The association between dietary vitamin B1 intake and constipation: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous researches have indicated a correlation between the intake of dietary micronutrients and the occurrence of constipation. Nevertheless, the correlation between constipation and vitamin B1 remains uninvestigated. The main aim of this research was to examine the association between chronic constipation and the consumption of vitamin B1 in the diet among adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: This study used data from the NHANES, a survey on health and nutrition conducted between 2005 and 2010. The respondents' dietary information was gathered by utilizing the 24-hour dietary records. Various statistical analyses, such as multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and curve-fitting analysis, were employed to investigate the correlation between dietary intake of vitamin B1 and chronic constipation. RESULTS: In the trial, there were 10,371 participants, out of which 1,123 individuals (10.8%) were identified as having chronic constipation. Fully adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses showed that increasing dietary intake of vitamin B1 (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.99) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of constipation. Following adjustment for multiple variables in Model 3, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the third tertile, in comparison to the first tertile (reference group), was 0.80 (0.65, 0.99). In addition, subgroup analyses and interaction tests showed a significant inverse association between vitamin B1 intake and the prevalence of constipation, especially among men, non-hypertensive, and non-diabetic individuals (all P-values less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: This research uncovered an inverse correlation between the consumption of vitamin B1 in the diet and the occurrence of chronic constipation. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is that the consumption of vitamin B1 in one's diet is linked to the softening of stools and an augmented occurrence of colonic peristalsis. Additional extensive prospective research is required to thoroughly examine the significance of thiamine in long-term constipation.

Thiamine as a metabolic resuscitator after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Elevated lactate is associated with mortality after cardiac arrest. Thiamine, a cofactor of pyruvate dehydrogenase, is necessary for aerobic metabolism. In a mouse model of cardiac arrest, thiamine improved pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, survival and neurologic outcome. AIM: To determine if thiamine would decrease lactate and increase oxygen consumption after in-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Adult patients with arrest within 12 hours, mechanically ventilated, with lactate ≥ 3 mmol/L were included. Randomization was stratified by lactate > 5 or ≤ 5 mmol/L. Thiamine 500 mg or placebo was administered every 12 hours for 3 days. The primary outcome of lactate was checked at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, and compared using a linear mixed model, accounting for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included oxygen consumption, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and mortality. RESULTS: Enrollments stopped after 36 patients due Data Safety and Monitoring Board concern about potential harm in an unplanned subgroup analysis. There was no overall difference in lactate (mean difference at 48 hours 1.5 mmol/L [95% CI -3.1-6.1], global p = 0.88) or any secondary outcomes. In those with randomization lactate > 5 mmol/L, mortality was 92% (11/12) with thiamine and 67% (8/12) with placebo (p = 0.32). In those with randomization lactate ≤ 5 mmol/L mortality was 17% (1/6) with thiamine and 67% (4/6) with placebo (p = 0.24). There was a significant interaction between randomization lactate and the effect of thiamine on survival (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this single center trial thiamine had no overall effect on lactate after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Thiamine as a metabolic resuscitator after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Thiamine is a key cofactor for aerobic metabolism, previously shown to improve mortality and neurological outcomes in a mouse model of cardiac arrest. We hypothesized that thiamine would decrease lactate and improve outcomes in post-arrest patients. METHODS: Single center, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, Phase II trial of thiamine in adults within 4.5 hours of return of spontaneous circulation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), with coma and lactate ≥ 3 mmol/L. Participants received 500 mg IV thiamine or placebo twice daily for 2 days. Randomization was stratified by lactate > 5 or ≤ 5 mmol/L. The primary outcome of lactate was checked at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 hours, and compared using a linear mixed model to account for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included SOFA score, pyruvate dehydrogenase, renal injury, neurological outcome, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 93 randomized patients, 76 were enrolled and included in the analysis. There was no difference in lactate over 24 hours (mean difference 0.34 mmol/L (95% CI: -1.82, 2.50), p = 0.43). There was a significant interaction between randomization lactate subgroup and the effect of the intervention on mortality (p = 0.01) such that mortality was higher with thiamine in the lactate > 5 mmol/L group and lower with thiamine in the < 5 mmol/L group. This subgroup difference prompted the Data and Safety Monitoring Board to recommend the study be terminated early. PDH activity increased over 72 hours in the thiamine group. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this single-center randomized trial, thiamine did not affect lactate over 24 hours after OHCA.

