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Objective. To study the significance of the presence and absence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders as a factor affecting the development of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Materials and methods. The data of 206 subjects, forming two main groups were analyzed: the group of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMDs), which included 76 women and 71 men ( n = 147); the control group, which included 33 women and 26 men ( n = 59). The inclusion criteria were the following: age over 35, availability of anamnestic data on pharmacotherapy, availability of data to clarify the state of carbohydrate metabolism, availability of data on vitamin B 12 and some other biochemical indices. Vitamin B 12 levels > 221 pmol / l were considered normal, vitamin B 12 levels from 148 pmol / l to 221 pmol/l were considered borderline (or mild deficiency), and levels of 148 pmol / l or less were considered severe vitamin B 12 deficiency. Results. The group of absent carbohydrate metabolism disorders included 59 persons and the group of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMDs) included T2DM patients ( n = 123) and individuals with prediabetes ( n = 24), i.e. the total number of the examined persons in CMD group was equal to 147. The average level of vitamin B 12 in the control group ( n = 59) was 401.6 ± and 138.06 pmol / l, and in CMD group ( n = 147) it was equal to 342.1 ± 133.10 pmol/l. The differences between the groups were statistically significant ( p < 0.01), that suggested the significance of CMDs as a risk factor for vitamin B 12 deficiency. Vitamin B 12 deficiency was combined with the presence of CMDs in 32 (21.8 %) cases. In 115 cases (78.2 %), the presence of CMDs was combined with the absence of vitamin B 12 deficiency. In 8 cases (13.5 %), there were no CMDs, but there was vitamin B 12 deficiency. In 51 cases (86.4 %), no CMDs and vitamin B 12 deficiency was noted. Conclusions. Despite the presence of a statistically significant decrease in vitamin B 12 levels in CMD group (342.1 ± 133.10 pmol / l vs 401.6 ± and 138.06 pmol/ l; p < 0.01) and a high incidence rate of vitamin B 12 deficiency in CMD group (21.8 % and 13.5 %, respectively), the study results do not allow us to consider the presence of CMDs to be the risk factor for vitamin B 12 deficiency.

Several studies have suggested a role for the vitamin B group in bone physiology. This article discusses a systematic review of the literature on the interaction of vitamin B with homocysteine and their relationship with bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Some studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin-B, particularly B12 and B9, have been associated with a low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fracture, in addition to participating in the metabolism of homocysteine; therefore, the deficit of these vitamins may lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. Recent publications suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with bone demineralization, low quality of bone mass, and increased levels of bone turnover biomarkers, since it affects the osteoclastic activity and the cross-linking of collagen molecules. Therefore, hyperhomocysteinemia could play a role in reduced bone density and quality. Further information is needed to establish whether each vitamin directly impacts bone health, or if their influence is merely through the homocysteine serum concentrations.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, fatty liver disease and kidney disease. Elevated serum homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and lung disease. Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency causes hyperhomocysteinemia. Objective: To measure serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in metabolic syndrome. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbagh, Dhaka from March 2019 to February 2020. Total 30 female metabolic syndrome patients aged 25 to 45 years and 30 age and sex matched apparently healthy female subjects were enrolled for this study. The patients were selected from the outpatient department of Endocrinology of BSMMU. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, serum creatinine, serum alanine aminotransferase levels were measured by autoanalyzer and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were measured by Chemiluminescent immunoassay. For statistical analysis, independent sample ‘t’test was done. Results: In this study, the mean value of serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in MetS than those of control group (p value

BACKGROUND: Detoxification of inorganic arsenic (iAs) occurs when it methylates to form monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Lower proportions of urinary iAs and MMA, and higher proportions of DMA indicate efficient methylation. The role of B-vitamins in iAs methylation in children with low-level arsenic exposure is understudied. OBJECTIVES: Our study objective was to assess the association between B-vitamin intake and iAs methylation in children with low-level arsenic exposure (

