preventive role in the development of the pontine lesions in this experiment.

Topics: Animals; Brain; Brain Diseases; Guanidine; Guanidines; Male; Pons; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 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

Vitamin B1, Folic acid Vitamin B12, whole blood Lead level, and plasma Zinc level were determined in 82 patients admitted to an alcoholism rehabilitation program. Each patient was examined for an optic neuritis. Thirty-two of the patients had sub-clinical abnormalities suggestive of optic neuritis like dyschromatopsias and/or field visual defects. No differences were found in the blood levels of Vitamin B1, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12 between the 32% affected and the 68% unaffected subjects. Moreover vitamins blood levels were found to be within the limits of normal values in both groups. A negative correlation between whole blood Lead levels and plasma Zinc levels was found. When an optic neuritis occurs the lead level tends to be higher and the Zinc lower. Abnormalities of the more usual alcoholism tests: gamma glutamyl Transpeptidase (gamma GT), mean red cell volume (V.G.M.) and glutamic Oxaloacetic transferase (T.G.O.), were more pronounced in alcoholics with optic neuritis.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ethanol; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Lead; Male; Middle Aged; Optic Neuritis; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency; Zinc

Topics: Arginine; Aspartic Acid; Choline; Drug Combinations; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Malates; Phosphorylcholine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Restriction of the total diet or the number of calories fed to rats and mice inhibits the formation of tumors in several tissues. Unless animals are fed equivalent levels of food, or attain equivalent body weights, it is difficult to assess the significance of the effect of other nutritional modifications on carcinogenesis. The effects of altering the levels of protein or fat are much less than those seen with dietary restriction. Feeding a protein-free diet is tolerated for a limited period and can alter the metabolism of carcinogens. It may thus affect the tumor incidence induced by one-shot carcinogens. Vitamins have specific effects on the activity of certain carcinogens, the fullest information being available for vitamin A, which has been shown to inhibit or enhance carcinogenesis, and vitamin C, which by reducing sodium nitrite, prevents nitrosation of secondary and tertiary amines occurring in acidic conditions of the stomach. Inorganic substances, such as iodine (thyroid) and copper (liver), may affect the tumor incidence in specific tissues. The metabolic activation of carcinogens is modified by enzyme induction and the administration of antioxidants. The relevance of these results to the induction of cancer in humans is briefly discussed.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Copper; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Enzyme Induction; Iodine; Lipotropic Agents; Mice; Neoplasms, Experimental; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Rats; Selenium; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Dietary Proteins; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Motility; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Niacinamide; Pantothenic Acid; Polyuria; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Rumen; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Thiamine; Urea; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Diagnosis, Differential; DNA; Electroencephalography; Electromyography; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Mental Disorders; Syndrome; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

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: Alcoholism; Autopsy; Biotin; DNA; Fatty Liver; Folic Acid; Humans; Nicotinic Acids; Pantothenic Acid; Phosphorus; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Diet; Glycine max; Kidney; Liver; Male; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Amblyopia; Anemia, Pernicious; Color; Female; Humans; Hydroxocobalamin; Male; Middle Aged; Smoking; Vision, Ocular; Visual Acuity; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Cestoda; Feces; Hymenolepiasis; Male; Pyridoxine; Rats; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Liver; Male; Pyridoxine; Rats; Transaminases; Tryptophan Oxygenase; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Body Weight; Centrifugation; Dietary Proteins; Gastric Acidity Determination; Gastric Juice; Gastric Mucosa; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Protein Deficiency; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Pantothenic Acid; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Body Weight; Choline; Choline Deficiency; Diet; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Growth; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Kidney; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Methionine; Organ Size; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Alcoholism; Autoradiography; Biopsy; Biotin; Blood Chemical Analysis; DNA; Drug Therapy; Fatty Liver; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Liver Cirrhosis; Niacin; Nicotinic Acids; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Rats; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Tritium; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Cerebral Ventricles; Corrinoids; Diet; Female; Fetus; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Antagonists; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pathology; Pregnancy; Rats; Research; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