A Predictive Model for Thiamine Responsive Disorders Among Infants and Young Children: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model for thiamine responsive disorders (TRDs) among infants and young children hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency disorders (TDDs) based on response to therapeutic thiamine in a high-risk setting. STUDY DESIGN: Children aged 21 days to <18 months hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of TDD in northern Lao People's Democratic Republic were treated with parenteral thiamine (100 mg daily) for ≥3 days in addition to routine care. Physical examinations and recovery assessments were conducted frequently for 72 hours after thiamine was initiated. Individual case reports were independently reviewed by three pediatricians who assigned a TRD status (TRD or non-TRD), which served as the dependent variable in logistic regression models to identify predictors of TRD. Model performance was quantified by empirical area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 449 children (median [Q1, Q3] 2.9 [1.7, 5.7] months old; 70.3% exclusively/predominantly breastfed) were enrolled; 60.8% had a TRD. Among 52 candidate variables, those most predictive of TRD were exclusive/predominant breastfeeding, hoarse voice/loss of voice, cyanosis, no eye contact, and no diarrhea in the previous 2 weeks. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) was 0.82 (0.78, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the majority of children with signs or symptoms of TDD responded favorably to thiamine. While five specific features were predictive of TRD, the high prevalence of TRD suggests that thiamine should be administered to all infants and children presenting with any signs or symptoms consistent with TDD in similar high-risk settings. The usefulness of the predictive model in other contexts warrants further exploration and refinement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03626337.

Association between dietary macronutrient composition and plasma one-carbon metabolites and B-vitamin cofactors in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Elevated plasma concentrations of several one-carbon metabolites are associated with increased CVD risk. Both diet-induced regulation and dietary content of one-carbon metabolites can influence circulating concentrations of these markers. We cross-sectionally analysed 1928 patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (geometric mean age 61), representing elevated CVD risk, to assess associations between dietary macronutrient composition (FFQ) and plasma one-carbon metabolites and related B-vitamin status markers (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS or microbiological assay). Diet-metabolite associations were modelled on the continuous scale, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol and total energy intake. Average (geometric mean (95 % prediction interval)) intake was forty-nine (38, 63) energy percent (E%) from carbohydrate, thirty-one (22, 45) E% from fat and seventeen (12, 22) E% from protein. The strongest associations were seen for higher protein intake, i.e. with higher plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) (% change (95 % CI) 3·1 (2·1, 4·1)), cobalamin (2·9 (2·1, 3·7)), riboflavin (2·4 (1·1, 3·7)) and folate (2·1 (1·2, 3·1)) and lower total homocysteine (tHcy) (-1·4 (-1·9, -0·9)) and methylmalonic acid (MMA) (-1·4 (-2·0, -0·8)). Substitution analyses replacing MUFA or PUFA with SFA demonstrated higher plasma concentrations of riboflavin (5·0 (0·9, 9·3) and 3·3 (1·1, 5·6)), tHcy (2·3 (0·7, 3·8) and 1·3 (0·5, 2·2)) and MMA (2·0 (0·2, 3·9) and 1·7 (0·7, 2·7)) and lower PLP (-2·5 (-5·3, 0·3) and -2·7 (-4·2, -1·2)). In conclusion, a higher protein intake and replacing saturated with MUFA and PUFA were associated with a more favourable metabolic phenotype regarding metabolites associated with CVD risk.