A growing body of research has indicated a role for B vitamins in depression, with some previous studies suggesting that B vitamin status in patients with depression can impact on antidepressant response. Here we aimed to investigate B vitamin plasma concentrations in medicated patients with depression (n ​= ​94) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n ​= ​57), and in patients with depression after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a real-world clinical setting. Our results show that nicotinamide (vitamin B3), N1-methylnicotinamide (vitamin B3 metabolite), and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP; vitamin B6) concentrations were significantly reduced in patients with depression compared to controls. The Cohen’s d effect sizes for nicotinamide, N1-methylnicotinamide, and PLP were moderate–large (−0.47, −0.51, and −0.59, respectively), and likely to be of clinical relevance. Functional biomarkers of vitamin B6 status (PAr index, 3-hydroxykynurenine: hydroxyanthranilic acid ratio, 3-hydroxykynurenine: xanthurenic acid ratio, and HKr) were elevated in depressed patients compared to controls, suggestive of reduced vitamin B6 function. Over 30% of the patient cohort were found to have low to deficient PLP concentrations, and exploratory analyses revealed that these patients had higher IL-6 and CRP concentrations compared to patients with PLP levels within the normal range. Treatment with ECT did not alter B vitamin concentrations, and B vitamin concentrations were not associated with depression severity or the therapeutic response to ECT. Overall, reduced plasma PLP, nicotinamide, and N1-methylnicotinamide concentrations could have wide ranging effects on pathways and systems implicated in depression. Further studies are required to understand the reasons why patients with depression present with low plasma B vitamin concentrations., Highlights • Plasma vitamins B3 and B6 are reduced in depressed patients versus controls. • Reduced B3 and B6 is likely to be clinically relevant (moderate-large Cohen’s d). • 32% of depressed patients had low/deficient pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP; B6) levels. • Low PLP in depressed patients was associated with high IL-6 and CRP levels. • Treatment with a course of ECT had no effect on plasma B vitamin concentrations.

Pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) catalyzes oxidation of pyridoxine 5'-phosphate (PNP) and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP) to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6. PNPO deficiency results in neonatal/infantile seizures and neurodevelopmental delay. To gain insight into this disorder we generated Pnpo deficient (pnpo-/-) zebrafish (CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing). Locomotion analysis showed that pnpo-/- zebrafish develop seizures resulting in only 38% of pnpo-/- zebrafish surviving beyond 20 days post fertilization (dpf). The age of seizure onset varied and survival after the onset was brief. Biochemical profiling at 20 dpf revealed a reduction of PLP and pyridoxal (PL) and accumulation of PMP and pyridoxamine (PM). Amino acids involved in neurotransmission including glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine were decreased. Concentrations of several, mostly essential, amino acids were increased in pnpo-/- zebrafish suggesting impaired activity of PLP-dependent transaminases involved in their degradation. PLP treatment increased survival at 20 dpf and led to complete normalization of PLP, PL, glutamate, GABA and glycine. However, amino acid profiles only partially normalized and accumulation of PMP and PM persisted. Taken together, our data indicate that not only decreased PLP but also accumulation of PMP may play a role in the clinical phenotype of PNPO deficiency.

Bone health is genetically determined in 75%–80% of cases. However, studies of the associations with polymorphisms show different results depending on the populations analyzed, probably due to interactions with external factors, including nutritional factors, of which the most important are calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms have been associated with changes in bone mineral density, showing different responses according to the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Other polymorphisms, related to vitamin B and vitamin K, play a lesser role.

Background Methylmalonic acid (MMA) can detect functional vitamin B12 deficiencies as it accumulates early when intracellular deficits arise. However, impaired clearance of MMA from blood due to decreased glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) also results in elevated plasma MMA concentrations. Alternative to clinical trials, a data mining approach was chosen to quantify and compensate for the effect of decreased eGFR on MMA concentration. Methods Comprehensive data on patient’s vitamin B12, eGFR and MMA concentrations were collected ( n = 2906). The relationship between vitamin B12, renal function (eGFR) and MMA was modelled using weighted multiple linear regression. The obtained model was used to estimate the influence of decreased eGFR on MMA. Clinical impact was examined by comparing the number of patients labelled vitamin B12 deficient with and without adjustment in MMA. Results Adjusting measured MMA concentrations for eGFR in the group of patients with low-normal vitamin B12 concentrations (90–300 pmol/L) showed that the use of unadjusted MMA concentrations overestimates vitamin B12 deficiency by 40%. Conclusions Through a data mining approach, the influence of eGFR on the relation between MMA and vitamin B12 can be quantified and used to correct the measured MMA concentration for decreased eGFR. Especially in the elderly, eGFR-based correction of MMA may prevent over-diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and corresponding treatment.

