A robust method for simultaneous determination of eight B vitamins in human serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The level of vitamin B group in human serum is an important index of human health. Among B vitamins, cyanocobalamin in serum is unstable and its content is extremely low. Rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple B vitamins including cyanocobalamin is a challenge. Herein, we have developed a rapid and stable method that can realize the determination of thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxic acid, biotin, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and cyanocobalamin simultaneously in 6 min. The method was established based on protein precipitation with methanol and then chromatographic separation was achieved using Waters acquity ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high strength silica T3 column, which was stable and sensitive especially for cyanocobalamin. Limit of quantification, precision, trueness, and matrix effect were validated according to the European Medicines Agency and United States Food and Drug guidelines and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines on bioanalytical method. The limit of quantification for thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxic acid, biotin, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and cyanocobalamin was 0.4, 0.4, 0.8, 2.0, 0.4, 0.1, 0.4, and 0.04 ng/mL separately, respectively. Intra- and interday precisions were 1.1%-12.4% and 2.0%-13.5%, respectively. The relative errors were between 0.3% and 13.3%, and the matrix effects were between 2.6% and 10.4%.

Co-culturing Propionibacterium freudenreichii and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis improves short-chain fatty acids and vitamin B12 contents in soy whey.

The lack of vitamin B12 in unprocessed plant-based foods can lead to health problems in strict vegetarians and vegans. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential synergy of co-culturing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Propionibacterium freudenreichii in improving production of vitamin B12 and short-chain fatty acids in soy whey. Different strategies including mono-, sequential and simultaneous cultures were adopted. Growth, short-chain fatty acids and vitamin B12 were assessed throughout the fermentation while free amino acids, volatiles, and isoflavones were determined on the final day. P. freudenreichii monoculture grew well in soy whey, whereas B. lactis monoculture entered the death phase by day 4. Principal component analysis demonstrates that metabolic changes in both sequential cultures did not show drastic differences to those of P. freudenreichii monoculture. However, simultaneous culturing significantly improved vitamin B12, acetic acid and propionic acid contents (1.3 times, 5 times, 2.5 times, compared to the next highest treatment [sequential cultures]) in fermented soy whey relative to other culturing modes. Hence, co-culturing of P. freudenreichii and B. lactis would provide an alternative method to improve vitamin B12, acetic acid and propionic acid contents in fermented foods.

Emission-based sensing of cobalt (II) and vitamin B12 via a bis-indole derivative.

In this study, a bis-indole compound was synthesized, characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and mass spectroscopic measurements and used as a selective and efficient probe for the spectrofluorimetric analysis of Co (II). The cobalt-induced quenching in the emission maximum at 567 nm was considered as the analytical signal in calibration studies. When encapsulated in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix, the bis-indole compound exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.60 × 10-11 M for Co (II). Vitamin B12, which contains a cobalt ion in the center of a corrin ring in its structure, was also successfully quantified using the same probe. The bis-indole compound showed a linear response based on quenching for increasing concentrations of vitamin B12, partially mimicking the contracted tetrapyrrole ring found naturally in the center of vitamin B12. The LOD for vitamin B12 was found to be 76 nm. Promising photophysical properties of the proposed probe, including high molar extinction coefficient, considerable quantum yield (0.46 and 0.64 in tetrahydrofuran and PMMA, respectively), high Stoke's shift and satisfactory photostability, make it a good choice for fluorescence-based Co (II) determination. The ML3-type stoichiometry of the complex between the dye and cobalt was elucidated both by Job's method and by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS).

The Fast Quantification of Vitamin B12 in Milk Powder by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

This study presents a new technique for determining vitamin B12 in milk powder using high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). We used ultrasonics with potassium ferrocyanide and zinc acetate solutions to extract the samples. 59Co was employed as the analytical target for cyanocobalamin. It was separated using a Phenomenex Luna 5 µm C18 (250 × 4.6 mm) chromatographic column with a mobile phase consisting of 1.6 mmol/L EDTA and 0.4 mmol/L KH2PO4 in a 60% v/v methanol solution (pH = 4.0). The sample has an excellent separating degree for free cobalt and cyanocobalamin, and isocratic elution can be finished within 4.0 min. To eliminate the matrix interference due to the presence of milk powder, we applied collision mode (KED). The linear range of cyanocobalamine ranged from 1.0 µg/L to 20 µg/L, with correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.9994. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.63 µg/kg, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 2.11 µg/kg. The mean recoveries were in the range of 87.4-103.6%. The accuracy and precision of the developed method are well suited for the fast quantification of the trace vitamin B12 in milk powder.

