vitamin-b-12 and Weight-Gain

Vitamin B. We are conducting an individually randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 600 marginally stunted children 6-11 months old (length for age less than -1 z-score). Children are randomized to receive a lipid-based paste containing vitamin B. If vitamin B. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02272842 . Registered on 21 October 2014. Universal Trial Number: U1111-1161-5187. Registered on 8 September 2014.

Topics: Age Factors; Biomarkers; Body Height; Checklist; Child Development; Clinical Protocols; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Behavior; Male; Nepal; Nervous System; Neuropsychological Tests; Research Design; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Weight Gain

To assess the diagnostic potential of concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma in relation to those of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and vitamin B12, as predictors of responsiveness of young sheep to supplementation with vitamin B12.. Eighty-two ewes grazing ryegrass-white clover pasture were used, 39 of which had been supplemented with a Co bullet and 43 unsupplemented. Thirty days after commencement of parturition their lambs (n=53 and 59, respectively) were randomly allocated into one of two treatments, in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Half of the lambs from each group of ewes received an injection of vitamin B12, while the remainder were controls. The trial commenced 31 October 2001 (Day 0), and continued until 01 May 2002 (Day 182). All lambs were weighed, and blood samples taken from 16 identified animals from each treatment group, at approximately monthly intervals. Changes in concentrations of Hcy, vitamin B12 and MMA in plasma, and liveweight gain (LWG) of the treatment groups were evaluated during the suckling (Days 0-89) and post-weaning (Days 90-182) periods.. Mean LWG was 40% greater in supplemented than unsupplemented lambs. The concentrations of vitamin B12 and MMA in plasma in the unsupplemented lambs were in the deficient reference ranges of <170 pmol/L and >16 mumol/L, respectively. Mean monthly concentrations of Hcy in plasma ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 mumol/L but showed no pattern of response to vitamin B12 deficiency or supplementation.. Measurement of the concentration of Hcy in plasma as a metabolic indicator of reduced methylation capability of sheep on typical pastures in New Zealand appeared to have little value in detection of vitamin B12 responsiveness, and was less sensitive than the concentration of the vitamin itself or the indicator of adenosyl-cobalamin deficiency, MMA, in plasma. The possibility that concentrations of Hcy in plasma remain low due to re-methylation of Hcy to methionine via the alternative betaine-choline rather than the vitamin B12-dependent methyl-tetrahydrofolate metabolic pathway is rejected, but the possibility is raised that high rates of trans-sulphuration of Hcy to cysteine in the gastrointestinal tract of grazing sheep could be responsible.. The propionate-succinate pathway appears to be the first rate-limiting pathway in vitamin B12 deficiency, and the product of disruption of this pathway, increased MMA, is the most reliable indicator of metabolic abnormality in predicting responsiveness to supplementation.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cobalt; Diet; Female; Homocysteine; Male; Nutritional Status; Sheep; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Weight Gain

Seventy-three, 10-week-old, newly weaned Omani goats of three different breeds, namely Dhofari (D), Batinah (B) and Jebel Akhdar (JA) were randomly divided into a control (n=38) and a treated group (n=35) for an experimental period of 10 months. Goats in both groups were fed 150 g/day per head of a pelleted concentrate, based on body weight and their requirements and Rhodes grass hay ad libitum, containing 0.12 and 0.10 mg/kg DM cobalt, respectively. Goats in the treated group also received bi-monthly subcutaneous injections of 2000 microg hydroxycobalamin. In contrast to the treated goats, the control animals of all breeds experienced a severe decrease in their serum vitamin B(12) levels, developed pale mucous membranes, appeared scruffy and two breeds (D and B) had significantly lower weight gains from month 5. Untreated kids of all breeds had significant decreases in their red blood cell counts and erythrocyte indices after approximately four months. Controls developed low total serum protein levels whilst activities of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased. Although it is widely assumed that goats are more resistant to cobalt deficiency than sheep this is apparently not true for Omani goats. Based on experimental data from previously reported studies and those from the present study it can be concluded that the reduction in weight gains in D and B goats is related to their lower digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein and energy while the increase in alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase are associated with developing hepatic lipidosis.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cobalt; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Goats; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Co concentration on performance, carcass traits, and plasma, liver, and ruminal metabolites of steers fed corn- or barley-based diets. Sixty steers, initially averaging 316 kg, were stratified by BW and assigned randomly to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with factors being a corn- or barley-based diet and supplemental Co added at 0, 0.05, or 0.15 mg/kg of DM. Control corn-and barley-based diets analyzed 0.04 and 0.02 mg of Co/kg of DM, respectively. Steers were fed individually using electronic Ca-lan gate feeders. Cobalt supplementation increased (P < 0.05) DMI and ADG over the total study. From d 85 to finish, Co supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ADG by steers fed corn- but not barley-based diets. The G:F was increased (P < 0.05) by Co supplementation during the first 84 d but not over the entire finishing period. Average daily gain and G:F were greater (P < 0.05) for corn- vs. barley-fed steers. Supplemental Co increased vitamin B12 in plasma and liver (P < 0.05), and plasma vitamin B12 was greater (P < 0.05) in steers fed corn-vs. barley-based diets. Cobalt supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ruminal fluid vitamin B12 on d 84 in steers fed corn- but not barley-based diets. Folate was greater in plasma (P < 0.01) and liver (P < 0.05) of steers fed Co-supplemented diets. Increasing supplemental Co from 0.05 to 0.15 mg of Co/kg of DM increased (P < 0.05) liver folate in steers fed barley- but not corn-based diets. Supplemental Co decreased (P < 0.01) plasma methylmalonic acid concentration in steers. Increasing supplemental Co from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/kg of DM decreased plasma and ruminal succinate concentrations, and steers fed barley-based diets had greater (P < 0.05) plasma and ruminal succinate relative to those fed corn-based diets. Addition of supplemental Co to the basal diets increased (P < 0.01) plasma glucose concentrations of steers, and steers fed corn-based diets had greater plasma glucose than those fed barley-based diets. Steers supplemented with Co had greater ruminal propionate (P < 0.01) and lesser (P < 0.05) ruminal acetate and butyrate proportions than controls. Supplemental Co increased dressing percent (P < 0.10) and HCW (P < 0.01) at slaughter. These results indicate that feeding steers corn- or barley-based diets deficient in Co adversely affects performance and vitamin B12 status.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Body Composition; Cattle; Cobalt; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Hordeum; Male; Rumen; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain; Zea mays

