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Ito T, Ramos-Alvarez I, Jensen RT. Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor-Acid Suppressive Treatment Can Cause Vitamin B 12 Deficiency in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7286. [PMID: 39000391 PMCID: PMC11242121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether the long-term treatment of patients with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with different diseases [GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES), etc.] can result in vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency is controversial. In this study, in 175 patients undergoing long-term ZES treatment with anti-acid therapies, drug-induced control acid secretory rates were correlated with the presence/absence of VB12 deficiency, determined by assessing serum VB12 levels, measurements of VB12 body stores (blood methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine[tHYC]), and other features of ZES. After a mean of 10.2 yrs. of any acid treatment (5.6 yrs. with PPIs), 21% had VB12 deficiency with significantly lower serum and body VB12 levels (p < 0.0001). The presence of VB12 deficiency did not correlate with any feature of ZES but was associated with a 12-fold lower acid control rate, a 2-fold higher acid control pH (6.4 vs. 3.7), and acid control secretory rates below those required for the activation of pepsin (pH > 3.5). Over a 5-yr period, the patients with VB12 deficiency had a higher rate of achlorhydria (73% vs. 24%) and a lower rate of normal acid secretion (0% vs. 49%). In conclusion, in ZES patients, chronic long-term PPI treatment results in marked acid hyposecretion, resulting in decreased serum VB12 levels and decreased VB12-body stores, which can result in VB12 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhide Ito
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Centra, Fukuoka Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 3-6-45 Momochihama, Sawara-Ku, Fukuoka 814-0001, Japan
| | | | - Robert T Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, USA
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Cherdak M, Mkhitaryan E, Zakharov V, Voznesenskiy N. Vitamin B12 in the treatment and prevention of cognitive disorders in the elderly. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:43-49. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212201143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
Frailty is a common geriatric condition due to aging and defined as a decline in strength and a decrease in the physiologic ability to maintain the homeostasis. Vitamin B12 (B12), water-soluble vitamins, are a cofactor in DNA synthesis and involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body, including the central nervous system. Demyelination neuromuscular symptoms observed in the peripheral nervous system, along with signs of significant damage to nerve fibers, often cause weakness, numbness in distal limbs, impaired balance, gait ataxia, and even physical frailty. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and B12 level in community-dwelling Korean older adults.Using the data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, 2938 participants (1400 men and 1538 women) were recruited in this study. To evaluate frailty, we compared the frail group and not-frail group based on the modified Korean version of the cardiovascular health study frailty index developed by Fried. SARC-F is used to screen for sarcopenia. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) timed up and go (TUG) test and activities-specific balance confidence scale used to evaluate the physical function and fall risk of participants. B12 concentrations were classified into clinically relevant categories: insufficient (<350 pg/mL) and sufficient (≥350 pg/mL). Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between frailty and B12 levels.The mean age of the frail group was 77.8 (standard deviation = 3.7) years, while that of the not-frail group was 76.7 (SD = 4.0); of which the frail group's mean age was significantly high. In the unadjusted model, frailty was highly prevalent in the B12 insufficient group (odds ratio = 1.298). In the model fully adjusted for demographic data and comorbidities, these associations were attenuated. The B12 sufficiency group showed better total SPPB and TUG test scores. However, they were not statistically significant in the fully adjusted model.In this cross-sectional study, low B12 increased the incidence of frailty and affected physical performance, but it does not increase the incidence of frailty when considering the confounding factors. Frailty is caused by several factors rather than 1 factor, and B12 is one of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsoo Soh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
| | - Chang Won Won
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Vitamin B12 (B12), also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is a cofactor in DNA synthesis and is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, including the central nervous system. Those with a deficiency of B12 can present with peripheral neuropathy, pernicious anemia, or a cognitive disorder. Previous studies have revealed that a deficiency of B12 is associated with cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease.The data of 2991 people were evaluated from 2 years of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, a nationwide multicenter survey. To assess cognitive function, a short form of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) was used. Of the CERAD-K tests, we included the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of the CERAD assessment packet (MMSE-KC), the word list: memory/recall/recognition, digit span (forward, backward), trail making test-A, and the frontal assessment battery. B12 concentrations were classified into clinically relevant categories, insufficient (<350 pg/mL) and