Optimization of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Sorption onto Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

The techniques used to detect and quantify cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) vary considerably in terms of detection sensitivity, from the most sensitive, based on radioisotopes and mass spectrometry (MS) with limits of detection (LOD) in fg mL-1, to fluorescence (FL) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors with LOD values in the range of a few µg mL-1. For accurate quantification of an analyte present at trace levels in complex biological matrices, a selective separation and enrichment step is required to overcome matrix interferences and ensure sufficient detection sensitivity. In this study, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) were used for the extraction and initial preconcentration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). In the dependence of the magnetization on the H-field (hysteresis loop), no coercivity and remanence values were found at 300 K, indicating the superparamagnetic properties of the tested IONPs. Perfluorinated acids were used as amphiphilic agents to allow the sorption of cyanocobalamin onto the IONPs. FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy was used to confirm the sorption of cyanocobalamin on the IONPs. The influence of the addition of a homologous series of perfluorinated acids such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) to the extraction mixture was tested considering their type, mass, and time required for effective sorption. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm, described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations, were analyzed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) exceeded 6 mg g-1 and was 8.9 mg g-1 and 7.7 mg g-1 for HFBA and TCAA, respectively, as the most efficient additives. After the desorption process using aqueous KH2PO4 solution, the sample was finally analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. The IONP-based method was successfully applied for the isolation of cyanocobalamin from human urine samples. The results showed that the developed approach is simple, cheap, accurate, and efficient for the determination of traces of cyanocobalamin in biological matrices.

Deep-Learning-Assisted Discriminative Detection of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 by Fluorescent MoSe2 Quantum Dots.

A facile and environmentally mindful approach for the synthesis of MoSe2 QDs was developed via the hydrothermal method from bulk MoSe2. In this, the exfoliation of MoSe2 was enhanced with the aid of an intercalation agent (KOH), which could reduce the exfoliation time and increase the exfoliation efficiency to form MoSe2 QDs. We found that MoSe2 QDs display blue emission that is suitable for different applications. This fluorescence property of MoSe2 QDs was harnessed to fabricate a dual-modal sensor for the detection of both vitamin B12 (VB12) and vitamin B9 (VB9), employing fluorescence quenching. We performed a detailed study on the fluorescence quenching mechanism of both analytes. The predominant quenching mechanism for VB12 is via Förster resonance energy transfer. In contrast, the recognition of VB9 primarily relies on the inner filter effect. We applied an emerging and captivating approach to pattern recognition, the deep-learning method, which enables machines to "learn" patterns through training, eliminating the need for explicit programming of recognition methods. This attribute endows deep-learning with immense potential in the realm of sensing data analysis. Here, analyzing the array-based sensing data, the deep-learning technique, "convolution neural networks", has achieved 93% accuracy in determining the contribution of VB12 and VB9.

Exploring the potential nutritional benefits of Arthrospira maxima and Chlorella vulgaris: A focus on vitamin B12, amino acids, and micronutrients.

Arthrospira (Limnospira) maxima (A. maxima) and Chlorella vulgaris (Ch. vulgaris) are among the approved microalgae and cyanobacteria (MaC) in the food industry that are known to be safe for consumption. However, both organisms are controversial regarding their vitamin B12 content, due to the possible occurrence of pseudo-cobalamin. Concurrently, their nutrition profiles remain understudied. The main purpose of the present study was to identify their nutrition profiles, focusing mainly on vitamin B12, amino acids, and micronutrients under iron-induced hormesis (10 mg/L Fe in treated samples). Our findings indicate a higher B12 content in A. maxima compared to Ch. vulgaris (both control and treated samples). Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the cyanocobalamin content was determined as 0.42 ± 0.09 µg/g dried weight (DW) in the A. maxima control and 0.55 ± 0.02 µg/g DW in treated A. maxima, resulting in an insignificant difference. In addition, the iron-enriched medium increased the amount of iron in both tested biomasses (p < 0.01). However, a more pronounced (approximately 100×) boost was observed in Ch. vulgaris, indicating a better absorption capacity (control Ch. vulgaris 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/g Fe, treated Ch. vulgaris 15.40 ± 0.34 mg/g Fe). Additionally, Ch. vulgaris also showed a higher micronutrient content. Using both tested microalgae, meeting the sufficient recommended daily mineral allowance for an adult is possible. By combining biomass from A. maxima and Ch. vulgaris in a ratio of 6:1, we can fulfill the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 and iron by consuming 6 tablets/6 g. Importantly, iron hormesis stimulated amino acid composition in both organisms. The profile of amino acids may suggest these biomasses as promising potential nutrition sources.

