Interpretation of vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations in population-based surveys does not require adjustment for inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project

The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy and its correlates vary by trimester and hemoglobin assessment method in Eastern Maharashtra, India

Approximately half of pregnant women in India are anemic, representing over 7.5 million women. Few studies have assessed the relationship between multiple micronutrient deficiencies and anemia during pregnancy or the trajectory of hemoglobin (Hb) during pregnancy in low-resource settings. We enrolled 200 pregnant women from the Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) registry, a population-based pregnancy and birth registry in Eastern Maharashtra, India to address these gaps. The women provided capillary (finger-prick) and venous blood specimens at enrollment (<15 weeks), and a second capillary specimen in the 3rd trimester (>27 weeks). Capillary specimens were analyzed at the time of collection with a HemoCue Hb 201+; venous specimens were shipped on dry ice to a laboratory for cyanmethemoglobin assessment. In the 1st trimester, mean Hb concentration and anemia (Hb<11.0 g/dL) prevalence using capillary specimens were 10.9 ± 1.5 g/dL and 51.1%; mean Hb concentration using venous blood specimens was estimated to be 11.3 ± 1.3 g/dL and anemia prevalence was 37.5%. The prevalence of iron, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies were 40%, 30% and 0%, respectively. Among women with anemia in the 1st trimester (venous blood), 56% had concurrent iron deficiency (inflammation-adjusted serum ferritin <15 µg/L) indicating that their anemia may be amenable to iron supplementation. In total, 21% of women had ID and anemia, 19% ID in the absence of anemia, 16.5% anemia in the absence of ID and 43.5% had neither. By the 3rd trimester, mean Hb from capillary specimens had declined to 10.1 ± 1.35 g/dL and anemia prevalence increased to 70.7%, despite 99.4% mothers reporting receipt of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements during her current pregnancy, and 83.9% reporting IFA consumption the previous day. Significant predictors of anemia in the 1st trimester (both venous and capillary) included the number of weeks gestation at the time of Hb assessment and inflammation-adjusted serum ferritin. For 3rd trimester anemia, significant predictors included 1st trimester height, BMI and IFA consumption during the 3rd trimester (but not 1st trimester micronutrient biomarkers), indicating that IFA supplementation over the course of pregnancy may have influenced micronutrient status and anemia risk. Our findings highlight the severity of the burden of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies in Eastern Maharashtra, but also highlight that in many cases, ID and anemia affect different individuals. Preventing and managing anemia in pregnancy in India will require strengthening both clinical and community-based strategies targeting iron deficiency, as well as other causes of anemia.

Higher circulating vitamin B12 is associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers in individuals at high cardiovascular risk and in naturally aged mice

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is involved in numerous physiological processes, and its deficiency can lead to various complications, including neurological and haematological disorders. Some studies have suggested that vitamin B12 may have anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not yet fully understood. We investigated the relationship between circulating vitamin B12 and inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). The association of peripheral levels of vitamin B12 with IL-6 and CRP was assessed in 136 human samples from a high cardiovascular risk population. To corroborate the results from the human trial, the analysis was replicated in naturally aged mice.

RESULTS

Individuals with higher serum levels of vitamin B12 showed lower concentrations of IL-6 and CRP after adjustment for potential confounders, and an inverse association was also found between serum IL-6 and vitamin B12 levels in naturally aged mice.

CONCLUSION

Circulating vitamin B12 was inversely associated with IL-6 and CRP in humans and with IL-6 in mice, suggesting that it may exert an anti-inflammatory effect through modulation of these pro-inflammatory molecules. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Global heterogeneity in folic acid fortification policies and implications for prevention of neural tube defects and stroke: a systematic review

Background

Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) supplements are highly effective for prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) prompting implementation of mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification for prevention of NTDs. We used plasma folate levels in population studies by country and year to compare effects of folic acid fortification types (mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification policies) on plasma folate levels, NTD prevalence and stroke mortality rates.

Methods

We conducted systematic reviews of (i) implementation of folic acid fortification in 193 countries that were member states of the World Health Organization by country and year, and (ii) estimated population mean plasma folate levels by year and type of folic acid fortification. We identified relevant English language reports published between Jan 1, 1990 and July 31, 2023 using Google Scholar, Medline, Embase and Global Health. Eligibility criteria were observational or interventional studies with >1000 participants. Studies of pregnant women or children <15 years were excluded. Using an ecological study design, we examined the associations of folic acid fortification types with NTD prevalence (n = 108 studies) and stroke mortality rates (n = 3 countries).