sufficient (≥350 pg/mL). A linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and B12 levels.The mean age of the 2991 participants was 76.4 ± 3.9 years old. Overall, 414 (13.8%) were classified as B12 insufficient, and 2577 (86.2%) as B12 sufficient. The sufficient B12 group performed better in the MMSE-KC, Wordlist: memory, Wordlist: recognition, TMT-A test, digit span, and FAB tests. This was statistically significant (P < .05). However, in the multivariable linear regression analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, education period, marriage, smoking and drinking habits, and comorbidities, the association between the B12 group and cognitive function was not statistically significant.Although our study does not show that B12 insufficiency is a direct risk factor to cognitive decline, B12 levels could be a contributing factor to cognitive function. Our results suggest that cognition was affected by the B12 levels, along with demographic and sociological variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsoo Soh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Do Hun Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Chang Won Won
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ströhle A, Richter M, González‐Gross M, Neuhäuser‐Berthold M, Wagner K, Leschik‐Bonnet E, Egert S. The Revised D-A-CH-Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B 12 : Prevention of Deficiency and Beyond. Mol Nutr Food Res 2019; 63:e1801178. [PMID: 30657638 PMCID: PMC6590120 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201801178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE The nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are the joint editors of the "D-A-CH reference values for nutrient intake", which are revised regularly. METHODS AND RESULTS By reviewing vitamin-B12 -related biomarker studies, the reference values for vitamin B12 were revised in 2018. For adults, the estimated intake is based on the adequate serum concentrations of holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid. The estimated values for children and adolescents are extrapolated from the adult reference value by considering differences in body mass, an allometric exponent, and growth factors. For infants below 4 months of age, an estimated value is set based on the vitamin B12 intake via breast milk. The reference values for pregnant and lactating women consider the requirements for the fetus and for loss via breast milk. The estimated values for vitamin B12 intake for infants, children, and adolescents range from 0.5 to 4.0 µg d-1 . For adults, the estimated values are set at 4.0 µg d-1 , and for pregnant and lactating women, they are set at 4.5 and 5.5 µg d-1 , respectively. CONCLUSION Based on the data of several vitamin B12 status biomarkers studies, the reference value for vitamin B12 intake for adults is raised from 3.0 to 4.0 µg d-1 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ströhle
- Institute of Food Science and Human NutritionLeibniz University HannoverAm Kleinen Felde 3030167HannoverGermany
| | - Margrit Richter
- German Nutrition Society (DGE)Godesberger Allee 1853175BonnGermany
| | - Marcela González‐Gross
- ImFINE Research Group, Department of Health and Human PerformanceUniversidad Politécnica de Madridc/ Martín Fierro 728040MadridSpain
| | | | - Karl‐Heinz Wagner
- Department of Nutritional SciencesUniversity of ViennaAlthanstraße 141090ViennaAustria
| | | | - Sarah Egert
- German Nutrition Society (DGE)Godesberger Allee 1853175BonnGermany
- Institute of Nutritional MedicineUniversity of HohenheimFruwirthstr. 1270599StuttgartGermany
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Lökk J. Association of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine and cognition in the elderly. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11026480310000662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lökk
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy, and Elderly Care Research, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, and Comprehensive Centre for Elderly Care, Älvsjö, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This review examines the associations between low vitamin B12 levels, neurodegenerative disease, and cognitive impairment. The potential impact of comorbidities and medications associated with vitamin B12 derangements were also investigated. In addition, we reviewed the evidence as to whether vitamin B12 therapy is efficacious for cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS A systematic literature search identified 43 studies investigating the association of vitamin B12 and cognitive impairment or dementia. Seventeen studies reported on the efficacy of vitamin B12 therapy for these conditions. RESULTS Vitamin B12 levels in the subclinical low-normal range (<250 ρmol/L) are associated with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Vegetarianism and metformin use contribute to depressed vitamin B12 levels and may independently increase the risk for cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<150 ρmol/L) is associated with cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 supplements administered orally or parenterally at high dose (1 mg daily) were effective in correcting biochemical deficiency, but improved cognition only in patients with pre-existing vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 levels <150 ρmol/L or serum homocysteine levels >19.9 μmol/L). CONCLUSION Low serum vitamin B12 levels are associated with neurodegenerative disease and cognitive impairment. There is a small subset of dementias that are reversible with vitamin B12 therapy and this treatment is inexpensive and safe. Vitamin B12 therapy does not improve cognition in patients without pre-existing deficiency. There is a need for large, well-resourced clinical trials to close the gaps in our current understanding of the nature of the associations of vitamin B12 insufficiency and neurodegenerative disease.