Management and control of metabolic disorders in sheep around parturition is important. and various researchers have suggested different managerial solutions. Butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin are widely used for curing metabolic disorders resulting from poor nutrition, inadequate management or diseases.. It was hypothesised that butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin could improve the metabolism of ewes around parturition.. Twenty-eight clinically healthy 3-year-old pregnant Afshari ewes from 21 days before parturition were enrolled into four equal groups: control (Ctrl), B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3. The Ctrl group only received intravenous normal saline and B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3 ewes, respectively, received an intravenous combination of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin at 2, 4 and 6 ml/ewe, on Days 19-21, 10-12 and 1-3 before parturition. Blood samples were taken from all the ewes on Days 21, 12 and 3 before lambing at parturition day and on days 3, 12 and 21 after parturition. A body condition score of all the ewes was assessed at blood sampling days, and lambs born from the ewes were weighed at birth and every 2 weeks up to 3 months. Serum concentrations of glucose, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxy butyric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-, low- and very-low-density lipoproteins, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured.. This drug combination decreased circulating glucose, cortisol, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes via dose-dependent manner, 6 ml of this drug compound/ewe was more potent than 4 and 2 ml/ewe. The lambs' weight from mothers receiving 6 ml of this combination was significantly higher than those of the others.. It may be suggested that the intravenous administration of 6 ml/ewe of this combination for 3 consecutive days in three states before parturition had prophylactic effects on metabolic disorders of ewes and enhanced the lambs weight gain after birth.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Animals; Butylamines; Female; Glucose; Hydrocortisone; Parturition; Phosphinic Acids; Pregnancy; Sheep; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

To determine the impact of sodium molybdate treatment, given weekly, on concentrations of Cu in liver, activity of liver enzymes, and weight gain over 4 weeks, in yearling bulls with elevated concentrations of Cu in liver.. The study was carried on two commercial grazing farms in the Otago region of New Zealand in yearling Friesian bulls (n=150 on Farm A and n=49 on Farm B) with mean concentration of Cu in liver >3,000 µmol/kg fresh weight. On Day 0, all animals were weighed and half were systematically allocated to treatment with sodium molybdate (3 mg/kg liveweight on Farm A and 7 mg/kg liveweight on Farm B); the remainder received no treatment (Control). Sodium molybdate was given as a drench weekly for 4 weeks and all animals were weighed again on Day 28. Ten animals on each farm (five from each treatment group) were systematically selected for blood sampling and liver biopsies on Days 0 and 28. Samples were analysed for concentrations of Cu in plasma, vitamin B. On Farm A, mean concentrations of Cu in liver on Day 28, as a percentage of concentrations on Day 0, for the control group was 55 (95% CI=40-73)% and for the treatment group was 73 (95% CI=43-111)%. On Farm B, the equivalent mean for the control group was 75 (95% CI=42-131)% and for the treatment group was 85 (95% CI=38-134)%. The multivariable linear models indicated that the changes in concentrations of Cu in liver, activities of liver enzymes and weight gain between Days 0 and 28 did not differ between the bulls treated or not with sodium molybdate (p>0.18).. Treatment with sodium molybdate in one bolus at weekly intervals for 4 weeks did not affect concentrations of Cu in liver, activity of liver enzymes or weight gain in animals with high concentrations of Cu liver on two farms.

Topics: Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Cattle; Copper; Dietary Supplements; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Glutamate Dehydrogenase; Linear Models; Liver; Male; Molybdenum; Multivariate Analysis; New Zealand; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Inadequate maternal nutrition during early fetal development can create permanent alterations in the offspring, leading to poor health outcomes. While nutrients involved in one-carbon cycle metabolism are important to fetal growth, associations with specific nutrients remain inconsistent. This study estimates associations between maternal vitamins B12, B6 (pyridoxal phosphate [PLP] and 4-pyridoxic acid [PA]), and homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations, offspring weight (birth weight and 3-year weight gain), and DNA methylation at four differentially methylated regions (DMRs) known to be involved in fetal growth and development (H19, MEG3, SGCE/PEG10, and PLAGL1).. Study participants (n = 496) with biomarker and birth weight data were enrolled as part of the Newborn Epigenetics STudy. Weight gain data were available for 273 offspring. Among 484 mother-infant pairs, DNA methylation at regulatory sequences of genomically imprinted genes was measured in umbilical cord blood DNA using bisulfite pyrosequencing. We used generalized linear models to estimate associations.. Multivariate adjusted regression models revealed an inverse association between maternal Hcy concentration and male birth weight (β = -210.40, standard error (SE) = 102.08, p = 0.04). The offspring of the mothers in the highest quartile of B12 experienced lower weight gain between birth and 3 years compared to the offspring of the mothers in the lowest (β = -2203.03, SE = 722.49, p = 0.003). Conversely, maternal PLP was associated with higher weight gain in males; higher maternal PLP concentrations were also associated with offspring DNA methylation levels at the MEG3 DMR (p < 0.01).. While maternal concentrations of B12, B6, and Hcy do not associate with birth weight overall, they may play an important role in 3-year weight gain. This is the first study to report an association between maternal PLP and methylation at the MEG3 DMR which may be an important epigenetic tag for maternal B vitamin adequacy.

Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Cell Cycle Proteins; Child, Preschool; DNA Methylation; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pregnancy; RNA, Long Noncoding; Sarcoglycans; Transcription Factors; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Weight Gain; Young Adult

Our earlier studies indicate that micronutrients (vitamin B12, folic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are interlinked in one carbon cycle. The present study examines the effects of a sustained vitamin B12 deficiency/supplementation in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids across two generations on the pregnancy outcome and cardiometabolic profile [blood pressure, plasma lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), plasma/liver fatty acid profile and hepatic lipid metabolism] in the second generation adult Wistar rat offspring. Two generations of animals were fed the following diets: control; vitamin B12 deficient; vitamin B12 supplemented; vitamin B12 deficient diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplemented diets. Male offspring were sacrificed at 3 months of age. Vitamin B12 deficiency lowered the weight gain (p < 0.01) during pregnancy, increased systolic (p < 0.05) and diastolic (p < 0.01) blood pressure, and lowered the levels of plasma/liver DHA (p < 0.05 for both) but did not affect the lipid profile. Vitamin B12 supplementation showed weight gain, blood pressure and the fatty acid profile similar to the control. However, it increased (p < 0.05) the levels of plasma triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to the vitamin B12 deficient group lowered the weight gain although the levels of cardiometabolic variables were comparable to the control. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the presence of vitamin B12 improved the pregnancy outcome and all cardio-metabolic variables. Our study highlights the adverse effects of sustained vitamin B12 deficiency across two generations on the pregnancy outcome, fatty acid profile and blood pressure while a combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial.