Evaluation of vitamin B12 monitoring in patients on metformin in urban ambulatory care settings

Background: Previous studies linked metformin use to vitamin B12 deficiency and demonstrated that the prevalence of vitamin B12 monitoring remains low. Objective: This study aimed to assess the occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in a diverse population. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin doses ≥ 1000 mg for ≥ 6 months at five Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and one Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Charts were reviewed for occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in the past 5 years. Data collected included patient demographics, laboratory data, other potential vitamin B12 level lowering agents, active prescription for vitamin B12 supplementation, concomitant diabetes medications and metformin total daily dose. Results: Of the 322 patients included, 25% had a vitamin B12 level measured in the previous five years. Among the patients with a vitamin B12 level, 87.7% were within the normal range (>350 pg/mL), 11.1% were low (200-300 pg/mL), and only one patient (1.2%) was deficient (<200 pg/mL). These patients were older (69.2 vs. 56.4, p<0.001); more likely to be white (56.8% vs. 37.8%, p=0.04); and more likely to use proton pump inhibitors (34.6% vs. 20.7%, p=0.02) and vitamin B12 supplementation (27.2% vs. 4.6%, p<0.001). Vitamin B12 monitoring differed between the FQHC (15.2%) and PACE (97.4%) sites (p<0.001). Each greater year of age was associated with a 5% increased odds of vitamin B12 monitoring (a OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08). Conclusions: The majority of patients seen at the FQHC sites did not have vitamin B12 levels monitored, however, most of the patients who were monitored had normal vitamin B12 levels, which may warrant extending the monitoring time. This finding may also support monitoring patients who have additional risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency such as concurrent medication use with other vitamin B12 lowering agents or clinical symptoms of deficiency such as peripheral neuropathy. Future studies are needed to determine appropriate frequency of monitoring

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Determinación de ingesta y fuentes dietéticas de vitaminaB12 en adultos mayores chilenos / Determination of intake and dietetic sources of vitamin B12in Chileans elderly

Fundamentos: La Vitamina B-12 es una de las vitaminas fundamentales para la salud del adulto mayor (AM).El objetivo fue determinar y caracterizar el consumo de Vitamina B-12 en población AM en la Región Metropolitana. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, se entrevistaron a 250 AM del gran Santiago, ≥ 60 años, a cada AM se le aplicó una encuesta de tendencia de consumo adaptada solo con alimentos de origen animal para obtener la ingesta diaria de Vitamina B-12.Resultados:Del total de hombres encuestados un 8% está bajo el Requerimiento Promedio Estimado (EAR) y un 14% bajo la Dosis Diaria Recomendada (RDA), en mujeres un 3,2% estaba bajo el EAR y 9,1% bajo el RDA. Se observa una mayor ingesta en los hombres solo en el grupo de huevos, y una tendencia al mayor consumo en hombres de embutidos y cecinas, en el resto de alimentos no se presentan diferencias significativas. En mujeres la leche representa el mayor aporte de Vitamina B-12 (43%), seguida por el huevo (14%), vacuno (13%), pescado (6%), en hombres en cambio el 36% de la Vitamina B-12 es aportada por leche, huevos (17%), vacuno (14%) y mariscos (8%). Conclusiones: Se observó un bajo porcentaje de AM que presentan un bajo consumo de Vitamina B-12, y que la mayor parte de esta vitamina es aportada por lácteos y huevos

Background: Vitamin B-12 is one of the fundamental vitamins for health of the elderly (EL). The objective was to determine and characterize the consumption of Vitamin B-12 in the EL population in the Metropolitan Region. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, 250 EL were interviewed in Santiago of Chile, ≥ 60 years, to each survey was applied adapted only withfood of animal origin to obtain the daily intake of vitamin B-12. Results: 221 surveys that were complete were analyzed. Of the total men surveyed, 8% are under the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and 14% under the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), in women 3.2% were under the EAR and 9.1% under the RDA. A higher intake is observed in men only in eggs, and a tendencyin a greater consumption of sausage in men, in the rest of foods there are no significant differences. In women milk represents the highest contribution of vitamin B-12 (43%), followed by egg (14%), beef (12%) andfish, the difference in men 36% of vitamin B-12 is contributed by milk, eggs (17%), beef (14%) and seafood (8%). Conclusions: We observed a low percentage of AM that present a low consumption of vitamin B-12, and that most of this vitamin is contributed by dairy products and eggs

Pruebas bioquímicas para el diagnóstico de anemia megaloblástica / Biochemical tests for diagnosis of megaloblastic anemias / Testes bioquímicos para o diagnóstico de anemia megaloblástica

Es intención de este trabajo hacer un breve repaso sobre el metabolismo de la Vitamina B12 y del Folato o Vitamina B9. Estas dos vitaminas hidrosolubles juegan un papel importante en el metabolismo celular. Son cofactores de reacciones metabólicas de transferencia de grupos monocarbonados, esenciales para el mantenimiento de la vida. Además se describen las nuevas determinaciones de laboratorio, se evalúan cuáles son los estudios necesarios para arribar a un correcto diagnóstico del paciente con Anemia Macrocítica (AM), su etiología y cómo muchas drogas de uso frecuente en medicina producen AM. Se realiza también la evaluación del conjunto de metodologías que se pueden efectuar como rutina en el laboratorio especializado en hematología y se propone un algoritmo para el diagnóstico del paciente con AM.