Comparación fluorofotométrica de la administración de riboflavina en la cámara anterior mediante aplicación corneal e instilación en el fórnix / A fluorophotometric comparison of anterior chamber riboflavin delivery via corneal application and fornix instillation

Introducción y objetivos Investigamos si la autoadministración de riboflavina por parte de los pacientes podría ser una opción viable para el cross-linking corneal (CXL), teniendo en cuenta los importantes recursos necesarios para la impregnación de la córnea. Analizamos si administrar la riboflavina en el fórnix inferior (lugar de autoadministración) resulta en concentraciones de riboflavina no menores a cuando se aplica directamente en la córnea (zona de aplicación por personal médico). Pacientes y métodos Realizamos un estudio prospectivo para evaluar las concentraciones de riboflavina en seis puntos de tiempo (basal, cinco, 15, 30, 45 y 60 minutos) en 18 voluntarios para cada uno de los dos lugares de aplicación: córnea y fórnix. Las concentraciones de riboflavina (Peschke® TE 0,25%; Peschke Trade GmbH, Huenenberg, Suiza) en la cámara anterior fueron medidas por fluorofotometría (FluorotronTM Master FM-2; OcuMetrics Inc., Mountain View, CA, EE. UU.). Resultados En los dos lugares de aplicación, córnea y fórnix, se observó una autofluorescencia de 16,7 ng/mL (desviación estándar [DE] 5,5) y 14,6 ng/mL (DE 4,6) al inicio de la serie de mediciones (p = 0,221). Después de 30 minutos, las concentraciones de fluorescencia en la cámara anterior habían aumentado a 55,1 ng/mL (DE 25,5) y a 46,1 ng/mL (DE 25,1) (p = 0,293) sin un incremento relevante adicional a los 60 minutos. Conclusiones Este estudio encontró que la aplicación de gotas de riboflavina en el fórnix inferior no fue menor a la aplicación directa en la córnea, según las mediciones fluorométricas de las concentraciones de riboflavina en la cámara anterior. Sugiere que la autoadministración es viable en términos de impregnación corneal de riboflavina (AU)

Introduction and objectives We investigated whether riboflavin self-administration by patients could be a feasible option for corneal cross-linking, given the considerable resources required to impregnate the cornea with riboflavin. We analysed whether administering riboflavin in the inferior fornix (the site of self-administration) results in non-inferior riboflavin concentrations as when applied directly on the cornea (the site of administration by medical personnel). Patients and methods We conducted a prospective study to evaluate riboflavin concentrations at six time-points (baseline, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60min) in 18 healthy volunteers for each of two application sites: cornea and fornix. Anterior chamber riboflavin (Peschke® TE 0.25%) concentrations were measured by fluorophotometry (Fluorotron™ Master FM-2). Results For the two application sites cornea and fornix, participants did not differ in terms of age and sex. At baseline, the autofluorescence in the anterior chamber was 16.7ng/ml (SD 5.5) and 14.6ng/ml (SD 4.6) (p=0.221). After 30min, anterior chamber fluorescein concentrations had risen to 55.1ng/ml (SD 25.5) and 46.1ng/ml (SD 25.1) (p=0.293) without a further relevant increase by 60min. Conclusions This study found that applying riboflavin drops in the inferior fornix was non-inferior to applying it directly to the cornea, based on fluorophotometric measurements of anterior chamber riboflavin concentrations. This suggests that self-application of riboflavin is feasible in terms of corneal riboflavin impregnation (AU)

Polimorfismo de proteína 5, 10-metilentetrahidrofolatoreductasa en población venezolana / Polymorphisms proteína 5, 10-metilentetrahidrofolatoreductasa in venezuelan people

El folato es un miembro del grupo de la vitamina B y está relacionado con enfermedades crónicas como anemia megaloblástica, enfermedad cardiovascular, cáncer, disfunción cognitiva y riesgo de defectos del tubo neural. La proteína 5,10-metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) juega un papel clave en el metabolismo del folato mediante la síntesis de nucleótidos y reacciones de metilación. El gen MTHFR se encuentra en el cromosoma 1 (1p36.3), y se han descrito dos alelos comunes, el alelo C677T (termolábil) y el alelo A1298C.El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la distribución de los polimorfismos genéticos en MTHFR C677T y A1298C en la población venezolana. METODOS: estudio de tipo transversal, descriptivo, experimental y correlacional Las muestras de sangre se colectaron en 314 donantes no emparentados y sanos de la población. Los polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido(SNP) MTHFR 677C>T y 1298A>C se analizaron mediante polimorfismo de longitud de fragmento de restricción de reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR-RFLP). El desequilibrio de ligamiento (LD) entre pares de SNP se calculó mediante la prueba X. usando Prism 5 (GraphPad software, Inc). RESULTADOS: Encontramos mayor frecuencia genotípica de heterocigotos para el polimorfismo MTHFR C677T en la población general venezolana, con excepción del grupo caucásico. El polimorfismo MTHFR A1298C en el 70%de la población de estudio es homocigoto de tipo salvaje, encontrándose una baja frecuencia de homocigoto mutado. CONCLUSIONES: Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos étnicos, destacando la importancia del genotipado racial de estos polimorfismos en la población venezolana(AU)