Topics: Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Deficiency Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Female; Fetal Development; Hypertriglyceridemia; Lactation; Liver; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Organ Size; Overweight; Pregnancy; Rats, Wistar; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Weaning; Weight Gain

Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Body Mass Index; Breast Feeding; Caffeine; Calcium, Dietary; Dairy Products; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Fruit; Gestational Age; Humans; Iodine; Iron, Dietary; Lactation; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Meat; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Seafood; Vegetables; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Weight Gain; Whole Grains; Zinc

The first epigenome-wide association study of BMI identified DNA methylation at an HIF3A locus associated with BMI. We tested the hypothesis that DNA methylation variants are associated with BMI according to intake of B vitamins. In two large cohorts, we found significant interactions between the DNA methylation-associated HIF3A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3826795 and intake of B vitamins on 10-year changes in BMI. The association between rs3826795 and BMI changes consistently increased across the tertiles of total vitamin B2 and B12 intake (all P for interaction <0.01). The differences in the BMI changes per increment of minor allele were -0.10 (SE 0.06), -0.01 (SE 0.06), and 0.12 (SE 0.07) within subgroups defined by increasing tertiles of total vitamin B2 intake and -0.10 (SE 0.06), -0.01 (SE 0.06), and 0.10 (SE 0.07) within subgroups defined by increasing tertiles of total vitamin B12 intake. In two independent cohorts, a DNA methylation variant in HIF3A was associated with BMI changes through interactions with total or supplemental vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and folate. These findings suggest a potential causal relation between DNA methylation and adiposity.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Diet; DNA Methylation; Female; Folic Acid; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Overweight; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prospective Studies; Repressor Proteins; Riboflavin; United Kingdom; United States; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Weight Gain

To determine the vitamin B12 status of dairy calves during their first year of life, and to evaluate the benefits of vitamin B12 supplementation.. In Experiment I, 20 17-day-old heifer calves from the AgResearch Flock House herd were monitored until 198 days old. On Days 0 and 90 of the study, half of the animals received an injection of microencapsulated vitamin B12 at 0.12 mg/kg bodyweight. All received colostrum, milk replacer and calf meal, with ad libitum access to pasture. At regular intervals the calves were weighed and serum collected for vitamin B12 measurement. In Experiment II at Flock House and the adjacent Landcorp Tangimoana station, 80 150-day-old heifer calves were monitored until 342 days old. On Days 0 and 97, half of the animals received vitamin B12 as per Experiment I. At regular intervals samples were collected from 12 calves per group, to determine concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum.. Mean concentration of vitamin B12 in milk replacer was 63 (SE 4) µg/kg dry matter (DM). Cobalt concentrations in calf meal were 0.45-1.58 and 0.07-0.28 mg/kg DM in pastures. From 17 to 198 days of age (Experiment I) mean concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of the control group decreased from 119 (SE 8) to 57 (SE 5) pmol/L. From 150 to 342 days of age (Experiment II), overall mean concentrations of the control groups at Flock House and Tangimoana were 90 (SE 2) and 96 (SE 3) pmol/L, respectively. Vitamin B12 injections increased (p<0.001) serum concentrations for at least 90 days, with peak concentrations of 323 (SE 23) (Experiment I) and 520 (SE 22) (Experiment II) pmol/L reached 28-35 days after each injection. Liveweight gain was not increased by supplementation and there was no difference in final liveweight between groups.. Concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of unsupplemented calves prior to weaning indicated their vitamin B12 status was adequate due to the vitamin B12 and Co content of the milk replacer, and calf meal. Concentrations decreased during the transition to a pasture-based diet. Supplementation increased concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum but did not improve liveweight gains.. Under this calf rearing system, vitamin B12 deficiency is unlikely to occur prior to weaning, and vitamin B12 supplementation is unlikely to increase growth rates of grazing calves when concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum are > 90 pmol/L.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Organ Size; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

This study aimed to examine the association of fetal growth and elevated third trimester maternal serum folate due to folic acid (FA) supplement intake. Dietary intake, use of FA supplements, weight, and blood biomarkers of B-vitamins (serum folate, pyridoxal, vitamin B(12), and plasma total homocysteine) were observed in 33 healthy pregnant women at the third trimester (average gestational age 35 wk). Birth outcomes were assessed through hospital birth records. Infant anthropometry and maternal blood biomarkers were followed up at 1 mo postpartum. Fourteen women were taking FA supplements at the third trimester. Dietary intake was similar among FA users and non-users, but serum folate and pyridoxal were significantly higher in users (11.6±6.7 vs. 6.1±3.2 ng/mL, and 13.8±21.7 vs. 3.2±1.4 ng/mL, respectively). Plasma total homocystein (tHcy) was higher in non-users compared to users, but not significantly. Nine FA users and eight non-users had low serum vitamin B(12) values (<203 pg/mL). Nine FA users and all non-users had low serum pyridoxal values (<7.0 ng/mL). Infant birthweight was significantly lower in users compared to non-users (2,894±318 vs. 3,154±230 g). At 1 mo postpartum, infant weight and length were similar between FA users and non-users, but infant weight gain was larger in users. Higher serum folate values due to FA use in the third trimester was related to reduced fetal size. Excess FA under low vitamin B(6) and B(12) status may affect fetal growth.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Body Height; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fetal Development; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Infant; Longitudinal Studies; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pyridoxal; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Weight Gain