Findings

Among 193 countries examined up to 31 July 2023, 69 implemented mandatory folic acid fortification, 47 had voluntary fortification, but 77 had no fortification (accounting for 32%, 53% and 15% of worldwide population, respectively). Mean plasma folate levels were 36, 21 and 17 nmol/L in populations with mandatory, voluntary and no fortification, respectively (and proportions with mean folate levels >25 nmol/L were 100%, 15% and 7%, respectively). Among 75 countries with NTD prevalence, mean (95% CI) prevalence per 10,000 population were 4.19 (4.11-4.28), 7.61 (7.47-7.75) and 9.66 (9.52-9.81) with mandatory, voluntary and no folic acid fortification, respectively. However, age-standardised trends in stroke mortality rates were unaltered by the introduction of folic acid fortification.

Interpretation

There is substantial heterogeneity in folic acid fortification policies worldwide where folic acid fortification are associated with 50-100% higher population mean plasma folate levels and 25-50% lower NTD prevalence compared with no fortification. Many thousand NTD pregnancies could be prevented yearly if all countries implemented mandatory folic acid fortification. Further trials of folic acid for stroke prevention are required in countries without effective folic acid fortification policies.

Funding

Medical Research Council (UK) and British Heart Foundation.

Streamlining Micronutrient Biomarker Statistical Analysis in Populations: An Introduction to the SAMBA R Package

Micronutrient deficiency is a common global health problem, and accurately assessing micronutrient biomarkers is crucial for planning and managing effective intervention programs. However, analyzing micronutrient data and applying appropriate cutoffs to define deficiencies can be challenging, particularly when considering the confounding effects of inflammation on certain micronutrient biomarkers. To address this challenge, we developed the Statistical Apparatus of Micronutrient Biomarker Analysis (SAMBA) R package, a new tool that increases ease and accessibility of population-based micronutrient biomarker analysis. The SAMBA package can analyze various micronutrient biomarkers to assess status of iron, vitamin A, zinc, and B vitamins; adjust for inflammation; account for complex survey design when appropriate; and produce reports of summary statistics and prevalence estimates of micronutrient deficiencies using recommended age-specific and sex-specific cutoffs. In this study, we aimed to provide a step-by-step procedure for how to use the SAMBA R package, including how to customize it for broader use, and made both the package and user manual publicly available on GitHub. SAMBA was validated by comparing results by analyzing 24 data sets on nonpregnant women of reproductive age from 23 countries and 30 data sets on preschool-aged children from 26 countries with those obtained by an independent analyst. SAMBA generated identical means, percentiles, and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies to those calculated by the independent analyst. In conclusion, SAMBA simplifies and standardizes the process for deriving survey-weighted and inflammation-adjusted (when appropriate) estimates of the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, reducing the time from data cleaning to result generation. SAMBA is a valuable tool that facilitates the accurate and rapid analysis of population-based micronutrient biomarker data, which can inform public health research, programs, and policy across contexts.

Correlates of Iron, Cobalamin, Folate, and Vitamin A Status among Stunted Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Uganda

Micronutrient deficiencies and stunting are prevalent. We assessed correlates of iron, cobalamin, folate, and vitamin A biomarkers in a cross-sectional study of stunted children aged 12-59 months in eastern Uganda. The biomarkers measured were serum ferritin (S-FE), soluble transferrin receptor (S-TfR), retinol binding protein (S-RBP), plasma cobalamin (P-Cob), methylmalonic acid (P-MMA), and folate (P-Fol). Using linear regression, we assessed socio-demography, stunting severity, malaria rapid test, and inflammation as correlates of micronutrient biomarkers. Of the 750 children, the mean (SD) age was 32.0 (11.7) months, and 45% were girls. Iron stores were depleted (inflammation-corrected S-FE < 12 µg/L) in 43%, and 62% had tissue iron deficiency (S-TfR > 8.3 mg/L). P-Cob was low (<148 pmol/L) and marginal (148-221 pmol/L) in 3% and 20%, and 16% had high P-MMA (>0.75 µmol/L). Inflammation-corrected S-RBP was low (<0.7 µmol/L) in 21% and P-Fol (<14 nmol/L) in 1%. Age 24-59 months was associated with higher S-FE and P-Fol and lower S-TfR. Breastfeeding beyond infancy was associated with lower iron status and cobalamin status, and malaria was associated with lower cobalamin status and tissue iron deficiency (higher S-TfR) despite iron sequestration in stores (higher S-FE). In conclusion, stunted children have iron, cobalamin, and vitamin A deficiencies. Interventions addressing stunting should target co-existing micronutrient deficiencies.