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Discovery of novel sources of vitamin b(12) in traditional korean foods from nutritional surveys of centenarians. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2011; 2010:374897. [PMID: 21436999 PMCID: PMC3062981 DOI: 10.1155/2010/374897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human longevity can be explained by a variety of factors, among them, nutritional factor would play an important role. In our study of Korean centenarians for their longevity, the apparent nutritional imbalance in the traditional semi-vegetarian diet raised a special attention, especially on vitamin B12 status, supplied by animal foods. Interestingly, we found that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficient Korean centenarians was not higher compared with those from Western nations with animal-oriented traditional foods. We assumed that there might be some unveiled sources for vitamin B12 in the Korean traditional foods. Screening of vitamin B12 contents has revealed that some traditional soybean-fermented foods, such as Doenjang and Chunggukjang, and seaweeds contain considerable amounts of vitamin B12. Taken together, it can be summarized that the traditional foods, especially of fermentation, might be evaluated for compensation of the nutritional imbalance in the vegetable-oriented dietary pattern by supplying vitamin B12, resulting in maintenance of health status.
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Kwak CS, Lee MS, Lee HJ, Whang JY, Park SC. Dietary source of vitamin B(12) intake and vitamin B(12) status in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and older living in rural area. Nutr Res Pract 2010; 4:229-34. [PMID: 20607069 PMCID: PMC2895704 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2010.4.3.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Revised: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we found and analyzed vitamin B12 in some Korean traditional plant foods which had not reported, yet. This study was to investigate vitamin B12 intake and its dietary sources and the vitamin B12 status in the very old elderly Koreans. We measured serum vitamin B12 level and estimated the amounts of vitamin B12 intake from different dietary sources in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and over who had consumed a relatively low animal traditional diet for the whole life. The average age of the subjects (n = 127) was 98.0 years (85-108 years). The assessment on energy and nutrient intake involved a one-day 24-hour recall, and serum vitamin B12 concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Overall diet pattern was not different between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians, except centenarians were taking more dairy product. The average ratio of plant food to animal food consumption was 87.5:12.5 in weight. The average vitamin B12 intake of our subjects was 3.2 µg/day, and 52.7% of subjects consumed under estimated average requirement, 2.0 µg/day. On dietary source, 67.3% of dietary vitamin B12 was from meat, eggs and fishes and 30.6% was from plant foods, such as soybean-fermented foods, seaweeds, and kimchi. The average serum vitamin B12 concentration was 450.5 pg/mL, and low serum vitamin B12 (< 200 pg/mL) was found in 9.6% of subjects. Dietary vitamin B12 intake was significantly lower in subjects with low serum vitamin B12 (0.79 µg/day) than those with normal serum vitamin B12 (3.47 µg/day). There were no significant difference in vitamin B12 intake and its dietary sources and serum vitamin B12 level between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians. In conclusion, several plant-origin foods including seaweed, soybean-fermented foods, and kimchi, may contribute significantly to good vitamin B12 status in very old elderly Koreans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Shil Kwak
- Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, 199-1 Dongsoong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-810, Korea
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Herrmann W, Obeid R. Causes and early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 105:680-5. [PMID: 19623286 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin B(12) deficiency is widespread. Among the population groups at risk are older people, vegetarians, pregnant women, and patients with renal or intestinal diseases. The neurological symptoms of vitamin B(12) deficiency are unspecific and can be irreversible. Early detection is therefore important, using the most sensitive and specific markers available. METHODS Selective literature review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Total serum vitamin B(12) is a late, relatively insensitive and unspecific biomarker of deficiency. Holotranscobalamin (holoTC), also known as active B(12), is the earliest laboratory parameter for B(12) deficiency, while methyl malonic acid (MMA) is a