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

To quantify aspects of absorption and retention of vitamin B12 from milk in pre-ruminant lambs, and the possible effect of activation of dependent metabolic pathways (propionate-succinate) on vitamin B12 concentrations in tissues.. In Experiment 1, two groups of eight newborn lambs each received either milk substitute alone, or milk substitute with added propionate for 4 weeks. Half of the lambs in each group received vitamin B12 injections twice weekly. Blood and liver samples were taken on Day -1 and at the end of the trial, and blood was also collected twice weekly, for measurement in plasma of vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and blood-binder transcobalamin II/haptocorrin. The lambs were weighed at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. In Experiment 2, 12 milk-fed newborn lambs (n=2 or 3/group) were injected I/M with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 or 3.2 microg vitamin B12 and a further 12 were supplemented orally with 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 microg vitamin B12, daily for 2 weeks. Three lambs remained as untreated controls. Blood and liver samples were taken at the start and end of the trial, and blood was also collected twice weekly, for measurement of vitamin B12 and MMA concentrations in plasma. The lambs were weighed on Days 0, 7 and 14. In Experiment 3, 14 lambs from Experiment 2 were used to repeat the highest I/M and oral rates of supplementation used in Experiment 2. Blood samples were taken at frequent intervals for 24 hours, and analysed for concentrations of vitamin B12 in plasma.. Propionate supplementation was associated with increased concentrations of vitamin B12 in plasma in lambs supplemented with vitamin B12 but not in those not supplemented (p=0.047), but had no detectable effect on concentrations of vitamin B12 in liver (Experiment 1). Lambs with concentrations of vitamin B12 in plasma and liver in the marginal reference range were able to metabolise propionate and maintain normal concentrations of MMA at a rate of intake of propionate close to that which would depress appetite. Close to 100% of the vitamin B12 administered by I/M injection appeared in plasma in the first hour but 85% was removed from the circulation within 16 hours. The maximum liver concentration was achieved at 900 nmol/kg (=1,200 microg) fresh tissue. There were no significant differences in liveweight gain (LWG) regardless of treatment.. Lambs with concentrations of vitamin B12 in plasma and liver in the marginal reference range were able to metabolise propionate and maintain normal concentrations of MMA in plasma at a rate of absorption of propionate close to that which would depress appetite. The coefficient of absorption of oral vitamin B12 in milk-fed lambs was low (<10%), and the ability of lambs to retain the vitamin even when tissues had physiologically low concentrations was poor.. Pre-ruminant lambs had a low requirement for vitamin B12, and even at low tissue concentrations had poor ability to absorb and retain the vitamin. However, if supplementation is required, a method that provides a modest but continual supply may be most effective in protection against deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Area Under Curve; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Injections, Intramuscular; Intestinal Absorption; Liver; Methylmalonic Acid; Milk; Propionates; Random Allocation; Sheep; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex; Weaning; Weight Gain

Anemia is a common cause of morbidity and disease and reduces the quality of life. This study examined the effect of a combination treatment (AAC) using Astragali radix (AMW) and Angelicae radix (AGW) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced anemic rats on erythropoietin (EPO) expression and hematological parameters. Male 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups with or without CYP-induced anemia and individual or the combined herbal treatments according to the experimental protocol. After treatment, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the effects of AAC on erythropoietin expression, and blood and serological parameters were measured. The EPO mRNA levels were lower in the CYP-treated group, compared to the normal group, and higher in the AAC-treated group. In the CYP-treated group, the serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity, and vitamin B(12) level were lower, but these were normal or almost normal in the AAC-treated group. The CYP-treated group gained less weight than the normal group, but weight gain was partially normalized in the AAC group. The feed efficiency ratio was lowest in the CYP group, but the differences were not significant. The numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, the hematocrit, and the hemoglobin level were measured. The results revealed a reduced number of blood cells in the CYP-treated group, whereas the AAC-, AMW-, and AGW-treated groups showed significantly enhanced blood cell numbers compared to the CYP-treated control group and the AAC-treated group. AAC enhanced EPO mRNA expression in the CYP-induced anemic rat and improved the hematological parameters and vitamin B(12) status.

Topics: Anemia; Angelica; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Astragalus propinquus; Blood Cell Count; Blood Cells; Cyclophosphamide; Drug Therapy, Combination; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Energy Intake; Erythropoietin; Gene Expression; Iron; Male; Phytotherapy; Plant Roots; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Growth performance, metabolic variables, and meat quality were measured in 78 growing-finishing pigs using supplements of 0 (C), or 0.2% of DL-methionine (M), and three combinations of folic acid [mg/kg] and cyanocobalamin [microg/kg], respectively 0 and 0 (V0), 10 and 25 (V1), and 10 and 150 (V2) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Feed conversion was lower (p = 0.05) in M than in C pigs during the growing period (0-4 weeks). Both V1 and V2 treatments increased plasma vitamin B12 (p < 0.01) and decreased plasma homocysteine (p < 0.01). Plasma 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolates were the lowest, highest and intermediate in V0, V1 and V2 pigs (p < 0.04), respectively. In V2 meat, folates were 32% higher, vitamin B12, 55% higher and homocysteine, 28% lower than in V0 (p < 0.01). Oxidative stability of the fresh meat was similar among treatments during a storage period of 42 days. Therefore, methionine supplements improved growth performance during the growing period. Vitamin supplements interacted with the methionine cycle pathway, increased vitamin content of pork meat but did not improve oxidative stability of the fresh meat during storage.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Body Composition; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Male; Meat; Methionine; Nutritional Requirements; Random Allocation; Swine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Weight Gain

To assess the maternal sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and micronutrient status in apparently healthy pregnant women in order to determine their associations with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).. Prospective observational study.. Bangalore City, India.. A total of 478 women were recruited at 12.9+/-3.3 weeks of gestation and followed up at the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at delivery. The dropout rate was 8.5%.. None.. Birth weight was measured at hospital delivery.. The mean birth weight was 2.85+/-0.45 kg. In all, 28.6% of newborns were IUGR. There was a strong inverse relationship between maternal educational level and risk of IUGR. A low body weight at baseline was also associated with a high risk of IUGR. Compared with women in the highest quartile for second trimester weight gain, those in the lowest quartile had a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 3.98; 95% CI: 1.83, 8.65) for IUGR. Women in the lowest tertile for serum vitamin B(12) concentration during each of the three trimesters of pregnancy had significantly higher risk of IUGR (AOR: 5.98, 9.28 and 2.81 for trimesters 1-3, respectively).. The present study demonstrates associations between educational status, maternal weight and gestational weight gain with IUGR. Importantly, in a subsample, there were strong associations of vitamin B(12) status with IUGR, suggesting that better socioeconomic conditions, improved nutritional status and early detection of vitamin B(12) deficiency in pregnancy combined with appropriate interventions are likely to play an important role in reducing IUGR.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Confidence Intervals; Educational Status; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; India; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Nutritional Status; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Weight Gain