The aim of this article is to make a little review on Vitamin B12 and Folate or Vitamin B9 metabolism. These hydrosoluble vitamins have a very important role in cell metabolism. They are cofactors in metabolic reactions of methyl group transfer, essential for life maintaining. Furthermore, new laboratory tests are described, and it is evaluated which the necessary studies are to arrive at a correct diagnosis for macrocytic anemia (MA) patients, their etiology, and how many drugs frequently used in medicine originate MA. Also, the set of methodologies that can be carried out routinely in the laboratory specialized in hematology is evaluated. Finally, a diagnosis algorithm to detect MA in patients is proposed.

Este trabalho visa a realizar uma breve revisão sobre o metabolismo da Vitamina B12 e do Folato ou Vitamina B9. Estas duas vitaminas hidrossolúveis têm um papel importante no metabolismo celular. São cofatores de reações metabólicas de transferência de grupos monocarbonados, essenciais para manter a vida. Também são descritas novas determinações de laboratório, avaliam-se quais são os estudos necessários para chegar a um diagnóstico correto do paciente com Anemia Macrocítica (AM), sua etiologia e de qué maneira muitas drogas de uso frequente em medicina produzem AM. Realiza-se também a avaliação do conjunto de metodologias que podem realizar-se como rotina no laboratório especializado em hematologia e se propõe um algoritmo para o diagnóstico do paciente com AM.

Efeito da administração de propileno glicol e cobalto associado à vitamina B12 sobre o perfil metabólico e a atividade enzimática de ovelhas da raça Santa Inês no periparto / Effect of propylene glycol, cobalt and vitamin B12 on the metabolic profile and enzymatic in Santa Inês ewes in peripartum

(AU)O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da administração de propileno glicol e cobalto associado à vitamina B12 sobre o perfil metabólico e a atividade enzimática de ovelhas da raça Santa Inês no período do periparto. Foram utilizadas 18 ovelhas prenhes, pesando em torno de 40kg. Aproximadamente 30 dias antes da data prevista para o parto foram separadas de maneira aleatória em três grupos e administrados os suplementos conforme a seguir: (G1/n=6) grupo que recebeu propileno glicol (30mL por via oral diariamente); (G2/n=6) grupo que recebeu cobalto (1mg de cloreto de cobalto a 1%, via oral diariamente) associado a vitamina B12 (2mg via intramuscular, semanalmente) e (G3/n=6) grupo controle. As amostras de sangue das ovelhas para avaliação do perfil metabólico e enzimático (glicose, β-hidroxibutirato-BHB, NEFA, proteína total, albumina, uréia, creatinina, AST, GGT, FA e CK) foram colhidas 30 dias antes da data prevista para o parto, uma semana antes (ante-parto), no parto, às 24h, 72h, 5 dias, 15 dias e 30 dias após o parto. Não foi observado cetonúria nos momentos que antecederam ao parto. A administração dos suplementos não influenciou sobre o perfil metabólico, protéico e energético, assim como não houve comprometimento hepático das ovelhas no período do periparto.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the administration of propylene glycol and cobalt associated with vitamin B12 on the metabolic profile and enzymatic activity of Santa Inês ewes in the peripartum period. A total of 18 pregnant ewes, weighing around 40kg were used. Approximately 30 days before the expected date of delivery were randomly separated into three groups and administered supplements as follows: (G1/n = 6) group received propylene glycol (30mL orally daily); (G2/n = 6) group receiving cobalt (1mg cobalt chloride 1%, orally daily) associated with vitamin B12 (2mg intramuscular weekly) and (G3/n = 6) control group. Blood samples from ewes to evaluate the enzymatic and metabolic profile (glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, BHB, NEFA, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, AST, GGT, ALP and CK) were taken 30 days before the date set for delivery, one week before (ante partum), delivery at 24h, 72h, 5 days, 15 days and 30 days after delivery. ketonuria was not observed in pre partum. The administration of supplements had no effect on the metabolic profile, protein and energy, and no liver disorders was observed in peripartum.(AU)

La polimedicación en mayores institucionalizados; su efecto sobre los nivelesde vitamina B12, folato y homocisteína / Polymedication in institutionalized elderly and its effect on vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels

