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De la Cruz-Góngora V, Palazuelos-González R, Domínguez-Flores O. Micronutrient Deficiencies in Older Adults in Latin America: A Narrative Review. Food Nutr Bull 2024; 45:S26-S38. [PMID: 38146136 DOI: 10.1177/03795721231214587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) has experienced a major demographic transition with increased numbers of older adults (OA). This change brings opportunities in the public health sector to implement health prevention interventions and delay the onset of geriatric syndromes. Micronutrients play an important role in the maintenance of biological function which contributes to longevity. Micronutrient deficiencies (MD) in OA increase the risk for onset of chronic comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. AIM To review and summarize the existing data on micronutrient status in OA in the LAC region and discuss the gaps and challenges in public health approaches to address deficiencies. METHODS Literature review in Medline for records describing nutritional biomarkers in older adults (≥ 60y) from community dwelling and population-based studies in LAC. RESULTS Few countries (including Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Mexico) have documented one or more nutritional deficiencies for OA in national health surveys, however across the entire region, evidence of micronutrient levels is scarce. Some surveys have documented a high prevalence and large heterogeneity in the prevalence of vitamin D followed by B12 deficiency, being the 2 MDs most studied due their effects on cognition, frailty, and bone mineral density in the OA population. Other MD including C, E, A, copper, zinc, iron, and selenium have also been reported. CONCLUSION Information on the micronutrient status in OA from LAC is poorly documented. Research and capacity building initiatives in the region are crucial to develop tailored strategies that address the specific nutritional needs and challenges faced by the ageing population in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa De la Cruz-Góngora
- Center for Evaluation and Survey Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Omar Domínguez-Flores
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Carrasco-Cabezas M, Assmann TS, Martínez P, Cerpa L, Calfunao S, Echiburú B, Maliqueo M, Crisosto N, Salas-Pérez F. Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Chilean Women with PCOS and Their Association with Metabolic Outcomes. Nutrients 2024; 16:1937. [PMID: 38931291 PMCID: PMC11206694 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS have been found to have an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the levels of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) and their relationship with metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Anthropometric, clinical, and genetic analyses were conducted to evaluate markers related to one-carbon metabolism in women with PCOS and in a control group. The PCOS group had a higher BMI and HOMA-IR (1.7 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001). HDL cholesterol levels were 23% lower and triglyceride levels were 74% higher in women with PCOS. Although there were no significant differences in folate and B12 levels between the PCOS and control groups, over 60% of women with PCOS had low B12 levels (<300 pg/mL) and high homocysteine levels. In addition, the MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. Moreover, erythrocyte folate levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and free androgen index, and negatively correlated with SHBG and LH levels. These results suggest that B vitamins may be associated with the metabolic phenotype in PCOS. This study emphasizes the potential link between folate, vitamin B12, and metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Carrasco-Cabezas
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (M.C.-C.); (L.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Taís Silveira Assmann
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil;
| | - Paz Martínez
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.M.); (B.E.); (M.M.); (N.C.)
- Health Sciences Institute, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua 3070000, Chile
| | - Leslie Cerpa
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (M.C.-C.); (L.C.); (S.C.)
- Latin American Network for Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Susan Calfunao
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (M.C.-C.); (L.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Bárbara Echiburú
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.M.); (B.E.); (M.M.); (N.C.)