Observational studies have shown that children in developing countries consuming diets containing high amounts of bioavailable nutrients, such as those found in animal-source foods, grow better. The present study investigated which specific nutrients from the diet of Kenyan school children predicted their growth. The children (n 544, median age 7 years) participated in a 2-year long food supplementation study with animal-source foods. Height gain during the intervention period was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods, haem Fe, preformed vitamin A, Ca and vitamin B12. Weight gain was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods, haem Fe, preformed vitamin A, Ca and vitamin B12. Gain in mid-upper-arm muscle area was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods and vitamin B12. Gain in mid-upper-arm fat area was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods. Gain in subscapular skinfold thickness was not predicted by any of the nutrient intakes. Negative predictors of growth were total energy and nutrients that are contained in high amounts in plant foods. The study shows that growth was positively predicted by energy and nutrients that are provided in high amounts and in a bioavailable form in meat and milk, and their inclusion into the diets of children in developing countries should be part of all food-based programmes in order to improve micronutrient status and growth.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Body Height; Calcium, Dietary; Cattle; Child; Child Development; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Female; Food Analysis; Humans; Iron; Kenya; Male; Meat; Micronutrients; Milk; Muscle, Skeletal; Rural Health; Skinfold Thickness; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Deterioration of sanitary conditions in piggeries is known to limit growth performance through inducing a moderate immune response. This article reports the results of an experiment performed to reproduce the consequences of bad sanitary conditions on growth performance and nutrient plasma concentrations of piglets after weaning. We propose to use these experimental conditions as a model for studying the interactions between nutrition and pig health. In this experiment, 20 pairs of littermate piglets were selected and weaned at 28 days of age on the basis of their body weight. Within each pair, piglets were pair-fed and each one was affected to one of the two experimental groups. The first group was housed in a clean environment and was fed an antibiotic supplemented standard diet. The second group was kept in unsanitary rooms, mixed with non-experimental piglets and was fed the same standard diet but without antibiotic supplementation. Compared to pigs kept in the clean environment, piglets kept in the unsanitary environment had significantly lower rate of weight gain and feed efficiency from weaning to 20 d post weaning then from 36 - 45 d post weaning. They also displayed higher plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, copper, vitamin B12 and lysine but lower concentrations of glutathione, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, folic acid, threonine and tryptophan. Our results showed that a reduction of growth performance and a modification of nutrient utilization can be induced by decreasing the sanitary quality of environment where pigs are kept after weaning and after transition to another building. This response could be explained by a moderated activation of body defences.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Copper; Folic Acid; Glutathione; Haptoglobins; Hygiene; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Random Allocation; Swine; Vitamin B 12; Weaning; Weight Gain

The growth of coprophagy-prevented rats was compared under administration of normal levels of vitamin B12 and supplemented amounts. Two experiments in which supplemented amounts of vitamin B12 were administered were conducted under different conditions. Six rats per group were fed under coprophagy-allowed (conventional feeding) and coprophagy-prevented conditions respectively. In the first experiment, coprophagy-prevented rats were fed only feed containing recommended vitamin B12 level and forced fed hydrous faeces, vitamin B12 and folic acid respectively. In the second experiment, coprophagy-prevented rats were fed AIN-93G at the recommended vitamin B12 level (25 microg/kg diet), at 100 times the level and at 1000 times the level respectively. Body weight, feed consumption and amounts of each faeces type were determined in both experiments. In a comparison of body weight gain, we learned that coprophagy prevention reduced the values, but that there was no significant difference in the forced feeding group in the first experiment. Similar results were recognized in the second experiment. Vitamin B12 supplementation was not able to raise feed intake significantly and hence it obviously was not a severely limiting factor under the respective experimental condition which depressed feed intake.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Coprophagia; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feces; Male; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

To evaluate the effects of dietary folic acid supplementation on the cerebral vascular damage induced by hyperhomocysteinemia, rats were fed a diet containing 3.0 g/kg homocystine for 2 wk and then either 3.0 g/kg homocystine or 3.0 g/kg homocystine plus 0.008 g/kg folic acid for 8 wk. Control rats consumed the AIN-93 Maintenance diet throughout the experiment. The cerebral expression of glucose transporter-1 was measured by Western blot analysis and cerebrovascular structural alterations were evaluated by electron microscopy. The homocystine diet significantly increased the plasma levels of homocysteine and TBARS and decreased the cerebral expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) with a concomitant increase in the percentage of damaged cerebral vessels. The inclusion of dietary folic acid for 8 wk caused plasma homocysteine levels to be the same as in control rats and it significantly upregulated the cerebral expression of GLUT-1 that was significantly reduced by hyperhomocysteinemia. Folic acid supplementation also significantly decreased the incidence of damaged vessels due to hyperhomocysteinemia. These results and the electron microscopy findings suggested that folic acid supplementation might reduce the detrimental effects on the endothelium caused by experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia.