Folate is a member of the vitamin B and it has also been indicated that may be related to chronic diseases such as megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction and risk of neural tube. Methylenetetrahydro folatereductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme of folate pathway by nucleotide synthesis and methylation reactions. Several polymorphisms were reported in MTHFR gene but C677Tand A1298 polymorphism are most studied and these have been reported to be risk factor for several diseases/disorders. The present study was designed to determine the frequency of MTHFR polymorphisms in Venezuelan healthy population. METHODS: The blood samples were collected from 314 unrelated and healthy donors from population. Both the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed by Polymerase chainreaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pair of SNPs was calculated through the .. test using Prism 5 (GraphPad sftoware, Inc). RESULTS: We find higher genotypic frequency of heterozygotes for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the Venezuelan general population, with the exception of the Caucasian group. MTHFR A1298C polymorphism in 70%of the study population is homozygous wild type, finding alow frequency of homozygous mutated. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences between ethnic groups were found,highlighting the importance of racial genotyping of these polymorphisms in the Venezuelan population(AU)

Vitamina B12: ¿para algo más que el tratamiento de la anemia megaloblástica? / Vitamin B12: For more than just the treatment of megaloblastic anemia?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins and is ingested through food of animal origin such as eggs, milk, red meat and poultry, fish, and shellfish. Its clinical indication is the treatment of hypovitaminosis B12 administered orally or intramuscularly in the form of hydroxocobalamin. Hypovitaminosis B12 is mainly caused by deficient dietary intake (individuals with malnutrition, vegetarians or vegans, older adults, pregnant people, individuals with alcohol use disorder); when intestinal absorption is reduced (atrophic gastritis, malabsorption syndrome, gastrointestinal surgery); and for causes associated with the intake of drugs (antacids, metformin). Hypervitaminosis B12 has been associated with renal failure; liver diseases such as cirrhosis and acute-phase hepatitis; alcohol use disorder with or without liver involvement; solid tumors of the lung, liver, esophagus, pancreas, and colorectum; and in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and bone marrow dysplasia (AU)

La vitamina B12 o cobalamina pertenece al grupo de vitaminas hidrosolubles y su aporte se realiza a través de la ingesta de alimentos de origen animal como huevo; leche; carnes rojas y de aves; pescados y mariscos. Su indicación clínica es el tratamiento de la hipovitaminosis B12 administrada por vía oral o intramuscular en forma de hidroxicobalamina. La hipovitaminosis B12 se origina, principalmente, por un déficit de aporte en la dieta (malnutrición, sujetos vegetarianos o veganos, ancianos, embarazo, alcoholismo); cuando está disminuida su absorción intestinal (gastritis atrófica, síndrome de malabsorción intestinal, cirugía gastro-intestinal) y asociada a ingesta de fármacos (antiácidos, metformina). La hipervitaminosis B12 se ha relacionado con la insuficiencia renal; hepatopatías como cirrosis y hepatitis en fase aguda; alcoholismo con o sin afectación hepática; tumores sólidos de pulmón, hígado, esófago, páncreas y colorrectal y en neoplasias hematológicas como leucemia y la displasia medular (AU)

