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Association between vitamin B12-containing supplement consumption and prevalence of biochemically defined B12 deficiency in adults in NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).

Authors :
Evatt, Marian L.
Terry, Paul D.
Ziegler, Thomas R.
Oakley Jr, Godfrey P.
Source :
Public Health Nutrition; Jan2010, Vol. 13 Issue 1, p25-31, 7p
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between vitamin B<subscript>12</subscript> (B<subscript>12</subscript>)-containing supplement use, low B<subscript>12</subscript> concentrations and biochemically defined B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency in US adults. Design: A cross-sectional study with adjustment for survey design. Prevalence ratios for two age groups (18-50 and >50 years) were estimated using unconditional logistic models. Outcome measures included prevalence of low serum B<subscript>12</subscript> concentration (<148 pmol/l) and biochemical B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency (serum B<subscript>12</subscript><148 pmol/l with concomitant homocysteine<10 μmol/l). Setting: A population survey of health and nutritional measures. Subjects: Subjects were non-institutionalized adults, aged 18 years and older, who participated in Phase 2 of NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Results: Low B<subscript>12</subscript> concentrations were less prevalent among persons consuming B<subscript>12</subscript>-containing supplements (P=0·001) with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0·6 (95% CI 0·3, 1·0). Biochemical B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency showed a similar trend (P=0·0002), with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0·3 (95% CI 0·1, 0·8). Prevalence ratios were similar in adults <50 years of age, although the prevalence of low B<subscript>12</subscript> and biochemical deficiency was proportionally higher. Conclusions: Consumption of B<subscript>12</subscript>-containing supplements was associated with at least 50% lower prevalence of both low serum B<subscript>12</subscript> and biochemical B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency in a nationally representative sample of US adults, suggesting increased consumption of B<subscript>12</subscript> from supplements or from fortified foods may reduce the prevalence of B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency. Additionally, the current Recommended Daily Allowance for B<subscript>12</subscript> of 2·4μg may be insufficient for those aged .50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13689800
Volume :
13
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Public Health Nutrition
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
47080198
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980009990279