functional B(12) marker that will increase when the B(12) stores are depleted. Isolated lowering of holoTC shows B(12) depletion (negative B(12) balance), while lowered holoTC plus elevated MMA and homocysteine indicates a metabolically manifest B(12) deficiency, although there still may be no clinical symptoms. The diagnostic use of holoTC allows treatment to be instituted before irreversible neurological damage occurs. As the first clinical manifestations of vitamin B(12) deficiency are unspecific, those at risk should have their B(12) status checked regularly, every two to three years. Because no randomized controlled trials have yet been completed, the diagnostic and therapeutic measures proposed here are merely recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin/Zentrallabor, Homburg/Saar
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11
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Abstract
The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in older people is malabsorption of food-bound vitamin B12. Thus, it is suggested that the recommended daily allowance of 2.4 microg/d be met primarily with crystalline vitamin B12, which is believed to be well absorbed in individuals who have food-bound malabsorption. There is concern that high intakes of folic acid from fortified food and dietary supplements might mask the macrocytic anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency, thereby eliminating an important diagnostic sign. One recent study indicates that high serum folate levels during vitamin B12 deficiency exacerbate (rather than mask) anemia and worsen cognitive symptoms. Another study suggests that once vitamin B12 deficiency is established in subjects with food-bound malabsorption, 40 microg/d to 80 microg/d of oral crystalline vitamin B12 for 30 d does not reverse the biochemical signs of deficiency. Together, these studies provide further evidence that public health strategies are needed to improve vitamin B12 status in order to decrease the risk of deficiency and any potentially adverse interactions with folic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Johnson
- Faculty of Gerontology, Department of Foods and Nutrition, Dawson Hall, Building 1010, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3622, USA.
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Garcia A. Cobalamin and homocysteine in older adults: Do we need to test for serum levels in the work0up of dementia? Alzheimers Dement 2007; 3:318-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Garcia
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics)Queen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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Blacher J, Czernichow S, Raphaël M, Roussel C, Chadefaux-Vekemans B, Morineau G, Giraudier S, Tibi A, Henry O, Vayssière M, Oudjhani M, Nadaï S, Vincent JP, Bodak A, Di Menza C, Ménard J, Zittoun J, Ducimetière P. Very low oral doses of vitamin B-12 increase serum concentrations in elderly subjects with food-bound vitamin B-12 malabsorption. J Nutr 2007; 137:373-8. [PMID: 17237314 DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.2.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The BOSSANOVA study, a randomized double-blind trial, was designed to test the ability of very low oral doses of vitamin B-12 to increase the serum vitamin B-12 concentration in elderly subjects with food-bound vitamin B-12 malabsorption, and to determine whether there was a dose response. We also aimed to quantitatively assess the most efficient dose to be added to flour in addition to folic acid (flour cofortification with vitamin B-12 and folic acid). Sixty-seven patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups receiving various daily oral doses of vitamin B-12 (i.e., 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 microg/d) for 30 d. The dose-response was tested for different biological variables using a mixed model, taking into account the variable's initial value (between-subject effect), a linear log-dose effect, and a linear log (dosextime) interaction, where time was d 15 or d 30. We planned to determine the amount of oral vitamin B-12 that would increase the serum vitamin B-12 concentration by 37 pmol/L (50 ng/L). Significant between-subject effects were found for serum vitamin B-12, plasma homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid concentrations, but a log-dose effect was found only for vitamin B-12 (P<0.001). The slope of the line tended to be higher (P=0.07) at d 30 than at d 15. For a mean serum vitamin B-12 increase of 37 pmol/L, a dose of 5.9 (95% CI, 0.9-12.1) microg/d was needed. We concluded that very low oral doses of vitamin B-12 increased serum vitamin B-12 concentrations in elderly subjects with subclinical vitamin B-12 deficiency, following a log-dose pattern. Our results could be beneficial in the design of a public health program for safe flour cofortification with folic acid.