Topics: Animals; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Energy Intake; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Microcirculation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reference Values; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Anemia is prevalent among pregnant adolescents, but few data exist on biochemical indicators of iron status in this group. We hypothesized that among an at-risk population of African-American, pregnant adolescents, the degree of iron depletion and deficiency would be marked, and that iron deficiency anemia would comprise the majority of the observed anemia. To examine this, blood samples were collected from 80 girls (< or =18 y old) attending an inner city maternity clinic, 23 of whom were studied longitudinally in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters depending on contact at the clinic. Sample sizes for the biomarkers varied according to the blood volume available at the time the assays were completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize iron status, and multivariate regression and logistic analyses were used to identify significant determinants of iron status. Depleted iron stores (ferritin < or = 15 microg/L) were indicated for 25% (n = 44) and 61% (n = 59) of adolescents during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Serum folate (39.3 +/- 15.4 nmol/L, n = 60), RBC folate (2378 +/- 971 nmol/L, n = 60), and serum vitamin B-12 concentrations (313 +/- 163 pmol/L, n = 60) were within normal ranges. Adolescents with serum transferrin receptor:serum ferritin ratios (R:F ratio) > 300 during the 2nd trimester were 12.5 times (95% CI 2.83, 55.25) more likely to be classified with iron deficiency anemia during the 3rd trimester (P = 0.0002) than those with lower ratios. Estimates of body iron were lower in those tested after wk 26 of gestation (P < 0.0001), and reserves were depleted in 5.0% vs. 31.3% of the 2nd (n = 40) and 3rd (n = 48) trimester cohorts, respectively. In conclusion, iron-deficiency anemia was prevalent among these pregnant minority adolescents. Targeted screening and interventions to improve diet and compliance with prenatal iron supplementation are warranted for this at-risk group.

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Birth Weight; Black or African American; Body Mass Index; Erythropoietin; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Gestational Age; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Leptin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Regression Analysis; Transferrin; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

This study aimed to evaluate in vivo gastrointestinal survival and safety of orally administered probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium jensenii 702, using a male Wistar rat model. A high dose of 10(10) cfu/rat/day of P. jensenii 702 was fed to each rat for 81 days. The repeated dose toxicity and translocation of P. jensenii 702 into rat tissues were evaluated, along with the rat faecal beta-glucuronidase activities and dairy propionibacteria counts. Results showed that P. jensenii 702 had no adverse effect on general health status, body weight gain, visceral organs and faecal beta-glucuronidase activities. No viable cells of P. jensenii 702 were recovered from blood and tissue samples (mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen) of rats, and no treatment-associated illness or death was observed. Faecal dairy propionibacteria counts reached 10(8) cfu/g after 36 days treatment and remained between 10(8)-10(9) cfu/g till the end of 81 days treatment. The results indicate that P. jensenii 702 was able to survive the in vivo gastrointestinal tract transit of rats, with no adverse affects on the animals. However, further human clinical trials are required before strain P. jensenii 702 could be incorporated into food for human consumption as probiotics.

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Translocation; Colony Count, Microbial; Digestive System; Feces; Glucuronidase; Health Status; Male; Probiotics; Propionibacterium; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Sixty Angus steers, averaging 274 kg, were used to evaluate the effects of Co source and concentration on performance, vitamin B12 status, and metabolic characteristics of steers. Treatments consisted of 0 (control, analyzed 0.04 mg Co/kg), 0.05, 0.10, and 1.0 mg of supplemental Co/kg of DM from CoCO3 or 0.05 and 0.10 mg of supplemental Co/kg of DM from Co propionate. Steers were individually fed a growing diet for 56 d followed by a high-concentrate finishing diet. Performance was not affected by Co supplementation during the growing phase. During the finishing phase, ADFI (DM basis) and ADG were higher (P < 0.05) for the entire finishing phase, and gain:feed was higher (P < 0.10) over the first 56 d for Co-supplemented steers. Steers supplemented with 0.10 mg Co/kg as Co propionate had higher (P < 0.05) ruminal propionate and lower (P < 0.05) acetate molar proportions than steers receiving 0.10 Co/kg as CoCO3 during the growing phase. Supplemental Co increased (P < 0.10) molar proportion of propionate during the finishing phase. Plasma vitamin B12 was higher (P < 0.05) in Co-supplemented steers by d 56 of the growing phase and remained higher (P < 0.10) throughout the study. Control steers had higher (P < 0.05) plasma methylmalonic acid on d 56 of the growing phase and on d 28, 56, and 112 of the finishing phase than steers receiving supplemental Co. Steers supplemented with Co had higher plasma glucose at d 56 (P < 0.01), 84 (P < 0.10), and 112 (P < 0.01) of the finishing phase. Steers supplemented with 0.10 mg Co/kg as Co propionate had higher plasma glucose than those receiving 0.10 mg Co/kg as CoCO3 at d 28 of the growing phase (P < 0.05) and d 28 of the finishing phase (P < 0.10). Final body weight and hot carcass weight were lower (P < 0.10) in steers receiving the control diet, whereas other carcass characteristics were not affected by dietary Co. Average daily gain and feed efficiency for the entire finishing phase did not differ among Co-supplemented steers. However, increasing supplemental Co above 0.05 mg/kg DM (total diet Co = 0.09 mg/kg) resulted in increased (P < 0.01) plasma (linear) and liver (quadratic) vitamin B12 concentrations and decreased (quadratic, P < 0.10) plasma methylmalonic acid concentrations toward the end of the finishing phase. These results suggest that finishing steers require approximately 0.15 mg Co/kg of DM. Vitamin B12 status was not affected by Co source; however, the two Co sources seemed to affect certain metabo

Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Cattle; Cobalt; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Rumen; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Thioretinamide was conjugated to coenzyme B12 to produce thioretinaco. Thioretinamide, thioretinaco, and coenzyme B12 were injected weekly into Rattus rattus that were also given atherogenic doses of homocysteine thiolactone. The presence or absence of lesions in aorta-intercostal artery junctions was examined. Control rats injected with homocysteine thiolactone (CON-Hcy) had 56.6 +/- 5.8% lesions when compared to 34.8 +/- 3.4% in control rats injected with saline (CON-Sal). Rats that received homocysteine thiolactone injection with thioretinamide (NHTR-Hcy), thioretinaco ((NHTR)2B12-Hcy), and coenzyme B12 (B12-Hcy) had 30.1 +/- 4.2%, 27.5 +/- 3.5%, and 22.8 +/- 3.0% lesions, respectively. These lesion rates were not different from those of rats receiving thioretinamide (NHTR-Sal), thioretinaco ((NHTR)2B12-Sal), and coenzyme B12 (B12-Sal) which were 31.3 +/- 1.8%, 29.8 +/- 3.9%, and 32.0 +/- 4.6%, respectively. In this study the percentage of intercostal artery lesions in rats receiving thioretinamide and homocysteine (NHTR-Hcy), coenzyme B12 and homocysteine (B12-Hcy), and thioretinaco and homocysteine ((NHTR)2/B12-Hcy) were significantly lower, 53.2%, 48.6%, and 40.3% respectively, compared to than that of the control group receiving homocysteine (CON-Hcy). Thioretinaco, thioretinamide, and coenzyme B12 provided protective effects against the atherogen homocysteine thiolactone. A new method for the synthesis of the N-substituted derivative of homocysteine thiolactone, thioretinamide, was also reported.