Children with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) who are dependent on tube feeding and require a protein restriction are commonly fed by ‘modular tube feeds’ consisting of several ingredients. A longitudinal, prospective two-phase study, conducted over 18 months assessed the long-term efficacy of a pre-measured protein-free composite feed. This was specifically designed to meet the non-protein nutritional requirements of children (aged over 1 year) with organic acidaemias on low protein enteral feeds and to be used as a supplement with an enteral feeding protein source. Methodology All non-protein individual feed ingredients were replaced with one protein-free composite feed supplying fat, carbohydrate, and micronutrients. Thirteen subjects, median age 7.4y (3–15.5y), all nutritionally tube dependent (supplying nutritional intake: ≥ 90%, n = 12; 75%, n = 1), and diagnosed with organic acidaemias (Propionic acidaemia, n = 6; Vitamin B 12 non-responsive methyl malonic acidaemia, n = 4; Isovaleric acidaemia, n = 2; Glutaric aciduria type1, n = 1); were studied. Nutritional intake, biochemistry and anthropometry were monitored at week − 8, 0, 12, 26 and 79. Results Energy intake remained unchanged, providing 76% of estimated energy requirements. Dietary intakes of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids significantly increased from week 0 to week 79, but sodium, potassium, magnesium, decosahexanoic acid and fibre did not meet suggested requirements. Plasma zinc, selenium, haemoglobin and MCV significantly improved, and growth remained satisfactory. Natural protein intake met WHO/FAO/UNU 2007 recommendations. Conclusions A protein-free composite feed formulated to meet the non-protein nutritional requirements of children aged over 1 year improved nutritional intake, biochemical nutritional status, and simplified enteral tube feeding regimens in children with organic acidaemias.

Both the metabolism and dietary intake of vitamins and minerals are essential to homeostatic function in the body. Dietary excess or deficiency, as well as genetic and acquired disorders in metabolism, can present dermatologically and systemically. More specifically, disorders in metabolism of zinc, biotin, essential fatty acids, and vitamin B, can appear with acrally distributed dermatoses. Recognition of the dermatologic manifestations associated with nutritional disorders is important for early diagnosis and management.

[Abstract Not Available]

Background: Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid whose metabolism is activated in two pathways: remethylation to methionine, which requires folate and vitamin B12, and transsulfuration to cystathionine, which needs pyridoxal-5’-phosphate. High homocysteine level increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. Some evidence showed that exposure to these metals increased plasma homocysteine levels. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to clarify the relationship between homocysteine blood levels and exposure to toxic heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Chromium). Results: The results of this systematic review indicate that exposure to Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg is connected with nonphysiological homocysteine levels or vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of involvement in exposure to heavy metals in homocysteine metabolism. This supports the role of blood metals as potential upstream modifiable risk factors to prevent the development of other established risk factors as hyperhomocysteinemia.

We assessed the effect of vitamin E and vitamin B (Vit E & Vit B) and their combination on sperm functional parameters in the rat varicocele model. Male rats (n = 120) were divided into control (n = 30), sham (n = 30) and varicocele induction (n = 60) groups. After 2 months, 10 rats from each group were sacrificed to verify varicocele model. This part of results showed that sperm parameters, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and residual histone were adversely effected in the varicocele group. From the 50 remaining rats in varicocele group, 10 rats received Vit B complex (6, 9.6, 30.4, 9.6 and 0.006 mg/kg for B6, B2, B9, B1 and B12 respectively), 10 rats received Vit E (40 mg/kg), 10 rats received Vit B & E, 10 rats only received water and 10 rats were only received sesame oil as a solvent for Vit E, for 2 months. From 40 remaining rats in control and sham groups, 20 rats only received water and other 20 rats only received sesame oil for 2 months. Then, all the aforementioned parameters were assessed. These results showed that Vit B antioxidant was more efficient in improvement of sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and lipid peroxidation in varicocelized rats compared with Vit E.