Prevalence of Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies in Indian Children and Adolescents

Deficiencies of vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂) and folate (FA) are of particular interest due to their pleiotropic role in 1-carbon metabolism. In addition to adverse birth outcomes, deficiencies of B₁₂ and FA, or an imbalance in FA/B₁₂ status, are linked to metabolic disorders. Indian diets that are predominantly plant food-based could be deficient in these vitamins, but there are no national estimates of the prevalence of B₁₂ and FA deficiency in Indian children and adolescents, nor their associations with age, sex and growth indicators. The recent Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS-2016-18) provided estimates of the prevalence of B₁₂ and FA deficiency at the national and state levels among preschool (1-4 years: 9976 and 11,004 children, respectively), school-age children (5-9 years: 12,156 and 14,125) and adolescents (10-19 years: 11,748 and 13,621). Serum B₁₂ and erythrocyte FA were measured by the direct chemiluminescence method and their deficiency was defined using WHO cut-offs. The prevalence of B₁₂ and FA deficiency was high among adolescents (31.0%, CI: 28.7-33.5 and 35.6%, CI: 33.1-8.2) compared to school-age (17.3%, CI: 15.4-19.3 and 27.6%, CI: 25.5-29.9) and preschool children (13.8%, CI: 11.7-16.2 and 22.8%, CI: 20.5-25.2, respectively). The prevalence of both B₁₂ and FA deficiency was significantly higher by 8% and 5%, respectively, in adolescent boys compared to girls. There was no association between anthropometric undernutrition and B₁₂ and FA deficiency. There was wide regional variation in the prevalence of B₁₂ and FA deficiency, but no rural-urban differences were observed across all age groups. The national prevalence of B₁₂ deficiency among preschool or school-age children was <20% (the cut-off that indicates a public health problem). However, FA deficiency in these age groups and both FA and B₁₂ deficiencies in adolescents were >20%, warranting further investigation.

Vitamin B12 blocked Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense-driven disruption of the blood brain barrier, and normalized nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in a mouse model

Infection with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b.r) causes acute Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Africa. This study determined the effect of vitamin B12 on T.b.r -driven pathological events in a mouse model. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups; group one was the control. Group two was infected with T.b.r; group three was supplemented with 8 mg/kg vitamin B12 for two weeks; before infection with T.b.r. For group four, administration of vitamin B12 was started from the 4th days post-infection with T.b.r. At 40 days post-infection, the mice were sacrificed to obtain blood, tissues, and organs for various analyses. The results showed that vitamin B12 administration enhanced the survival rate of T.b.r infected mice, and prevented T.b.r-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier and decline in neurological performance. Notably, T.b.r-induced hematological alteration leading to anaemia, leukocytosis and dyslipidemia was alleviated by vitamin B12. T.b.r-induced elevation of the liver alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin as well as the kidney damage markers urea, uric acid and creatinine were attenuated by vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 blocked T.b.r-driven rise in TNF-α and IFN-γ, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. T.b.r-induced depletion of GSH levels were attenuated in the presence of vitamin B12 in the brain, spleen and liver tissues; a clear indication of the antioxidant activity of vitamin B12. In conclusion, treatment with vitamin B12 potentially protects against various pathological events associated with severe late-stage HAT and presents a great opportunity for further scrutiny to develop an adjunct therapy for severe late-stage HAT.

The Prevalence of Anemia in Children Aged 6-23 Months and its Correlates Differ by District in Kapilvastu and Achham Districts in Nepal

Background

Analyses of predictors of anemia or malnutrition often pool national or regional data, which may hide variability at subnational levels.

Objectives

We sought to identify the risk factors for anemia in young Nepali children aged 6-23 mo in 2 districts: Kapilvastu and Achham.