Objetivo: Determinar qué tipo de medicamentos consume una población de ancianos institucionalizados en la Comunidad de Madrid y valorar la influencia de estos fármacos sobre las concentraciones de vitamina B12 (B12y holotranscobalamina), folato sérico (FS) y homocisteína (Hcy).Metodología: 167 individuos (32% varones), edad media 83 ± 7 años, fueron categorizados dependiendo de si la variable bioquímica estaba dentro o fuera del intervalo de normalidad. Los medicamentos fueron agrupados según la clasificación ATC. Mediante una prueba exacta de Fisher se estudió la relación entre el consumo de un determinado grupo de fármacos y la alteración de los niveles de las variables bioquímicas. Resultados: El consumo medio diario fue de 5 fármacos diferentes. Los más consumidos fueron psicolépticos y antiácidos (ambos 53%). Se observaron deficiencias deB12 (mediana 158,2 pg/mL; 10,7%), FS (5,3 ng/mL;52,1%), holotranscobalamina (11,76 pmoL/L; 7,8%) y un65,9% de hiperhomocisteinemia (19,4 μmoL/L). La toma de antianémicos normalizaba los valores de B12, los preparados urológicos y los corticosteroides los niveles de folato y los psicoanalépticos los de holotranscobalamina.La medicación contra obstrucciones pulmonares aumentaba los niveles de Hcy (todos p < 0,05).Conclusión: La población estudiada presentaba una alta prevalencia de déficit de FS e hyperhomocisteinemia.El número elevado de medicamentos tomados simultáneamente hace difícil determinar qué fármacos son responsables de estas alteraciones (AU)

Aim: To determine drug consumption in institutionalized elderly living in the Region of Madrid (Spain) and to assess the relationship between drug intake and biochemical parameters for vitamin B12 (Cobalamin and Holotranscobalamin), serum folate (SF) and homocysteine(Hcy).Methods: 167 subjects (32% men), mean age 83±7years, were classified according to biochemical parameter levels (in or out of reference range) and drugs were classified according to ATC system. The relationship between drug intake and biochemical levels was studied by means of the Fisher exact test. Results: The daily mean drug intake was 5. Psicoleptic and antiacid drugs were the most consumed (both 53%).Cobalamin (median 158.2 pg/mL; 10.7% of individuals),SF (5.3 ng/mL; 52.1%) and holotranscobalamin (11.76pmoL/L; 7.8%) deficiencies were observed. Hyperhomocysteinaemia (19.4 μmoL/L) was present in 65% of population. Antiaenemic drug intake normalized cobalamin, urologic drug and corticosteroids SF and psicoanaleptics holotranscobalamin levels. Drugs against pulmonar obs -truction increased Hcy concentration (all p < 0.05).Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of SF deficiency and hyperhomocysteinaemia in the studied population. The elevated number of drugs taken simultaneously by each subject makes it difficult to analyze which drugs are responsible for those alterations (AU)

Estudio sobre las concentraciones sèricas de vitamina B 12 y ácido fólico en el primer trimestrede embarazo en el Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén / Vitamin B 12 and folic acid levels in the first trimester of pregnancy in a hospital in Jaen (Spain)

Introducción. Durante el primer trimestre de embarazo es muy importante, para el correcto desarrollo del feto, unas concentraciones sèricas adecuados de vitamina B12 y ácido fólico. Un déficit de estas vitaminas produce, entre otros efectos, defectos del tubo neural del feto. Por tanto, durante el primer trimestre del embarazo, se suplementan porque aumentan las necesidades de estas vitaminas. Métodos. Según el Proceso Asistencial Integrado de embarazo, parto y puerperio del Servicio Andaluz de Salud se indica la quimioprofilaxis de 0,4 mg/día de ácido fólico hasta la semana 12 de gestación, para prevenir los defectos del tubo neural ¿Sería necesario aumentar los estudios para modificar esta dosis en la actualidad? ¿Influye la edad de la gestante en la dosis de ácido fólico a tomar? Por otro lado, el Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén determina, en la décima semana de gestación, el riesgo prenatal de síndrome de Down, entre otras cromosomopatías, mediante una analítica a todas las embarazadas de nuestro medio. ¿Conocemos cómo son las concentraciones sèricas de ácido fólico y vitamina B12 en las embarazadas recientes de nuestro medio? ¿Hay diferencias con respecto a la edad de las gestantes? Resultados. Según nuestros resultados, la mayoría de las gestantes de nuestro estudio tienen concentraciones sèricas de vitamina B12 y ácido fólico en sangre por debajo de lo recomendado, un 82 y un 70% respectivamente. Además no existen diferencias en cuanto a la edad de las gestantes (AU)

Introduction. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy is very important for the proper development of the foetus. A deficiency of these vitamins causes neural tube defects in the foetus, as well as having other effects. Therefore, these vitamins are supplemented during the first trimester of pregnancy due to increasing needs. Methods. According to the Integrated Care Process of pregnancy and childbirth of Andalusian Health Service, chemoprophylaxis of 0.4 mg/day of folic acid is indicated until the 12th week of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Are more studies needed to determine if this dose should now be modified? Does age of the mother have an effect on the dose of folate to take?. Furthermore, in the tenth week of pregnancy Jaen Hospital tests for the prenatal risk of Down's syndrome, including chromosomal abnormalities, on all pregnant women in its catchment area. Do we know how the levels of folate and B12 in early pregnancy in our area? Are there differences regarding the age of the pregnant woman?. Results. According to our results the majority of pregnant women in our study have vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in the blood below that recommended, 82 and 70%, respectively. There are no differences in the ages of the pregnant women (AU)