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.M.); (B.E.); (M.M.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicolás Crisosto
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.M.); (B.E.); (M.M.); (N.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7650568, Chile
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3
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Miller JW, Smith A, Troen AM, Mason JB, Jacques PF, Selhub J. Excess Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Clinical Implications? Food Nutr Bull 2024; 45:S67-S72. [PMID: 38987872 DOI: 10.1177/03795721241229503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 1940s to 1950s, high-dose folic acid supplements (>5 mg/d) were used clinically to reverse the megaloblastic anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia. However, this treatment strategy masked the underlying B12 deficiency and possibly exacerbated its neuropathological progression. The issue of masking and exacerbating B12 deficiency has recently been rekindled with the institution of folic acid fortification and the wide-spread use of folic acid supplements. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this review are to describe clinical and epidemiological evidence that excess folic acid exacerbates B12 deficiency, to summarize a hypothesis to explain this phenomenon, and to provide guidance for clinicians. RESULTS Cognitive function test scores are lower and blood homocysteine and methylmalonic acid concentrations are higher in people with low B12 and elevated folate than in those with low B12 and nonelevated folate. High-dose folic acid supplementation in patients with pernicious anemia or epilepsy cause significant reductions in serum B12. It is hypothesized that high-dose folic acid supplements cause depletion of serum holotranscobalamin and thus exacerbate B12 deficiency. CONCLUSION The evidence for excess folic acid exacerbating B12 deficiency is primarily correlative or from uncontrolled clinical observations, and the hypothesis to explain the phenomenon has not yet been tested. Nonetheless, the evidence is sufficiently compelling to warrant increased vigilance for identifying B12 deficiency in at risk individuals, including older adults and others with low B12 intake or conditions that are associated with B12 malabsorption, who also ingest excessive folic acid or are prescribed folic acid in high doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel B Mason
- Tufts-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Tufts-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Tufts-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA, USA
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Mustafa Khalid N, Haron H, Shahar S, Fenech M. Current Evidence on the Association of Micronutrient Malnutrition with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Frailty, and Cognitive Frailty among Older Adults: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15722. [PMID: 36497797 PMCID: PMC9736259 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrient malnutrition is thought to play an important role in the cause of cognitive impairment and physical frailty. The purpose of this scoping review was to map current evidence on the association between micronutrient deficiency in blood and mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and cognitive frailty among older adults. The scoping review was conducted based on the 2005 methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley. The search strategy for potential literature on micronutrient concentration in blood and cognitive frailty was retrieved based on the keywords using electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid, and Science Direct) from January 2010 to December 2021. Gray literature was also included in the searches. A total of 4310 articles were retrieved and 43 articles were incorporated in the review. Findings revealed a trend of significant association between low levels of B vitamins (folate and vitamin B12), vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acid, and albumin, and high homocysteine levels in blood with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment among older adults. The results also indicated that low vitamin D levels, albumin, and antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin) in blood were significantly associated with frailty among older adults, while β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in blood were inversely associated with the risk of cognitive frailty. Vitamin D and antioxidants seemed to be targeted nutrients for the prevention of cognitive frailty. In conclusion, a wide range of micronutrient deficiency was associated with either mild cognitive impairment or frailty; however, little evidence exists on the dual impairment, i.e., cognitive frailty. This scoping review can serve as preliminary evidence for the association between micronutrient deficiency in blood and mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and cognitive frailty among older adults and prove the relevancy of the topic for future systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhayati Mustafa Khalid
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Hasnah Haron
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Michael Fenech
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, SA 5048, Australia
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5
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Yan S, Liu H, Yu Y, Han N, Du W. Changes of Serum Homocysteine and Vitamin B12, but Not Folate Are Correlated With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:754165. [PMID: 35615448 PMCID: PMC9124900 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.754165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, is characterized by irresistible obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior. Folate is a member of water-soluble vitamins in the human body and sustains many normal daily activities (e.g., exercise, sleep, and memory). Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid, has been investigated in numerous psychiatric disorders (e.g., OCD). Vitamin B12 is a type of complex organic compound with cobalt contained. Moreover, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were found to have an effect on brain functions and also lead to non-specific psychiatric symptoms. Objectives This study aimed to confirm the epidemiological evidence of OCD and investigate whether vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine have an effect on the etiology of OCD. Methods A systematic search was conducted on eight databases (i.e., PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database), and the retrieval time was up to March 2021. The available articles involving patients with OCD with/without abnormal serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine were comprehensively reviewed and analyzed. Results A total of 5 studies involving 309 patients were included in this meta-analysis, including 172 cases in the experimental group and 137 in the control group. The content of folate in the OCD group was not significantly different from that in the control group (SMD = -0.089, 95%CI -0.755 to 0.577, p = 0.794). And serum homocysteine was significantly higher in the patients with OCD (SMD = 1.132, 95%CI 0.486 to 1.778, p = 0.001). Vitamin B12 was significantly lower in patients with OCD (SMD = -0.583, 95%CI -0.938 to -0.229, p = 0.001). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows serum high levels of homocysteine, low levels of vitamin B12, and normal folate level are closely correlated with OCD. However, high-quality case-control studies should be further conducted to explore the correlation between serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and OCD. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021262161; PROSPERO (Number CRD#42021262161).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wenzhi Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Institute of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, China
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Abstract
Of the water-soluble vitamins, vitamin B12 (B12) has the lowest daily requirement. It also has several unique properties including a complex pathway for its absorption and assimilation requiring intact gastric and terminal small intestinal function, an enterohepatic pathway, and several dedicated binding proteins and chaperons. The many causes of B12 deficiency include malabsorption and defects in cellular delivery and uptake, as well as limited dietary intake. B12 is required as a cofactor for only two reactions in humans, the cytosolic methionine synthase reaction and the mitochondrial methymalonyl CoA mutase reaction. Disruption of either of these reactions gives rise to B12 deficiency. Although more common with advancing age, because of the higher prevalence of malabsorptive disorders in the elderly, B12 deficiency is widely distributed across all age groups particularly where food insecurity occurs. The consequences and severity of B12 deficiency are variable depending on the degree of deficiency and its duration. Major organ systems affected include the blood, bone marrow and nervous system. Megaloblastic anemia results from a defect in thymidine and therefore DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. Nervous system involvement is varied, some of which results from defective myelin synthesis and repair. Cognitive impairment and psychosis may also occur. Diagnosis of B12 deficiency rests on clinical suspicion followed by laboratory testing, which consists of a panel of tests, that together provide clinically reliable predictive indices. B12 metabolism and deficiency is closely intertwined with folate, another B-vitamin. This chapter explores the various aspects of a unique and fascinating micronutrient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Selhub J, Miller JW, Troen AM, Mason JB, Jacques PF. Perspective: The High-Folate-Low-Vitamin B-12 Interaction Is a Novel Cause of Vitamin B-12 Depletion with a Specific Etiology-A Hypothesis. Adv Nutr 2021; 13:16-33. [PMID: 34634124 PMCID: PMC8803489 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays important roles in intermediary metabolism. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has many identifiable causes, including autoimmune and other gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders, dietary deficiency, and congenital defects in genes that are involved in vitamin B-12 trafficking and functions. Another putative cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency is the high-folate-low vitamin B-12 interaction, first suspected as the cause for observed relapse and exacerbation of the neurological symptoms in patients with pernicious anemia who were prescribed high oral doses of folic acid. We propose that this interaction is real and represents a novel cause of vitamin B-12 depletion with specific etiology. We hypothesize that excessive intake of folic acid depletes serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC), thereby decreasing active vitamin B-12 in the circulation and limiting its availability for tissues. This effect is specific for holoTC and does not affect holohaptocorrin, the inert form of serum vitamin B-12. Depletion of holoTC by folic acid in individuals with already low vitamin B-12 status further compromises the availability of vitamin B-12 coenzymes to their respective enzymes, and consequently a more pronounced state of biochemical deficiency. This hypothesis is drawn from evidence of observational and intervention studies of vitamin B-12-deficient patients and epidemiological cohorts. The evidence also suggests that, in a depleted state, vitamin B-12 is diverted to the hematopoietic system or the kidney. This most likely reflects a selective response of tissues expressing folate receptors with high affinity for unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA; e.g., hematopoietic progenitors and renal tubules) compared with those tissues (e.g., liver) that only express the reduced folate carrier, which is universally expressed but has poor affinity for UMFA. The biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying this interaction require elucidation to clarify its potential public health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aron M Troen
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joel B Mason
- Tufts–USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Tufts–USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Zhang C, Luo J, Yuan C, Ding D. Vitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:781-794. [PMID: 32773392 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that B vitamin deficiencies are an essential cause of neurological pathology. There is a need to provide evidence of the benefit of B vitamins for the prevention of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between intake and plasma levels of vitamins B12, B6, and folate and cognitive function in older populations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were used to search the literature though August 8, 2019. We included observational population-based studies evaluating the association between concentrations or intake levels of vitamins B6, B12, or folate and cognition in older adults aged ≥45 years. The quality of all studies was assessed by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed by the random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding the studies with significant heterogeneity. RESULTS Twenty-one observational studies with sample sizes ranging from 155-7030 were included in the meta-analysis. Higher levels of vitamin B12 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.97) and folate concentration (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.90) were associated with better cognition in cross-sectional studies, but not in sensitivity analyses or prospective studies. High vitamin B6 concentrations showed no significant benefit on cognition and dementia risk. Prospective studies did not provide substantial evidence for the relationship. CONCLUSION The results from our meta-analysis suggest that vitamins B12, B6, and folate may not be modifiable risk factors for slowing cognitive decline among community-dwelling older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbo Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Luo