Association between B-vitamins intake and frailty among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: Gain insight into the impact of B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, total folate, and vitamin B12 on the risk of frailty in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This study was an American population-based cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 1201 COPD patients were included in the analysis. Of these, the intake of B vitamins was determined by the two 24-h recall interviews. We followed the method constructed by Hakeem et al. to calculate the frailty index (FI), which is used as a reliable tool to assess the debilitating status of patients with COPD. Missing data were imputed by the MissForest method based on random forests. Multivariate logistic regression model and inverse probability weighted based on propensity scores were used to correct for confoundings. RESULTS: Logistic regression models showed that vitamin B6 intake was negatively correlated with frailty risk in COPD patients, while other B vitamins including B1, B2, niacin (vitamin B3), total folic acid and vitamin B12 were not. After adjusting for covariates, the association between vitamin B6 and frailty risk (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.66-0.95, P = 0.013) remained significant. At the same time, sensitivity analysis proves the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION: COPD patients with lower vitamin B6 intake have a higher risk of frailty. However, intake of vitamin B1, B2, niacin, total folic acid, and vitamin B12 was not associated with frailty risk in COPD patients.

The Role of Cobalamin on Interleukin 10, Osteopontin, and Related MicroRNAs in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Considering how vitamin B12 or cobalamin affects the immune system, especially inflammation and the formation of the myelin sheath, it appears as a complementary therapy for MS by affecting some signaling pathways. Recently diagnosed MS patients were divided into two groups (n=30). One group received interferon-beta (IFN-ß or Avonex), and another received IFN-ß+B12 for six months. Blood samples were taken before and after treatments.  Interleukin (IL)-10 and osteopontin (OPN) levels in the plasma were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and the expression of microRNA (miR)-106a, miR-299a, and miR-146a by real-time PCR. IFN-ß neither changed the IL-10 plasma levels nor miR106a and miR-299a expression, but it led to a remarkable decrease in OPN concentration and enhancement in let-7c and miR-146a expression. There was a significant decrease in IL-10, OPN plasma levels, miR-106a expression, and a substantial increase in let-7c and  miR-146a expression in IFN-ß+B12, treated group. There was no correlation between IL-10 and OPN with related miRNAs in the two treatment groups. Our study indicated that B12 could be a complementary treatment in MS that may influence the disease improvement.

Trend and burden of neural tube defects among cohort of pregnant women in Ethiopia: Where are we in the prevention and what is the way forward?

INTRODUCTION: Neural tube defect is one of the top five most serious birth defects in the world. In Ethiopia an accurate estimate of the trend and burden of neural tube defects is still unknown. There hasn't been much research done on the prevalence and trend of neural tube defects in Eastern Ethiopia. To complement previous efforts of studies, the purpose of this study is to estimate the trend and burden of neural tube defects in Eastern Ethiopia as well as to investigate the epidemiological implications of the findings. METHODS: A facility-based retrospective cohort study was carried out from cohort pregnant women who delivered in selected hospitals. File records of all babies who were found to have neural tube defects could be reached between 2017 and 2019. A structured checklist was used to collect data. The incidence of each case was calculated by dividing the number of cases per year by the total number of live births in each hospital. To determine the linear trend of neural tube defects over time, linear trend of Extended Mantel-Haenszel chi-square was performed. Data were presented using frequencies and percentages. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 25. RESULTS: A total of 48,750 deliveries were recorded during the three years of the study considered for analyses with 522 women having neural tube defect giving an incidence rate of 107.5 per 10,000 live births in the three years. The most common types of neural tube defects found in the area were anencephaly and spina bifida accounting for 48.1% and 22.6%, respectively. The distribution of neural tube defects varied across the study hospitals, with Adama Medical College Hospital having the highest proportion (46.6%). Over half of the mothers (56.7%) live in cities. Mothers in the age group 25-34 (46.9%) and multigravida mothers had higher proportions (64.4%).of neural tube defects. None of the mothers took folic acid before conception, and only 19% took iron folic acid supplementation during their pregnancy. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The findings showed that an increasing trend and burden of neural tube defects and preconception folic acid supplementation is insignificant in the region which showed that where we are in the prevention of neural tube defects. The finding suggests that preconception folic acid supplementation in conjunction with health care services should be considered to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the region. Aside from that, intensive prevention efforts for long-term folate intake through dietary diversification and appropriate public health interventions are required. Furthermore, data must be properly recorded in order to address disparities in neonatal death due to neural tube defects, and the determinants of neural tube defects should be investigated using large scale prospective studies with biomarkers.