Homocisteína, vitaminas relacionadas y estilos de vida en personas de edad avanzada: estudio SÉNECA / Homocysteine related vitamins and lifestyles in the elderly people: SENECA study

El Estudio SÉNECA es un estudio longitudinal prospectivo, con un seguimiento de diez años, en personas de edad avanzada europeas (19 ciudades, 2.100 hombres y mujeres, nacidos entre 1913 y 1918). Se han evaluado en el presente trabajo la homocisteinemia en los diferentes países participantes, su relación con las vitaminas ácido fólico, B12 y B6, así como otros factores y estilos de vida que potencialmente pueden modificar la concentración de tHcy: alcohol y tabaco. La homocisteinemia media de todos los centros participantes es de 15,98 μmol/l, aunque con importantes diferencias geográficas: se observa un marcado patrón norte-sur en el que las concentraciones más bajas corresponden a los países mediterráneos, obteniéndose diferencias por encima de 4 μmol/l al comparar con países del centro y norte europeo. Los hombres presentan generalmente valores más elevados de tHcy que las mujeres, aunque esta diferencia no se observa en los países donde la homocisteinemia media es más elevada. Para estudiar el efecto del envejecimiento per se, se compararon los resultados de tHcy con los obtenidos diez años antes, encontrándose diferencias significativas para los mismos individuos. Los valores sanguíneos de folato y vitamina B12 también difieren significativamente según los centros, mostrando el mismo patrón norte sur y se correlacionan de forma inversa con los valores de homocisteinemia. Tanto la concentración plasmática de folato como la de vitamina B12, pero no la de vitamina B6, se comportan como predictores potentes de la tHcy. La ingesta absoluta de alcohol se correlaciona positiva y significativamente con la tHcy: los no bebedores presentan la homocisteinemia más baja mientras que los consumidores habituales de más de 30 g diarios de etanol presentan la homocisteinemia más elevada, encontrándose diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. No obstante, el efecto difiere según el tipo de bebida más frecuente: el consumo de vino y bebidas de alta graduación alcohólica se correlaciona positivamente con los valores de Hcy, mientras que no se observa asociación en el caso de la cerveza. El tabaquismo influye en la tHcy. Así, los fumadores, pero también los ex fumadores, presentan concentraciones más elevadas que los no fumadores

The SENECA study started in 1988 and consisted of a random age- and sex-stratified sample of inhabitants of 19 European towns. A total of 2.100 elderly people were finally able to be included in the study. The present study includes results for total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and the related vitamins folate, B12 and B6. Other style factors as alcohol consumption or smoking have been also evaluated. The lowest values for tHcy corresponded to Mediterranean countries (Portugal, Spain, and Greece), compared to central or northern european countries (Netherland or Belgium (differences higher than 4 μmol/l). In addition, an interesting north-south gradient is observed, with the lowest values for tHcy corresponding to Betanzos (Spain), 12.38 μmol/l followed by both centers in Portugal, whereas the highest concentrations are found in Maki (Poland), 21.92 μmol/l and Culemborg (Netherlands), 20.41 μmol/l. The mean tHcy concentration for all the European centers was 15.98 μmol/l. Effect of sex has been also evaluated: those countries with the lowest tHcy concentration (i.e. Spain or Portugal) show significant (p < 0.01) higher tHcy concentration in men vs women, whereas these differences by sex are not observed in countries with the highest tHcy values. The effect of “aging” within the same individuals after ten years of follow up was also evaluated: a significant difference was observed for the same individuals in the 10-years period. Plasma folic acid was compared to tHcy values, resulting also in marked differences between north and southern countries. Plasma vitamin B12 also shows a close pattern. Either plasma folate or vitamin B12 were shown as strong predictors of tHcy. This effect was not observed for plasma vitamin B6. Total alcohol intake was positively and significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with tHcy (“no” intake corresponded with the lowest tHcy, 14.3 μmol/l vs “high” intake-over 30 g/d-with the highest tHcy, 17 μmol/l). The type of alcoholic beverage was also evaluated: wine and spirits drinkers showed positively significant (p < 0.005) correlation whereas beer intake was not significantly associated. Smoking was also analysed: “never” smokers had the lowest tHcy concentration (13.82 ± 0.20 μmol/l) vs “current” smokers (16.64 ± 0.35 μmol/l), a significant difference (p < 0.05)

Niveles de homocisteína, vitamina B12 y ácido fólico en sangre materna y de cordón umbilical en la hipertensión inducida por el embarazo / Study of maternal and cord blood levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in pregnancy induced hypertension