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Changzheng Yuan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Diaz MM, Custodio N, Montesinos R, Lira D, Herrera-Perez E, Pintado-Caipa M, Cuenca-Alfaro J, Gamboa C, Lanata S. Thyroid Dysfunction, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid Deficiencies Are Not Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults in Lima, Peru. Front Public Health 2021; 9:676518. [PMID: 34552900 PMCID: PMC8450418 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.676518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reversible etiologies of cognitive impairment are common and treatable, yet the majority of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia research in Latin America has focused on irreversible, neurodegenerative etiologies. Objective: We sought to determine if thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are associated with cognitive disorders among older adults with memory complaints in Lima, Peru. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who presented for cognitive evaluations to a multidisciplinary neurology clinic in Lima, Peru from January 2014 to February 2020. We included individuals aged ≥60 years, native Spanish-speakers, with at least a primary school educational level and a complete clinical assessment. Patients had either subjective cognitive decline (SCD), MCI, or dementia. One-way ANOVA and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: We included 720 patients (330 SCD, 154 MCI, and 236 dementia); the dementia group was significantly older [mean age SCD 69.7 ± 4.1, dementia 72.4 ± 3.7 (p = 0.000)] and had lower folate levels than SCD patients. The MCI group had higher free T3 levels compared with SCD patients. Those with lower TSH had greater dementia risk (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.15-6.86) but not MCI risk in unadjusted models. B12 deficiency or borderline B12 deficiency was present in 34% of the dementia group, yet no clear correlation was seen between neuropsychological test results and B12 levels in our study. There was no association between MCI or dementia and thyroid hormone, B12 nor folate levels in adjusted models. Conclusion: Our findings do not support an association between metabolic and endocrine disorders and cognitive impairment in older Peruvians from Lima despite a high prevalence of B12 deficiency. Future work may determine if cognitive decline is associated with metabolic or endocrine changes in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M. Diaz
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nilton Custodio
- Servicio de Neurología, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
| | - Rosa Montesinos
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
| | - David Lira
- Servicio de Neurología, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
| | - Eder Herrera-Perez
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Grupo de investigación Molident, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Maritza Pintado-Caipa
- Servicio de Neurología, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Atlantic Fellow, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jose Cuenca-Alfaro
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Servicio de Neuropsicología, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Gamboa
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Unidad de Investigación, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Servicio de Neuropsicología, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
| | - Serggio Lanata
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Santos IDS, Suemoto CK, ValladÃo-Junior JBR, Liu S, Barreto SM, Fedeli LMG, Lotufo PA, Bensenor IM. Serum folate levels and cognitive performance in the ELSA-Brasil baseline assessment. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:672-680. [PMID: 33263638 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies that analyze the association between serum folate levels and cognitive function either restrict their assessments to specific clinical scenarios or do not include middle-aged individuals, to whom strategies for preventing cognitive impairment may be more feasible. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between serum folate levels and cognitive function in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) baseline assessment. METHODS Data from 4,571 ELSA-Brasil participants who live in the state of São Paulo, aged 35-74 years, were analyzed. The word list learning, delayed recall, word recognition, verbal fluency, and Trail Making Test Part B consisted in the cognitive tests. For each test, age, sex, and education-specific standardized scores and a global cognitive score were calculated. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were used to examine the associations of serum folate levels with cognitive test scores. RESULTS In multivariable-adjusted models, serum folate was not associated with global cognitive score (β=-0.043; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] -0.135 to 0.050 for lowest vs. highest quintile group), nor with any cognitive test performance. We did not find associations between serum folate and global cognitive scores in subgroups stratified by age, sex, or use of vitamin supplements either. CONCLUSIONS We did not find significant associations between serum folate and cognitive performance in this large sample, which is characterized by a context of food fortification policies and a consequent low frequency of folate deficiency. Positive results from previous studies may not apply to the increasingly common contexts in which food fortification is implemented, or to younger individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itamar de Souza Santos