The effect of metformin and myoinositol on metabolic outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: role of body mass and adiponectin in a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of insulin sensitizers metformin (MET) and myo-inositol (MI) on adiponectin levels and metabolic characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with respect to their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: In this open label, parallel randomized clinical trial, 66 women with PCOS (33 normal-weight and 33 overweight/obese) were randomized to either MI (4 g/day) or MET (1500 mg/day) for a period of 6 months. Serum concentration of adiponectin, hormonal and metabolic laboratory outcomes and clinical assessment of BMI, body composition and Ferriman-Gallwey score (FG score) were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: After the 6-month intervention, comparison between MET and MI in time to treatment analysis showed no significant differences between the two treatments for all analyzed parameters. Only borderline significantly lower AUC glucose was found in the MET group in comparison to the MI group (p = 0.071). The main effect of treatment was shown for glucose concentration at 120 min OGTT (p = 0.032) and testosterone (p = 0.002). The main effect of time was shown for body mass (p = 0.004), waist circumference (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), body fat mass (p = 0.001), adiponectin (p = 0.020), fasting glucose (p = 0.001), testosterone (p = 0.015), SHBG (p = 0.013), 17OH progesterone (p = 0.008), LH (p = 0.004) and estradiol (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Our study showed similar effects of MET and MI on BMI, body composition, hormonal profile, metabolism of glucose and insulin, and adiponectin level. The two insulin sensitizers, MET and MI, were useful in reducing BMI and improving body composition without significant differences between the two treatments in PCOS women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN13199265. Trial registration date: 14.04.2021. (ISRCTN Registry), retrospectively registered.

Excess folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy and lactation activates ß-catenin in the brain of male mouse offspring.

Folic acid (FA) supplementation in early pregnancy is recommended to protect against birth defects. But excess FA has exhibited neurodevelopmental toxicity. We previously reported that the mice treated with 2.5-fold the dietary requirement of FA one week before mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation displayed abnormal behaviors in the offspring. Here we found the levels of non-phosphorylated ß-catenin (active) were increased in the brains of weaning and adult FA-exposed offspring. Meanwhile, demethylation of protein phosphatase 2 A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac), which suppresses its enzyme activity in regulatory subunit dependent manner, was significantly inhibited. Among the upstream regulators of ß-catenin, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3ß but not Wnt signaling was stimulated in FA-exposed brains only at weaning. In mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells, knockdown of PP2Ac or leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT-1), or overexpression of PP2Ac methylation-deficient mutant decreased ß-catenin dephosphorylation. These results suggest that excess FA may activate ß-catenin via suppressing PP2Ac demethylation, providing a novel mechanism for the influence of FA on neurodevelopment.

Sublingual methylcobalamin treatment is as effective as intramuscular and peroral cyanocobalamin in children age 0-3 years.

PURPOSE: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a cause of preventable growth and developmental retardation in children. In this respect, alternative methods such as oral and sublingual treatments are being tried. We aimed to compare the efficacy of oral, sublingual, and intramuscular vitamin B12 treatments in children aged 0-3 years. METHODS: The study included 158 patients with serum vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 level <300 ng/L) aged 0-3 years retrospectively. According to the vitamin B12 treatment modalities, the patients were divided into three groups as oral cyanocobalamin (group 1), sublingual methylcobalamin (group 2), and intramuscular cyanocobalamin (group 3). RESULTS: The mean values of vitamin B12 levels increased to above 300 ng/L in all three groups. This increase was statistically significant for Group 1,2 and 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sublingual methylcobalamin was determined as effective as oral and intramuscular cyanocobalamin improving vitamin B12 levels aged 0-3 years.What's already known about this topic?It is already known that intramuscular and oral cyanocobalamin treatments are effective in vitamin B12 deficiency of children.What does this article add?Sublingual methylcobalamin treatment, which is a new treatment method, was found to be as effective as oral and intramuscular cyanocobalamin treatments. To our knowledge, there is no study about sublingual treatment in children and comparing oral cyanocobalamin, intramuscular cyanocobalamin, sublingual methylcobalamin.