Los datos relativos a los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la sangre del cordón umbilical de los recién nacidos hijos de madres con preeclampsia son muy limitados. El presente estudio fue diseñado para investigar la relación entre la concentración de homocisteína, vitamina B12 y ácido fólico en el suero materno y en el suero venoso del cordón umbilical de los respectivos neonatos. Para este estudio se seleccionaron cincuenta mujeres con hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (grupo II) para comparar sus niveles de homocisteína, vitamina B12 y ácido fólico con los de cincuenta embarazadas normotensas (grupo I). Los valores medios de homocisteína y ácido fólico fueron mayores en la sangre materna de las embarazadas hipertensas que en la sangre de las normotensas (p < 0.001 y p > 0.05, respectivamente). El valor medio de vitamina B12 fue menor en la sangre materna de las embarazadas hipertensas, en comparación con la sangre de las normotensas (p > 0.05). Los valores promedio de homocisteína y ácido fólico fueron mayores en la sangre del cordón umbilical de las embarazadas hipertensas que en la sangre del cordón de las normotensas (p < 0.001 y p < 0.01, respectivamente). El valor promedio de la vitamina B12 fue menor en la sangre del cordón umbilical de las embarazadas hipertensas en comparación con la sangre del cordón de las normotensas (p < 0.01). Se encontró una asociación positiva entre la homocisteína fetal y la edad gestacional del feto en el momento del parto en el grupo II. Se observó una asociación negativa entre los niveles de homocisteína y ácido fólico de las madres en el grupo II, que fue estadísticamente significativa (AU)

Concentración de vitamina B12 en suero en población puberal de la Comunidad de Madrid / Serum vitamin B12 levels in an adolescent population in Madrid

Introducción: Disponer de datos sobre la concentración de vitamina B12 en suero en niños es imprescindible para establecer unos percentiles que permitan realizar comparaciones entre regiones o países y poder plantear la suplementación de la dieta con vitaminas del grupo B como prevención secundaria frente a las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de tipo transversal, con el fin de estimar las concentraciones séricas de vitamina B12 en la población escolar entre 13 y 15 años en la Comunidad de Madrid. Se realizó una determinación de folato y vitamina B12 en las muestras de sangre obtenidas en ayunas. Se determinó el genotipo C677T de la enzima metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: Las concentraciones medias de vitamina B12 obtenidos en nuestro estudio fueron de 503 pmol/l; intervalo de confianza del 95 % (IC 95 %) (478-528 pmol/l). La mediana fue de 471 pmol/l; rango intercuartílico (337-632 pmol/l). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas por edad o genotipo C677T. La concentración sérica de vitamina B12 fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres. La prevalencia de valores deficitarios de vitamina B12 (< 224 pmol/l) fue del 6 % en varones y del 4 % en mujeres. Conclusiones: Se presentan valores de referencia de las concentraciones de vitamina B12 sérica en población adolescente. La prevalencia de déficit de vitamina B12 es mayor en varones (AU)

Introduction: Serum vitamin B12 concentration levels in children are essential to establish values in order to compare different regions or countries, and for considering e the possibility of supplementing diets with group B vitamins as a secondary prevention against cardiovascular diseases. Material and methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out to asses serum vitamin B12 levels in school children, 13-15 years of age, in Madrid. Folate and vitamin B12 vitamin determinations were performed on fasting blood samples. Genotype C677T of methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme was determined by PCR. Results: The mean vitamin B12 level obtained in our study was 503 pmol/l; CI 95 % CI (478-528 pmol/l). The median was 471 pmol/l; interquartile range (IR) (337-632 pmol/l). No statistically significant differences were found by age or C677T genotype for MTHFR. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly higher in females. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency (< 224 pmol/l) was 6 % in males and 4 % in females. Conclusions: Reference values for serum vitamin B12 concentrations in an adolescent population are presented. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiencies is higher in males (AU)

Concentraciones elevadas de homocisteína en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Increased homocysteine levels in polycystic ovary syndrome

Fundamento y objetivo: En las mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) es frecuente que haya factores de riesgo que predispongan a tener enfermedad cardiovascular. Se sabe que la hiperhomocisteinemia es un factor de riesgo independiente para esta enfermedad. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido conocer si las mujeres jóvenes con SOP presentan concentraciones elevadas de homocisteína, y su posible relación con las de folato y vitamina B12. Pacientes y método: Se seleccionó a 39 mujeres con SOP, con una edad media (desviación estándar [DE]) de 28,9 (5,8) años, y 39 mujeres sanas de edad similar, y en todas ellas se evaluaron: tabaquismo, ciclos menstruales, grado de hirsutismo, índice de masa corporal, presencia de síndrome metabólico y concentraciones de homocisteína, lípidos, glucosa, creatinina, folato, vitamina B12, folitropina (FSH), lutropina (LH) y androstendiona. Resultados: Los ciclos menstruales, el grado de hirsutismo, los valores de androstendiona y LH y la relación LH/FSH eran más elevados, como se esperaba, en las pacientes con SOP. Además, las pacientes presentaban valores más elevados de homocisteína (media [DE] de 9,1 [2,1] frente a 6,4 [1,8] mmol/l; p 110 mg/dl) (el 23 frente al 2,5%; p = 0,01) y unos valores más bajos de folato (media [DE] de 7,6 [3,7] frente a 10,2 [3,6] ng/ml; p = 0,02). En una regresión lineal múltiple, se comprobó una asociación negativa entre las concentraciones de homocisteína y las de folato (r2 = 0,05; p = 0,02). Conclusiones: La homocisteinemia es más elevada en las mujeres con SOP y se asocia negativamente a las concentraciones de folato