Topics: Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Arteries; Arteriosclerosis; Cobamides; Female; Food; Homocysteine; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry; Propylene Glycol; Rats; Tissue Fixation; Tretinoin; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Niacin (nicotinic acid) in its non-physiological dose level is known to be an effective lipid-lowering agent; its potential risk as a therapeutic agent, however, has not been critically considered. Since niacin is excreted predominantly as methylated pyridones, requiring methionine as a methyl donor, the present study was undertaken to examine whether metabolism of the amino acid is altered in the presence of large doses of niacin. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a nutritionally adequate, semi-synthetic diet containing niacin at a level of either 400 or 1000mg/kg diet (compared to 30mg/kg in the control diet) for up to 3 months. Supplementation with niacin (1,000 mg/kg diet) for 3 months resulted in a significant increase in plasma and urinary total homocysteine levels; this increase was further accentuated in the presence of a high methionine diet. The hyperhomocysteineaemia was accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of vitamins B6 and B12, which are cofactors for the metabolism of homocysteine. The homocysteine-raising action of niacin, in particular, has an important toxicological implication, as hyperhomocysteineaemia is considered to be an independent risk factor for arterial occlusive disease. The niacin-associated change in homocysteine status may be an important limiting factor in the use of this vitamin as a lipid-lowering agent.

Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Liver; Male; Methionine; Niacin; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Weight Gain

A six-month-old beagle was presented with a three-month history of failure to gain weight, lethargy, intermittent vomiting and seizures. Hypoglycaemia, portosystemic shunt, lead intoxication, gastrointestinal diseases and hereditary metabolic disorders were considered. Laboratory test results of low serum cobalamin (Cbl) concentrations, anaemia, leucopenia and methylmalonic aciduria while the dog was receiving a balanced commercial canine diet were suggestive of a congenital selective Cbl malabsorption. Treatment with repeated injections of parenteral cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) at 50 microg/kg every two weeks corrected the Cbl-deficient state and reversed all the clinical abnormalities. Selective Cbl malabsorption has previously been described in giant schnauzers and border collies and represents a unique readily treatable hereditary metabolic disorder.

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Dogs; Leukopenia; Male; Seizures; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vomiting; Weight Gain

The effect of cobalt supplementation on serum vitamin B12, growth rate and survival rate was measured in controlled field experiments with Texel twin lambs of the same sex, grazing cobalt-deficient pastures. The non-supplemented lambs had lower serum vitamin B12 concentrations than their supplemented brothers or sisters. During the experiments more lambs died in the non-supplemented than in the supplemented group. At the end of the experiments supplemented lambs weighed (mean live weight) 7.2, 9.5, and 11.0 kg more than non-supplemented lambs in 1991, 1992, and 1993, respectively. Sex-related differences in weight gain and survival rate were observed.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cobalt; Female; Liver Diseases; Male; Netherlands; Sex Characteristics; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Survival Rate; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Weight Gain

Groups of weanling pigs were fed a purified diet containing graded concentrations of olestra ranging from 1.1 to 7.7% (wt/wt) and the NRC's requirements for micronutrients for 12 wk. Each group consisted of 12 pigs, with the exception of the control group, which had 20, with equal numbers of females and castrated males. The purpose of the study was to determine the dose-response effects of olestra on fat-soluble vitamins and selected water-soluble micronutrients. At wk 0, 4, 8 and 12, hematology, clinical chemistry and blood concentrations of vitamins A, E, K and B12, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, zinc and adipose concentration of vitamin E were measured. Cumulative weight gain and feed efficiency were determined weekly. Prothrombin time was measured weekly for the control group and the groups fed 5.5 or 7.7% olestra, and monthly for other groups. Liver concentrations of vitamins A, E, and B12 and iron and bone concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and ash were measured for 12 pigs killed at wk 0 and for all animals at wk 12. By wk 12, the pigs were eating from 20 to 155 g/d of olestra. Olestra did not affect the pigs' growth or feed efficiency, indicating that the digestion and absorption of macronutrients were unaffected. Olestra reduced tissue concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E and 25-hydroxyergocalciferol in a dose-responsive manner but did not affect prothrombin time. Olestra had no effect on the status of folate, vitamin B12, zinc or iron. Statistically reduced liver concentrations of vitamin B12 and iron in groups fed 5.5 or 7.7% olestra and a significant trend in bone ash content with olestra intake were possibly due to the poor vitamin A and/or vitamin E status of the pigs.

Topics: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Bone and Bones; Calcifediol; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Fat Substitutes; Fatty Acids; Female; Folic Acid; Iron; Liver; Male; Nutritional Status; Phosphorus; Prothrombin Time; Sucrose; Swine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Weight Gain; Zinc

Groups of weanling pigs (5 castrated males, 5 females per group) were fed purified diets containing the NRC's requirements for nutrients and 0, 1.1, 4.4 or 7.7% olestra for 12 wk. Graded concentrations of vitamins A, D2 and E were added at each olestra concentration. The primary purpose of the study was to establish relationships between dietary concentration of olestra and the amounts of vitamins A, D2 and E needed to restore tissue concentrations of these vitamins to control concentrations. A secondary purpose was to confirm that olestra does not affect the status of vitamin K or water-soluble nutrients. Liver concentrations of vitamins A, E and B12, iron and zinc and bone concentrations of ash, zinc, calcium and phosphorus, were measured in a group of pigs killed at the start of the study and in all pigs killed at wk 12. Growth, feed efficiency, hematology, clinical chemistry, blood concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, 25-hydroxyergocalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, folate, iron, total iron-binding capacity, zinc and calcium and adipose concentration of vitamin E were measured at 4-wk intervals. Prothrombin time was measured weekly for the control and 7.7% olestra groups, monthly for others. Relationships derived from measured tissue concentrations of vitamins A and E showed that constant amounts of the vitamins were required per unit mass of olestra in the diet to restore tissue concentrations to control values. Such a relationship could not be determined for vitamin D because exposure of the pigs to UV light resulted in an apparent interaction between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Olestra did not affect growth, digestible feed efficiency, vitamin K status or the status of the water-soluble micronutrients, in agreement with other studies in the pig.