Cognitive Outcomes at 18 Months: Findings from the Early Life Interventions for Childhood Growth and Development in Tanzania (ELICIT) Trial.

Micronutrient deficiencies and enteric infections negatively impact child growth and development. We enrolled children shortly after birth in a randomized, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial interventional trial in Haydom, Tanzania, to assess nicotinamide and/or antimicrobials (azithromycin and nitazoxanide) effect on length at 18 months of age. Cognitive score at 18 months using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), which includes gross motor, fine motor, language, and social assessments, was a secondary outcome. Here, we present the MDAT results of 1,032 children. There was no effect of nicotinamide (change in development-for-age Z score [DAZ] -0.08; 95% CI: -0.16, 0) or antimicrobials (change in DAZ 0.04; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.13) on overall MDAT score. The interventions had no effect on cognitive outcomes in subgroups defined by gender, socioeconomic status, birthweight, and birth season or on MDAT subscores. Further analyses are needed to identify targetable risk factors for impaired cognitive development in these settings.

Potential mental and physical benefits of supplementation with a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement: what is the evidence? / Posibles beneficios mentales y físicos de la suplementación con un preparado multivitamínico/mineral del complejo B en dosis altas: ¿qué evidencia hay?

Objective: to perform a systematic literature review to examine the effects of high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplementation on physical, mental, and energy outcomes in healthy and ‘at-risk' (suboptimal nutritional status/subclinical symptoms at baseline) adult populations. Methods: PubMed was searched for relevant randomized controlled trials until January 2020. Results: overall, 136 publications were identified. In the seven randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies considered eligible for inclusion, supplementation in healthy populations predominantly showed improvements in perceived stress, physical stamina, concentration, and general mental health, and significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in self-reported vigour. However, not all of these outcomes were significant, and statistical correction for multiple outcomes was not commonly employed. Studies investigating brain mapping following supplementation indicated increased functional activity in brain regions related to processing of attention, executive control, and working memory during cognitive tasks. Conclusions: while there is certainly a need for further studies on the neurocognitive and physical benefits of micronutrient supplementation, this review provides generally supportive evidence for the benefits of a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement in healthy and at-risk populations in terms of physical, mental, and energy outcomes. (AU)

Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura para valorar los efectos de la administración de suplementos multivitamínicos/minerales del complejo B en dosis altas sobre los resultados físicos, mentales y energéticos en poblaciones adultas sanas y en situaciones especiales de riesgo (estado nutricional subóptimo/síntomas subclínicos al inicio del estudio). Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed de ensayos controlados aleatorios relevantes hasta enero de 2020.Resultados: en total se identificaron 136 publicaciones. En los siete estudios aleatorizados, doble ciego y controlados con placebo considerados elegibles para la inclusión, la suplementación en poblaciones sanas mostró predominantemente mejoras en la percepción del estrés, la resistencia física, la concentración y la salud mental general, así como una reducción significativa de la ansiedad y mejoras en la vitalidad según la autoevaluación de los participantes. Sin embargo, no todos estos resultados fueron significativos y la corrección estadística para múltiples resultados no se empleó habitualmente. Los estudios sobre el mapeo cerebral después de la suplementación, indicaron un aumento de la actividad funcional en las regiones del cerebro relacionadas con el procesamiento de la atención, el control ejecutivo y la memoria de trabajo durante tareas cognitivas. Conclusiones: si bien ciertamente existe la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre los beneficios neurocognitivos y físicos de la suplementación con micronutrientes, esta revisión proporciona evidencia en general sobre los beneficios de un suplemento multivitamínico/mineral del complejo B en dosis altas, en poblaciones sanas y en situaciones de riesgo, en términos de resultados físicos, mentales y energéticos. (AU)