Objective: Studies report that acute consumption of energy drinks transiently increases blood pressure (BP). However, few studies report the effect of chronic energy drink consumption on BP. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term energy drink ingestion on BP in C57BL/6J normotensive wild-type mice. Research Methods and Procedures: Groups of mice were randomized to no treatment (water) (Control group), or to Mother™ provided as a decarbonated 30% (v/v) drinking solution (Energy Drink group), sugar-free Mother™ at 30% (Sugar-free group), Coca Cola™ at 30% (Coke group) for a total intervention period of 13 weeks. Results: After 13 weeks of intervention, the control mice showed a modest increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 7.1 ± 8.8, 5.8 ± 9.4, and 6.3 ± 9.1 mmHg, respectively. However, the Energy Drink significantly decreased the DBP and MAP by 18.8 ± 9.9 and 15.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, respectively. Similarly, Sugar-free group mice showed significant decrease of the SBP, DBP, and MAP by 10.85 ± 5.6, 18.7 ± 6.7, and 15.6 ± 6.1 mmHg, respectively. The SBP, DBP, and MAP in Coke mice showed no significant changes. The estimated cumulative intake of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin B3 and B5 was significantly higher in the mice of Energy Drink and Sugar-free groups compared to the Control and Coke mice. Conclusion: Collectively, the data suggest that the long-term chronic consumption of energy drinks may significantly lower the BP in normotensive mice through the actions of caffeine, taurine, and/or B-vitamins. The study findings do not support consideration of energy drinks for BP management, but rather demonstrate no long-term amplification of BP in normotensive preclinical models.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to the development of macro- and microvascular complications. Homocysteine (Hcy) may play a role in the development of cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVDs). The role of Hcy in the development of the vascular complications associated with DM is not clearly defined. Despite a strong initial assumption regarding the importance of Hcy in DM and its complications, over time "enthusiasm has waned" because several studies showed unconvincing and occasionally contradictory results. A universal conclusion is not easy to draw given the diversity of studies (e.g. number of patients, design, folic acid and vitamin B status, ethnic differences, genetic background). For some complications, most results encourages further investigation. Impaired renal function is a major independent determinant of high total Hcy (tHcy) levels. However, the role of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has yet to be determined. Hcy-lowering therapies can significantly decrease Hcy levels but their effects on CVD risk reduction are conflicting. Further studies are needed to determine the influence of Hcy-lowering therapy on CVD risk reduction, especially in patients with DM.

Objectives Vitamin B 12 , also known as cobalamin (Cbl), is an essential vitamin that manifests with numerous severe but non-specific symptoms in cases of deficiency. Assessing Cbl status often requires fasting, although this requirement is not standard between institutions. This study evaluated the impact of fasting on Cbl levels in a large community-based cohort in an effort to promote standardization of Cbl testing between sites. Design and methods Laboratory data for Cbl, fasting time, patient age and sex were obtained from laboratory information service from Calgary Laboratory Services (CLS) for the period of April 2011 to June 2015. CLS is the sole supplier of laboratory services in the Southern Alberta region in Canada (population, approximately 1.4 million). To investigate potential sex-specific effects of fasting on Cbl levels, males and females were analyzed separately using linear regression models. Results A total of 346,957 individual patient results (196,849 females, 146,085 males) were obtained. The mean plasma Cbl level was 386.5 (± 195.6) pmol/L and 412.0 (± 220.8) pmol/L for males and females, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed fasting had no significant association with Cbl levels in females; however a statistically significant decrease of 0.9 pmol/L/hour fasting ( p Conclusions The broad population variance in Cbl suggests the slight gender-specific differences noted in this study are insignificant. Despite this, fasting has the potential to contribute to higher rates of Cbl deficiency in men. Together, these data suggest fasting should be excluded as a requirement for evaluating plasma Cbl.