Topics: Animals; Calcifediol; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Fat Substitutes; Fatty Acids; Female; Folic Acid; Iron; Liver; Male; Prothrombin Time; Sucrose; Swine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Weight Gain

In a 26-wk study, five groups (n = 10) of domestic pigs were fed 0.25, 0.5, 1.1, 3.3 or 5.5% olestra; three groups were fed 0.25% with graded levels of vitamins A and E; and one group was fed 5.5% with added vitamins A and E and exposed to UV light. In a 39-wk study, two groups (n = 10) were fed 0.25% olestra with or without added vitamins A and E. In each study, a control group was fed basal diet with no olestra, and a group was killed at d 0 for base-line nutrient measurements. The diets provided the NRC's requirements of micronutrients for 5- to 10-kg pigs, with the following two exceptions: vitamin D was provided at twice the requirement in the 26-wk study and vitamin K was provided at 20% of the requirement in the 39-wk study. One purpose of the studies was to determine the amounts of vitamins A and E required to restore tissue concentrations of those vitamins to control concentrations. A second purpose was to determine the effects of olestra on the status of vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, and folate, iron, calcium and zinc when pigs eat olestra at intakes similar to estimated human intake for a period covering major growth and developmental phases, including sexual maturation. Olestra reduced tissue concentrations of vitamins A, D and E but did not affect prothrombin time or the status of the water-soluble nutrients. The amount of vitamin A required to restore liver concentration to control concentration was 93 microg retinyl palmitate/g olestra. Restoration levels for serum and liver concentrations of vitamin E were 2.2 and 2.1 mg d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/g olestra. Olestra did not affect growth or digestible feed efficiency in either study, indicating that the absorption and utilization of macronutrients were unaffected. There were no antemortem observations or changes in clinical chemistry or hematology that would indicate an adverse effect of olestra.

Topics: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; Animals; Bone and Bones; Calcifediol; Calcium; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Energy Intake; Fat Substitutes; Fatty Acids; Female; Folic Acid; Iron; Liver; Male; Nutritional Status; Parathyroid Hormone; Prothrombin Time; Sucrose; Swine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Weight Gain; Zinc

In a recent study we identified GH receptor/binding protein in cells of the gastric mucosa. In order to define the role of the GH receptor/binding protein in gastric function, we have investigated the effect of GH on gastric structure and function in the GH-deficient Lewis (dwarf) rat. Bovine GH, 65 micrograms/100 g body wt, was administered twice daily to adult male dwarf rats for 6 days (DW+) while control animals received vehicle only (DW-). Administration of GH produced a significant increase in body wt (P less than 0.001), stomach wt (P less than 0.01), and stomach to body wt ratio (P less than 0.05). GH administration also resulted in increased total gastric DNA, RNA, and protein content but did not produce significant differences in DNA, RNA, or protein content when normalized to stomach wt. Morphometric analysis of the gastric mucosa revealed a significantly (P less than 0.05) increased gastric epithelial height and mucosal surface area along with an increase in the proportion of nuclei with multiple nucleoli (P less than 0.01). The number of gastric mucosal cells in S-phase was determined by immunohistochemical detection of nuclear 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporated during a 2 h pulse of BrdU. GH treatment resulted in a 74% increase (P less than 0.05) in the number of BrdU-labeled nuclei/mm2 mucosa relative to vehicle-injected control animals. A modification of Zimmerman's method for the differential staining of gastric mucosa was used to delineate cell type for morphometric analysis. This showed that the density of differentiated (parietal and chief) cell types was not significantly different between DW- and to DW+ animals. Soluble extracts of gastric mucosa were prepared for estimation of pepsinogen content and [57Co]cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) binding. GH administration produced no significant change in pepsinogen content per mg protein and did not affect the relative levels of pepsinogen isoenzymes as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. GH administration did however result in an 86% increase (P less than 0.01) in [57Co]cyanocobalamin binding per mg protein. The increase in binding was totally displaceable by 1 microgram/ml unlabeled cyanocobalamin but not by 1 microgram/ml cobinamide dicyanide indicating it was the result of increased intrinsic factor rather than R protein. Sephadex S-300 gel filtration of mucosal extracts revealed an elution profile for [57Co]cyanocobalamin identical to that of purified porcine intri

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; DNA; Dwarfism; Gastric Mucosa; Growth Hormone; Isoenzymes; Male; Organ Size; Pepsinogens; Proteins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Rats, Mutant Strains; Receptors, Somatotropin; Recombinant Proteins; RNA; S Phase; Stomach; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

In two trials an assessment was made of serum methylmalonic acid as a diagnostic criterion of cobalt status in housed cattle. Despite the small number of animals used the method showed some promise, and normal concentrations are tentatively suggested as being less than 2 mumole/litre, subclinically cobalt deficient 2 to 4 mumole/litre and cobalt-deficient greater than 4 mumole/litre. However, for assessing how cobalt status is likely to influence the rate of liveweight gain of cattle, measurements of both serum methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations would appear to be better.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cobalt; Male; Malonates; Methylmalonic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

The benefits of the inclusion of cobalt and selenium supplements in anthelmintic preparations were demonstrated in a 10 week trial with cobalt- and selenium-deficient blackface wethers. The anthelmintics were based on oxfendazole and on levamisole plus oxyclozanide; three doses provided, in total, 38 mg cobalt and 7.2 or 11.3 mg selenium. Administration of the supplements prevented the weight loss and reduction in food intake observed in unsupplemented animals. Blood glutathione peroxidase activities were restored to normal and increases in serum vitamin B12 levels were observed which were consistent with the prevention of both cobalt and selenium deficiencies.

Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Benzimidazoles; Cobalt; Drug Combinations; Eating; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Glutathione Peroxidase; Levamisole; Oxyclozanide; Selenium; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Vitamin B 12; Weight Gain

Topics: Adolescent; Carnitine; Child; Drug Therapy; Folic Acid; Growth; Hypopituitarism; Lysine; Pharmacology; Pituitary Diseases; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Weight Gain

Topics: Fasting; Niacin; Nicotinic Acids; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins; Weight Gain