B Vitamins Supplementation Can Improve Cognitive Functions and May Relate to the Enhancement of Transketolase Activity in A Rat Model of Cognitive Impairment Associated with High-fat Diets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether B vitamin treatment was sufficient to reduce cognitive impairment associated with high-fat diets in rats and to modulate transketolase (TK) expression and activity. METHODS: To test this, we separated 50 rats into five groups that were either fed a standard chow diet (controls) or a high-fat diet (experimental groups H0, H1, H2, and H3). H0 group animals received no additional dietary supplementation, while H1 group animals were administered 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) thiamine, 100 mg/kg BW riboflavin, and 250 mg/kg BW niacin each day, and group H2 animals received daily doses of 100 mg/kg BW pyridoxine, 100 mg/kg BW cobalamin, and 5 mg/kg BW folate. Animals in the H3 group received the B vitamin regimens administered to both H1 and H2 each day. RESULTS: Over time, group H0 exhibited greater increases in BW and fat mass relative to other groups. When spatial and memory capabilities in these animals were evaluated via conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and Morris Water Maze (MWM), we found B vitamin treatment was associated with significant improvements relative to untreated H0 controls. Similarly, B vitamin supplementation was associated with elevated TK expression in erythrocytes and hypothalamus of treated animals relative to those in H0 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest B vitamin can modulate hypothalamic TK activity to reduce the severity of cognitive deficits in a rat model of obesity. As such, B vitamin supplementation may be a beneficial method for reducing cognitive dysfunction in clinical settings associated with high-fat diets.

Potential mental and physical benefits of supplementation with a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement: What is the evidence?

INTRODUCTION: Objective: to perform a systematic literature review to examine the effects of high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplementation on physical, mental, and energy outcomes in healthy and 'at-risk' (suboptimal nutritional status/subclinical symptoms at baseline) adult populations. Methods: PubMed was searched for relevant randomized controlled trials until January 2020. Results: overall, 136 publications were identified. In the seven randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies considered eligible for inclusion, supplementation in healthy populations predominantly showed improvements in perceived stress, physical stamina, concentration, and general mental health, and significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in self-reported vigour. However, not all of these outcomes were significant, and statistical correction for multiple outcomes was not commonly employed. Studies investigating brain mapping following supplementation indicated increased functional activity in brain regions related to processing of attention, executive control, and working memory during cognitive tasks. Conclusions: while there is certainly a need for further studies on the neurocognitive and physical benefits of micronutrient supplementation, this review provides generally supportive evidence for the benefits of a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement in healthy and at-risk populations in terms of physical, mental, and energy outcomes.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura para valorar los efectos de la administración de suplementos multivitamínicos/minerales del complejo B en dosis altas sobre los resultados físicos, mentales y energéticos en poblaciones adultas sanas y en situaciones especiales de riesgo (estado nutricional subóptimo/síntomas subclínicos al inicio del estudio). Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed de ensayos controlados aleatorios relevantes hasta enero 2020. Resultados: en total se identificaron 136 publicaciones. En los siete estudios aleatorizados, doble ciego y controlados con placebo considerados elegibles para la inclusión, la suplementación en poblaciones sanas mostró predominantemente mejoras en la percepción del estrés, la resistencia física, la concentración y la salud mental general, así como una reducción significativa de la ansiedad y mejoras en la vitalidad según la autoevaluación de los participantes. Sin embargo, no todos estos resultados fueron significativos y la corrección estadística para múltiples resultados no se empleó habitualmente. Los estudios sobre el mapeo cerebral después de la suplementación, indicaron un aumento de la actividad funcional en las regiones del cerebro relacionadas con el procesamiento de la atención, el control ejecutivo y la memoria de trabajo durante tareas cognitivas. Conclusiones: si bien ciertamente existe la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre los beneficios neurocognitivos y físicos de la suplementación con micronutrientes, esta revisión proporciona evidencia en general sobre los beneficios de un suplemento multivitamínico/mineral del complejo B en dosis altas, en poblaciones sanas y en situaciones de riesgo, en términos de resultados físicos, mentales y energéticos.