This study was conducted to observe the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled hyperhomocysteinemic type 2 diabetic patients by measuring HbA1c levels at baseline and 4 weeks. Patient having serum homocysteine more than 15 µmol/L or vitamin B12 less than 223 pg/mL were enrolled in this study. One group received methylcobalamin 500 µg daily with their usual anti-diabetic therapy and the other group received only suitable anti-diabetic drug therapy. Methylcobalamin 500 µg was given daily for period of 4 weeks. Glycemic control was measured by levels of HbA1c, blood sugar at baseline and at 4 weeks. Serum homocysteine levels was reduced from 21.5 ± 2.6 to 15.4 ± 6.4 (p=0.04) with vitamin B12 supplementation at 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, HbA1c decreased from 9.9 ± 0.9 to 8.7 ± 0.5 (p12 deficient patients after vitamin B12 supplementation. There is role of vitamin B12 in glycemic control in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients.

WOS: 000384868400003, PubMed ID: 29648744, Introduction Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and osteolytic disease. Vitamin B complex is a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of riboflavin (RBF), nicotinamide (NA), and folic acid (FA) on alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis rat model. Methods Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following eight groups: Control, Ligated, RBF50 (RBF, 50 mg/kg daily), NA50 (NA, 50 mg/kg daily), FA50 (FA, 50 mg/kg daily), RBF100 (RBF, 100 mg/kg daily), NA100 (NA, 100 mg/kg daily), and FA100 (FA, 100 mg/kg daily). Periodontitis was induced using silk ligature around the right first mandibular molar. After 11 days the rats were sacrificed. Mandible and serum samples were collected. Changes in alveolar bone levels were measured clinically, and periodontal tissues were examined histopathologically. Serum IL-1 beta (pg/ml) levels were analyzed by using ELISA. Results Mean alveolar bone loss in the mandibular first molar tooth revealed to be significantly lower in RBF100 group than in the Control group. In the Ligated group, alveolar bone loss was significantly higher than in all other groups. The ratio of presence of inflammatory cell infiltration in the Ligated group was significantly higher than in the Control group. The differences in the serum IL-1 beta levels between the groups were not statistically significant. Osteoclasts that were observed in the Ligated group were significantly higher than those of the Control and FA100 groups. The osteoblastic activity in the Ligated group, RBF100, and NA100 groups were shown to be significantly higher than those in the Control group. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that systemic administration of RBF, NA, and FA in different dosages (50-100 mg/kg) reduced alveolar bone loss in periodontal disease in rats.

Background Methionine loading test (MLT) has been used primarily to identify defects in transsulfuration of homocysteine in cystathionine beta synthase deficiency. It may not be as useful to evaluate remethylation pathway, in vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies. Objective We used tracer isotope labelled MLT to interrogate transsulfuration and remethylation independently in vitamin B-12 deficiency. Design We studied vitamin B-12 deficient women with a tracer labelled MLT before and eleven months after treatment with vitamin B-12. The fractional contribution of [13C]homocysteine to breath CO2 was used as a measure of transsulfuration, and difference in the intracellular enrichment of [13C]methionine and that of [C2H3]methionine as a measure of remethylation of homocysteine. Combined pre- and post-treatment results were analyzed to investigate the association between plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations and measures of homocysteine metabolism. Results The subjects were 17 years old, with a BMI of 19.4 kg/m2. Treatment with vitamin B-12, 2µg/day increased plasma B-12 from 93 (78.7, 106.2) [median (25th, 75th centiles)] to 161.5 (125.5, 226.2) pmol/L; 44% were below 150pmol/L. The tracer estimated transsulfuration of homocysteine was lower and remethylation higher with B-12 levels >150pmol/L when compared with those

Background/PurposeVitamin B12 and iron deficiencies lead to macrocytosis [mean corpuscular volume (MCV) ≥ 100 fL] and microcytosis (MCV 12.6 μM), and serum GPCA positivity, respectively. Patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies had a significantly higher frequency of Hb deficiency, abnormally elevated blood homocysteine level, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects (all p values

Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy. The clinical presentation can be acute (i.e. proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy, PHE), chronic (i.e. porcine intestinal adenomatosis, PIA) or subclinical. In humans with chronic enteropathies, low serum folate (vitamin B(9)) and cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) concentrations have been associated with increased serum concentrations of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA), which reflect the availability of both vitamins at the cellular level. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum folate, cobalamin, homocysteine and MMA concentrations in serum samples from pigs with PHE, PIA or subclinical L. intracellularis infection, and in negative controls. Serum folate, cobalamin, homocysteine and MMA concentrations differed significantly among pigs in the PHE, PIA, subclinical and negative control groups. Serum folate concentrations in the PHE and PIA groups were lower than in the subclinical and negative control groups, while serum cobalamin concentrations were lower in the PIA group than in other groups. Serum concentrations of homocysteine were higher in the PHE, PIA and subclinical groups than in the negative control group. Serum concentrations of MMA were higher in the subclinical and PIA groups than in the control group. These data suggest that pigs infected with L. intracellularis have altered serum cobalamin, folate, homocysteine and MMA concentrations.