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Park S, Johnson MA. What is an Adequate Dose of Oral Vitamin B12in Older People with Poor Vitamin B12Status? Nutr Rev 2006; 64:373-8. [PMID: 16958314 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00222.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency increases in the elderly, mainly because atrophic gastritis decreases the production of the acid and digestive enzymes needed to cleave protein-bound vitamin B12 from the natural chemical form of vitamin B12 found in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy foods. Depending on the biochemical criterion that is used, 5% to more than 20% of older adults have marginal or frank vitamin B12 deficiency. Adults over 50 years of age should meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance by consuming vitamin B12 in the crystalline form, which does not require gastric acid or enzymes for initial digestion. A recent clinical trial suggests that an oral dose of 500 microg/d of crystalline vitamin B12 is needed to reverse biochemical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Park
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, The University of Georgia, Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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15
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Abstract
Dementia is highly prevalent among elderly people, and projections show that the number of people affected might triple over the next 50 years, mainly because of a large increase in the oldest-old segment of the population. Because of this and the disease's devastating effects, measures for the prevention and early detection of dementia are crucial. Age and years of education are among the most relevant risk factors for dementia, but in recent years the role of homocysteine has also been investigated. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the metabolism of methionine, a process dependent on the B vitamins cobalamin, vitamin B6 and folic acid. There is evidence that increased serum homocysteine levels are associated with declining cognitive function and dementia. We review this evidence in addition to the potential mechanisms through which homocysteine acts on the brain to cause cognitive dysfunction, the metabolism of homocysteine and factors associated with alteration of the normal metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
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Huerta JM, González S, Vigil E, Prada M, San Martín J, Fernández S, Patterson AM, Lasheras C. Folate and cobalamin synergistically decrease the risk of high plasma homocysteine in a nonsupplemented elderly institutionalized population. Clin Biochem 2004; 37:904-10. [PMID: 15369722 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2004.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2003] [Revised: 06/28/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population and elderly subjects are at high risk of elevated homocysteine because of an impaired vitamin status. The aim of the present study was to determine the independent and interactive association of adequate folate and cobalamin (intake and serum levels) with tHcy in elderly subjects who were not taking vitamin supplementation. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 140 elderly recruited from seven nursing homes in Asturias (Northern Spain). Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and serum folate, cobalamin, and tHcy were determined in fasting blood samples. RESULTS Mean tHcy concentration was 13.3 micromol/L (upper quartile of tHcy >16.0 micromol/L) and was inversely correlated with serum folate. Subjects with an adequate intake or serum levels of both folate and B12 were at a reduced risk of being in the highest quartile of tHcy. In both cases, the reduction of high tHcy (upper quartile) risk was found to be greater than expected when subjects with high levels of both vitamins were considered together. CONCLUSIONS Adequate folate and cobalamin (both intake and serum levels) act synergistically to decrease the risk of high total plasma homocysteine levels in this elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Huerta
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Area de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
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Ray JG, Vermeulen MJ, Langman LJ, Boss SC, Cole DEC. Persistence of vitamin B12 insufficiency among elderly women after folic acid food fortification. Clin Biochem 2003; 36:387-91. [PMID: 12849871 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9120(03)00061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the associated risk of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) insufficiency, as well as vitamin repletion, following folic acid food fortification. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study over a 5-year period. SETTING Two large laboratory databases in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Canadian women aged 65 years and over who underwent concomitant clinical testing of serum folate and B12 during the pre-fortification period of January 1996 to December 1997 in Ontario (n = 733) and British Columbia (n = 3839), and in the near-complete post-fortification period of January 1998 to December 2000 in Ontario (n = 4415) and British Columbia (n = 6677). MEASUREMENTS Geometric mean concentrations of serum folate and B12 before and after folate fortification. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to separately compare the post- and pre-fortification period rates of folate deficiency (below 6.0 nmol/L); B12 insufficiency (below 150 pmol/L); and B12 insufficiency in combination with supraphysiological concentrations of serum folate (above 45 nmol/L). RESULTS The mean baseline folate and B12 concentrations were similar between provinces. Using the combined provincial data, the mean serum folate concentration increased by 64% after fortification, from 14.8 to 24.2 nmol/L (p < 0.001). The average B12 concentration increased from 280 to 300 pmol/L, which was more pronounced in BC (p < 0.001) than in Ontario (p = 0.16). The prevalence of folate deficiency declined from 6.3% to 0.88% after fortification (PR 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.18), while the decline in B12 deficiency was less pronounced (PR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.86). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of combined B12 insufficiency with supraphysiological concentrations of serum folate increased from 0.09% pre-fortification to 0.61% post (PR 7.0, 95% CI 2.6-19.2). The introduction of folic acid food fortification was associated with a substantial improvement in the folate status of Canadian women aged 65 years and older, paralleled by a large decline in the rate of folate deficiency. Improvement in the B12 status of these women was far less pronounced. Because the prevalence of combined B12 insufficiency and supraphysiological concentrations of serum folate may have increased with folic acid food fortification, consideration should be given to confirming this finding, and possibly, to the addition of B12 to folate fortified foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Ray
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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