Background and objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit frequently risk factors that predispose to cardiovascular disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for this disease. The aim of this study was to know whether young women with PCOS have increased homocysteine levels. We also analyzed their possible relation with folate and vitamin B12 levels. Patients and method: Thirty nine patients with PCOS were studied; (age: mean [standard deviation] 28.9 [5.8] years), and 39 healthy women similar in age. We evaluated in all of them: smoking, menstrual cycles, hirsutism, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and levels of homocysteine, lipids, glucose, creatinine, folate, vitamin B12, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and androstendione. Results: Menstrual cycles, hirsutism, androstendione, LH levels and LH/FSH were higher, as we expected, in patients with PCOS. Moreover, patients had increased homocysteine (9.1 [2.1] vs 6.4 [1.8] mmol/L; p 110 mg/dl) (23% vs 2.5%; p =.01) and lower folate levels (7.6 [3.7] vs 10.2 [3.6] ng/ml; p = 0.02). A multiple linear regression showed a negative association between homocysteine and folate levels (r2 = 0.05; p =.02). Conclusions: Homocysteinemia is increased in women with PCOS, and it is negatively associated with folate levels

Deficiencia de hierro, ácido fólico y vitamina B12 en mujeres mexicanas urbanas en edad reproductiva / Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies, in mexican urban women at childbearing age

Objetivo: Evaluar el estado de nutrición en hierro, folato y vitamina B12 y determinar la prevalencia de anemia en un grupo de mujeres no embarazadas, no lactando, que habitan en la Ciudad de México y que acuden a un servicio de salud por presentar esterilidad. Material y métodos: Se estudió un grupo de 117 mujeres que fueron atendidas en la consulta externa de un hospital de enseñanza, especializado en la atención de la mujer en edad reproductiva. Las mujeres fueron evaluadas en una sola ocasión, y previo consentimiento, se determinaron sus niveles de hemoglobina, ferritina, folato eritrocitario y vitamina B12 en plasma. Ninguna de ellas consumió suplementos vitamínicos o sustancias que pudieran interferir con el metabolismo de los nutrimentos evaluados.Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia fue cercana a 12 por ciento (hemoglobina < 130 g/L) y las deficiencias específicas aisladas más frecuentes fueron: ácido fólico 28 por ciento, y deficiencia de hierro 20 por ciento. Sólo 5.1 por ciento de las mujeres presentaron deficiencia de vitamina B12. Las deficiencias de folato y hierro, incrementaron significativamente el riesgo de presentar anemia (Razón de momios 5.37, IC 95 por ciento 1.55-18.54 y 3.8 IC 95 por ciento 1.02-14.60, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Existe un porcentaje significativo de anemia y deficiencia de ácido fólico y hierro, así como de vitamina B12 en mujeres en edad reproductiva con esterilidad.

Determinación de vitaminas del Complejo B enArthrospira maxima por cromatografía líquidade alta resolución / The Determination of vitamin B-complex in Arthrospira maxima through high resolution liquid chromatography

Se diseñan dos métodos para la extracción de las vitaminas del complejo B en muestras de Arthrospira maxima cubana. Para la determinación, se emplea un sistema HPLC formado por una columna de octadecilsilano y fases móviles de metanol - agua - ácido fosfórico 0.1 mol/L (20:79.5:0.5) para el análisis de la cianocobalamina y (30:69.5:0.5) para el resto de las vitaminas, empleando hexanosulfonato sódico 5 mM en ambos casos. Las velocidades de flujo son de 1 y 0.8 mL/min respectivamente. La determinación se realiza a 362 y 270 nm. Se observó que la Arthrospira maxima cultivada en Cuba constituye una rica fuente de vitaminas del grupo B presentando un contenido promedio de 3.1 mg/10g de tiamina, 4.0 mg/10g de riboflavina, 9.0 mg/10g de piridoxina, 0.29 mg/10g de cianocobalamina, 21 mg/10g de ácido nicotínico y 26 mg/10g de nicotinamida (AU)