Vitamin B 12 deficiency produces various manifestations involving CNS, heart, skin, blood and female reproductive systems. It is seen most commonly in the older individuals, malabsorptive states (>60% of all cases) and vegetarians. Pernicious anaemia may be confused to Addison’s disease as both may present with similar clinical features. Hereby we report a case of pernicious anaemia presenting with dermatological manifestation in the form of deep pigmentation of both palms of and both soles respectively, cortisol levels normal so Addition’s disease ruled out.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) and homocysteine were dependent on or independent of each other in order to be associated with inflammatory markers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or those receiving hemodialysis treatment. This was a cross-sectional study. Sixty-eight stage 2–5 CKD patients and 68 hemodialysis patients had one time fasting blood drawn for measurements of plasma PLP, pyridoxal (PL), homocysteine, and several inflammatory markers. Early CKD stage (stages 2-3) patients showed significantly lower plasma PLP levels and homocysteine concentrations than patients in an advanced CKD stage (stages 4-5) and those undergoing hemodialysis. Plasma PLP significantly correlated with CRP levels (partialrs= −0.21,p<0.05) and plasma PL significantly correlated with IL-10 levels (partialrs= −0.24,p<0.01), while plasma PLP plus PL significantly correlated with both CRP levels (partialrs= −0.20,p<0.05) and interleukin-1β(partialrs= 0.22,p<0.05) levels after adjusting for plasma homocysteine and other potential confounders. Plasma homocysteine displayed no significant correlations with any inflammatory markers. Vitamin B-6 status, rather than homocysteine, appeared to be a significant factor in relation to inflammatory responses for CKD and hemodialysis patients.

Vegetarian diets have been associated with atherosclerosis protection, with healthier atherosclerosis risk profiles, as well as lower prevalence of, and mortality from, ischemic heart disease and stroke. However, there are few data concerning the possible cardiovascular effects of a vegan diet (with no meat, dairy or egg products). Vitamin B-12 deficiency is highly prevalent in vegetarians; this can be partially alleviated by taking dairy/egg products in lact-ovo-vegetarians. However, metabolic vitamin B-12 deficiency is highly prevalent in vegetarians in Australia, Germany, Italy and Austria, and in vegans (80%) in Hong Kong and India, where vegans rarely take vitamin B-12 fortified food or vitamin B-12 supplements. Similar deficiencies exist in northern Chinese rural communities consuming inadequate meat, egg or dairy products due to poverty or dietary habits. Vascular studies have demonstrated impaired arterial endothelial function and increased carotid intima-media thickness as atherosclerosis surrogates in such metabolic vitamin B-12 deficient populations, but not in lactovegetarians in China. Vitamin B-12 supplementation has a favourable impact on these vascular surrogates in Hong Kong vegans and in underprivileged communities in northern rural China. Regular monitoring of vitamin B-12 status is thus potentially beneficial for early detection and treatment of metabolic vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegans, and possibly for prevention of atherosclerosis-related diseases.

Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, being characterized by destruction of the gastric mucosa and the presence of auto-antibodies. We describe a rare case of neurogenic bladder associated with pernicious anemia. The neurologic manifestations (muscular weakness) were partially reversed with vitamin B12 replacement, but the vesical symptoms persisted. It is important to investigate the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency in cases of neurogenic bladder.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19883 J Medicine 2014; 15: 87-90

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effects of estradiol valerate (EV) on the thickness of clomiphene citrate (CC)-stimulated endometrium. Material and Methods Thirty-four normal ovulatory women were randomized double-blindly into two groups to receive CC 100 mg/day on day 2–6 of the treatment cycle, and either vitamin B (placebo) or EV 6 mg/day on day 10–14 of the cycle. The endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, numbers of mature follicles, and maximal diameters of preovulatory follicles were evaluated by transvaginal sonographic examination. Results Thirty women completed both treatment cycles. Two other participants dropped out during the treatment due to side-effects (headache). The average endometrial thickness of the group treated with CC + placebo became slightly thinner when compared to the thickness at the baseline (9.04 vs 9.52 mm; P = 0.24). The CC + placebo and the CC + EV resulted in similar endometrial pattern, ovulation day, numbers of mature follicles, and sizes of the leading follicles before ovulation. However, an addition of EV into the CC cycle significantly increased the average endometrial thickness (10.7 mm vs 9.04 mm; P

The objective of this study was to determine lactation performance and metabolism of primiparous and multiparous dairy cows fed different levels and sources (inorganic and organic) of Co or given weekly vitamin B(12) injections. Forty-five primi- and multiparous cows at 60 d prepartum were blocked by expected calving date, and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design with treatments starting at 60 d prepartum. The 5 treatments were (1) no supplemental dietary Co (control, CON), (2) 25mg/d of supplemental dietary Co from Co carbonate (CoCarb), (3) 25mg/d of supplemental dietary Co from Co glucoheptonate (LCoGH), (4) 75 mg/d of supplemental dietary Co from Co glucoheptonate (HCoGH), and (5) CON diet plus weekly 10mg i.m. of vitamin B(12) injections (IB12). Cows remained on their respective treatment until 150 d after calving. Cobalt concentrations (mg/kg of dry matter) in the lactating diets were 1.0, 1.9, 2.3, and 5.1 for CON/IB12, CoCarb, LCoGH, and HCoGH, respectively. Dry matter intake, body weight, and body condition score were not affected by treatment. The LCoGH treatment tended to have greater milk yield than CoCarb, and CON had similar milk yields to the mean of LCoGH and HCoGH. Cobalt supplementation or the use of vitamin B(12) injections did not influence plasma or liver measures of energy metabolism. Injections of vitamin B(12) increased plasma, liver, and milk vitamin B(12) contents. Dietary Co addition did not affect plasma vitamin B(12) concentrations; however, it did increase milk vitamin B(12) concentrations throughout lactation and liver vitamin B(12) at calving with no effect of source or level of Co. Folate status of cows in the study was low and possibly limited the effect of improved vitamin B(12) status on lactation performance. Overall, Co supplementation (inorganic and organic) or vitamin B(12) injections improved measures of vitamin B(12) status, but not lactation performance compared with CON possibly due to Co being above requirements in the CON diet.

Folate (vitamin B9) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) are essential for the normal development and function of the central nervous system. The metabolism of these vitamins is intimately linked and supports the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the major methyl group donor in methylation reactions. This article reviews the metabolic and clinical importance of folate, vitamin B12, and SAMe, as well as clinical trials in relation to depression and dementia.

Aim: To evaluate the vitamin B12 status of South Indian women in early pregnancy and its relationship with sociodemographic, anthropometry and dietary intake. Methods: Cross-sectional study among 366 pregnant urban South Indian women ≤14 weeks of gestation with outcome variables defined as low vitamin B12 blood concentration (12 status [low vitamin B12 plus elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA) >0.26 µmol/l)]. Results: Low plasma vitamin B12 concentration was observed in 51.1% of the women, while 42.4% had impaired B12 status. Elevated MMA, elevated homocysteine (>10 µmol/l) and low erythrocyte folate (12 was 1.25 (0.86, 1.96) µg/day. Lower maternal body weight was associated with higher vitamin B12 concentration [prevalence ratios (PR) (95% CI) 0.57 (0.39, 0.84)]. The predictors of impaired vitamin B12 status were no consumption of yoghurt [PR (95% CI) 1.63 (1.03, 2.58)] or fish [PR (95% CI) 1.32 (1.01, 1.71)] and primiparity [PR (95% CI) 1.41 (1.05, 1.90)]. Conclusion: A high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in early pregnancy among urban South Indian women was related to primiparity and to a low consumption of yoghurt and fish.