1. The effects of dietary biotin compared with vitamin B(12) on the total content and on the distribution of the various folate derivatives in the liver of rats given a biotin-free diet have been studied. The effect of both vitamins on the conversion in vitro of folic acid into citrovorum factor in the same experimental conditions was also examined. 2. In biotin-treated rats as well as in vitamin B(12)-treated rats the total content of folic acid-active substances measured microbiologically by Pediococcus cerevisiae, Streptococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus casei is significantly higher than that in biotin-deficient rats. The liver distribution of various folate derivatives in the three groups of animals is also markedly modified. 3. The amount of citrovorum factor formed in systems with liver homogenate of rats receiving biotin or vitamin B(12) is higher than that with liver homogenates of deficient rats. 4. The results obtained demonstrate the influence of biotin in the metabolism of folic acid, and the similar actions at this level of both biotin and vitamin B(12). These results are discussed in relation to the participation of the two vitamins in the metabolism of C(1) units, as a biochemical interpretation of the relationships between vitamin B(12) and biotin.

Topics: Animals; Biotin; Chromatography; Diet; Enterococcus faecalis; Folic Acid; Hematinics; Lactobacillus; Leucovorin; Liver; Metabolism; Pediococcus; Pharmacology; Rats; Research; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

1. The effect of the administration of vitamin B(12) and biotin on the metabolic pattern of vitamin B(12) in biotin-deficient rats was studied. 2. No significant changes in the absorption and excretion of orally administered [(58)Co]vitamin B(12) were noted either in vitamin B(12)-treated and or in biotin-fed rats. A significant decrease of the uptake of orally given [(58)Co]vitamin B(12) was observed in the liver and kidneys of biotin-treated rats, whereas an increase of uptake in the kidneys of vitamin B(12)-treated rats was noted as compared with biotin-deficient animals. 3. No significant difference in the excretion of radioactivity was noted between biotin deficient and biotin-fed rats when [(58)Co]vitamin B(12) was administered by injection. A small decrease was observed in vitamin B(12)-treated rats. The retention of injected [(58)Co]vitamin B(12) by major organs of biotin-treated rats was lower than that of biotin-deficient rats. A lower content of [(58)Co]vitamin B(12) was also detected in the organs, with the exception of the kidneys, of vitamin B(12)-treated rats. 4. These results are discussed in terms of an interrelationship between biotin and vitamin B(12).

Topics: Animals; Biotin; Cobalt Isotopes; Feces; Hematinics; Kidney; Liver; Metabolism; Pharmacology; Rats; Research; Urine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Blood; Cobalt Isotopes; Erythropoiesis; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Histidine; Humans; Iron; Primary Myelofibrosis; Tritium; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Alcoholism; Biological Assay; Biopsy; Biotin; Fatty Liver; Folic Acid; Humans; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Niacin; Nicotinic Acids; Pantothenic Acid; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Hemolytic; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Pernicious; Anticonvulsants; Blood; Celiac Disease; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Epilepsy; Female; FIGLU Test; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Formiminoglutamic Acid; Glutamates; Humans; Lymphoma; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Urine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Blood; Corrinoids; Diet; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Glutamates; Liver; Metabolism; Rats; Research; Urine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

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: Alcoholism; Biotin; Blood Chemical Analysis; Corrinoids; Folic Acid; Hematinics; Humans; Niacin; Nicotinic Acids; Pantothenic Acid; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Gastrectomy; Hematinics; Humans; Postgastrectomy Syndromes; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Ascorbic Acid; Folic Acid; Geriatrics; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Reticulocytes; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

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

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Bone Marrow Examination; Fatty Liver; Folic Acid; Gastrectomy; Hemochromatosis; Hemosiderosis; Humans; Iron; Liver Cirrhosis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Pernicious; Diagnosis, Differential; Endopeptidases; Folic Acid; Humans; Radioisotopes; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Nucleosides; Proteins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Animals; Corrinoids; Deficiency Diseases; Hematinics; Pantothenic Acid; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Hepatectomy; Liver; Rats; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Congenital Abnormalities; Humans; Phosphorus; Phosphorus, Dietary; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Chickens; Corrinoids; Hematinics; Nutritional Status; Pantothenic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Deficiency