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Epidemiológica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Kimie Suemoto
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Epidemiológica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Simin Liu
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Sandhi Maria Barreto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Ligia Maria Giongo Fedeli
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Epidemiológica, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Andrade Lotufo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Epidemiológica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Martins Bensenor
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Epidemiológica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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11
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Maruvada P, Stover PJ, Mason JB, Bailey RL, Davis CD, Field MS, Finnell RH, Garza C, Green R, Gueant JL, Jacques PF, Klurfeld DM, Lamers Y, MacFarlane AJ, Miller JW, Molloy AM, O'Connor DL, Pfeiffer CM, Potischman NA, Rodricks JV, Rosenberg IH, Ross SA, Shane B, Selhub J, Stabler SP, Trasler J, Yamini S, Zappalà G. Knowledge gaps in understanding the metabolic and clinical effects of excess folates/folic acid: a summary, and perspectives, from an NIH workshop. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1390-1403. [PMID: 33022704 PMCID: PMC7657327 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate, an essential nutrient found naturally in foods in a reduced form, is present in dietary supplements and fortified foods in an oxidized synthetic form (folic acid). There is widespread agreement that maintaining adequate folate status is critical to prevent diseases due to folate inadequacy (e.g., anemia, birth defects, and cancer). However, there are concerns of potential adverse effects of excess folic acid intake and/or elevated folate status, with the original concern focused on exacerbation of clinical effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency and its role in neurocognitive health. More recently, animal and observational studies have suggested potential adverse effects on cancer risk, birth outcomes, and other diseases. Observations indicating adverse effects from excess folic acid intake, elevated folate status, and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) remain inconclusive; the data do not provide the evidence needed to affect public health recommendations. Moreover, strong biological and mechanistic premises connecting elevated folic acid intake, UMFA, and/or high folate status to adverse health outcomes are lacking. However, the body of evidence on potential adverse health outcomes indicates the need for comprehensive research to clarify these issues and bridge knowledge gaps. Three key research questions encompass the additional research needed to establish whether high folic acid or total folate intake contributes to disease risk. 1) Does UMFA affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects? 2) Does elevated folate status resulting from any form of folate intake affect vitamin B-12 function and its roles in sustaining health? 3) Does elevated folate intake, regardless of form, affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects other than those linked to vitamin B-12 function? This article summarizes the proceedings of an August 2019 NIH expert workshop focused on addressing these research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Maruvada
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Stover
- Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University AgriLife, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joel B Mason
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regan L Bailey
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cindy D Davis
- Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martha S Field
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cutberto Garza
- Professor Emeritus, Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Gueant
- University of Lorraine and University Regional Hospital Centre of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M Klurfeld
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety, and Quality, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Anne M Molloy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Irwin H Rosenberg
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Barry Shane
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sedigheh Yamini
- Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US FDA, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Giovanna Zappalà
- Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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12
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Folate status in women of childbearing age in the Urban Metropolitan Region of Chile: results from the National Health Survey 2016-2017. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:385-392. [PMID: 32907649 PMCID: PMC7844604 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To analyse serum folate levels in women of childbearing age in the Metropolitan Region (MR) of Chile. Design: Cross-sectional design as part of the 2016–2017 National Health Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Salud, ENS 2016–2017), using a household-based multistage stratified random sample. Serum folate levels measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in fasting venous blood samples were classified as deficient (<4·4 ng/ml), normal (4·4–20 ng/ml) or supraphysiological (>20 ng/ml). Setting: The MR of Chile. Participants: Women of reproductive age (15–49 years, n 222) from the MR participated in the ENS 2016–2017. Results: The mean, median and range of serum folate were 14·2 (se 0·4), 13·9 and 2·1–32·2 ng/ml, respectively. Folate deficiency was detected in 0·9 % of women, while 7·0 % had supraphysiological levels of the vitamin. No significant effects of age, educational level, marital status, parity, smoking status or nutritional status on serum folate levels were detected by univariate or multivariate analyses. Intake of folic acid supplements showed a significant association with serum folate levels, but only 1·2 % of women used supplements. Conclusions: Folate deficiency in women of reproductive age living in the MR of Chile is almost inexistent according to the ENS 2016–2017, suggesting that the current population-wide mandatory folic acid fortification of flour is an effective and equitable measure to prevent folate deficiency. These results support the option of maintaining current folic acid fortification in Chile, particularly based on the low adherence to supplementation regimes evidenced in other populations.
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Vijayakumar TM, Pavitra K, Muthunarayanan L. Comparative assessment of methylcobalamin and ascorbic acid on cognitive function in post-menopausal women - A randomized, double-blind trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2018; 8:175-180. [PMID: 29696207 PMCID: PMC5898509 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A decline in cognitive function occurs as women progress through the menopausal transition. Objective The present study was designed to compare the effect of Methylcobalamin and Ascorbic Acid on Cognitive Function in post-menopausal women. Methods A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Eligible 56 subjects were randomized, the effect of ascorbic acid (500 mg OD) and methylcobalamin (50 mcg OD) was compared after 12 weeks of treatment. MMSE Questionnaire was used to assess the cognitive function, and β-amyloid42 was estimated in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In MMSE score, delayed verbal recall (P = 0.027), naming (P = 0.042) and repetition (P = 0.031) scores were significantly improved in ascorbic acid group when compared to baseline. The β-amyloid42 level was decreased significantly in subjects receiving ascorbic acid (P = 0.04) when compared to Methylcobalamin group (P = 0.31). The inverse relationship between β-amyloid42 levels and the MMSE score was found in ascorbic acid treatment (r = 0.6324, P = 0.0004). Conclusion Based on MMSE and β-amyloid42 results, ascorbic acid showed improvement in cognitive function among post-menopausal women when compared to methylcobalamin supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kumaraswamy Pavitra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM University, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Logaraj Muthunarayanan
- Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
The biosynthesis of B12, involving up to 30 different enzyme-mediated steps, only occurs in bacteria. Thus, most eukaryotes require an external source of B12, and yet the vitamin appears to have only two functions in eukaryotes: as a cofactor for the enzymes methionine synthase and methylmalonylCoA mutase. These two functions are crucial for normal health in humans, and in particular, the formation of methionine is essential for providing methyl groups for over 100 methylation processes. Interference with the methionine synthase reaction not only depletes the body of methyl groups but also leads to the accumulation of homocysteine, a risk factor for many diseases. The syndrome pernicious anemia, characterized by lack of intrinsic factor, leads to a severe, sometimes fatal form of B12 deficiency. However, there is no sharp cutoff for B12 deficiency; rather, there is a continuous inverse relationship between serum B12 and a variety of undesirable outcomes, including neural tube defects, stroke, and dementia. The brain is particularly vulnerable; in children, inadequate B12 stunts brain and intellectual development. Suboptimal B12 status (serum B12<300pmol/L) is very common, occurring in 30%-60% of the population, in particular in pregnant women and in less-developed countries. Thus, many tens of millions of people in the world may suffer harm from having a poor B12 status. Public health steps are urgently needed to correct this inadequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A David Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin J Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Helga Refsum
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Duong MC, Mora-Plazas M, Marín C, Villamor E. Vitamin B-12 Deficiency in Children Is Associated with Grade Repetition and School Absenteeism, Independent of Folate, Iron, Zinc, or Vitamin A Status Biomarkers. J Nutr 2015; 145:1541-8. [PMID: 25972530 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.211391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micronutrients are essential to neurocognitive development; yet their role in educational outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVE We examined the associations of micronutrient status biomarkers with the risk of grade repetition and rates of school absenteeism in a cohort of school children. METHODS We recruited 3156 children aged 5-12 y from public schools in Bogota, Colombia. Circulating ferritin, hemoglobin, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B-12; erythrocyte folate; and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were measured in blood samples obtained at the beginning of the year. Absenteeism was recorded weekly during the school year, and grade repetition was determined the next year. Risk ratios for grade repetition and rate ratios for absenteeism were estimated by categories of micronutrient status indicators with use of Poisson regression, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS The risk of grade repetition was 4.9%, and the absenteeism rate was 3.8 d per child-year of observation. Vitamin B-12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) was associated with an adjusted 2.36-fold greater risk of grade repetition (95% CI: 1.03, 5.41; P = 0.04) compared with plasma concentrations ≥148 pmol/L. Other micronutrients were not related to grade repetition. Vitamin B-12 deficiency was also associated with school absenteeism rates. Compared with children with plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations ≥148 pmol/L, vitamin B-12-deficient children had a 1.89-times higher adjusted rate (95% CI: 1.53, 2.34; P < 0.0001). Anemia was related to a 72% higher rate (95% CI: 48%, 99%; P < 0.0001), whereas every 5-fL difference in MCV was associated with a 7% lower adjusted rate (95% CI: 4%, 10%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin B-12 deficiency was associated with risk of grade repetition and school absenteeism rates in school children from Bogota, Colombia. The effects of correcting vitamin B-12 deficiency on educational outcomes and neurocognitive development of school children need to be determined in intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Cam Duong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI; and
| | | | - Constanza Marín
- Foundation for Research in Nutrition and Health (FINUSAD), Bogota, Colombia
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI; and
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