Methods

This is an analysis of two cross-sectional surveys that were conducted as part of a program evaluation of an infant and young child feeding and micronutrient powder intervention that included anemia as a primary outcome. Baseline and endline surveys in each district (in 2013 and 2016) included hemoglobin assessments in n = 4709 children who were representative of children 6-23 mo in each district. Log-binomial regression models accounting for the survey design were used to estimate univariable and multivariable prevalence ratios for risk factors at multiple levels-underlying, direct, and biological causes. Average attributable fractions (AFs) for the population were calculated for significant predictor biomarkers of anemia in multivariable models.

Results

In Accham, the prevalence of anemia was 31.4%; significant predictors included child's age, household asset ownership, length-for-age z-score, inflammation (CRP concentration > 0.5 mg/L; α-1 acid glycoprotein concentration > 1 mg/mL), and iron deficiency (serum ferritin concentration < 12 μg/L with BRINDA-inflammation adjustment). In Kapilvastu, the prevalence of anemia was 48.1%; significant predictors included child's sex and ethnicity, wasting and weight-for-length z-score, any morbidity in the previous 2 wk, consumption of fortified foods, receipt of multiple micronutrient powder distributions, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency (nonfasting serum zinc concentration of <65 μg/dL in the morning and that of <57 μg/dL in the afternoon), and inflammation. In Achham, average AFs were 28.2% and 19.8% for iron deficiency and inflammation, respectively. Average AFs for anemia in Kapilvastu were 32.1%, 4.2%, and 4.9% for iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, and inflammation, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anemia and its risk factors varied between districts, with inflammation contributing to a greater share of anemia in Achham than in Kapilvastu. The estimated AF for iron deficiency was around 30% in both districts; iron-delivering interventions and multisectoral approaches to anemia are warranted.

Daily folate consumption is associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among US adults with diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance

We hypothesized that daily folate consumption may have a beneficial effect on mortality among adults with dysglycemia. This prospective cohort study was conducted on 9266, 12,601, and 16,025 US adults with diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance (IR; homeostasis model assessment of IR >2.6), respectively, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Ⅲ and 1999-2018. Daily folate consumption was obtained from dietary recall. All-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality were obtained by linking to the National Death Index Mortality Data. During 117,746.00, 158,129.30, and 210,896.80 person-years of follow-up, 3356 (1053 CVD and 672 cancer), 3796 (1117 CVD and 854 cancer), and 4340 (1286 CVD and 928 cancer) deaths occurred among participants with diabetes, prediabetes, and IR, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, each 1-unit increase in ln-transformed daily folate consumption was linearly associated with 7.1% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.929; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.914-0.945), 12.4% (HR, 0.886; 95% CI, 0.860-0.912), and 6.4% (HR, 0.936; 95% CI, 0.903-0.972) decreases in risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, respectively, among participants with diabetes. Among participants with prediabetes, each 1-unit increase in ln-transformed daily folate consumption was linearly associated with 3.6% (HR, 0.964; 95% CI, 0.949-0.980), 7.8% (HR, 0.922; 95% CI, 0.895-0.949), and 3.6% (HR, 0.964; 95% CI, 0.932-0.997) decreases in risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, respectively. Among participants with IR, each 1-unit increase in ln-transformed daily folate consumption was linearly associated with 5.7% (HR, 0.943; 95% CI, 0.929-0.956) and 9.0% (HR, 0.910; 95% CI, 0.885-0.933) decreases in risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. Increased daily folate consumption may be beneficial in reducing all-cause and CVD mortality of adults with dysglycemia. More research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

A Practical Guide to Adjust Micronutrient Biomarkers for Inflammation Using the BRINDA Method

The Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) research group was formed over a decade ago to improve the interpretation of micronutrient biomarkers in settings with inflammation. The BRINDA inflammation adjustment method uses regression correction to adjust for the confounding effects of inflammation on select micronutrient biomarkers and has provided important insights to micronutrient research, policy, and programming. However, users may face challenges when applying the BRINDA inflammation adjustment methods to their own data due to varying guidance on the adjustment approach for different biomarkers and the need to develop statistical programming to conduct these analyses. This may result in lost opportunities to have results of micronutrient data readily available during critical decision-making periods. Our research objectives are to 1) provide an all-in-one summary of the BRINDA method in adjusting multiple micronutrient biomarkers for inflammation, 2) evaluate whether malaria as a binary variable should be included in the BRINDA inflammation adjustment method, and 3) present standardized and user-friendly BRINDA adjustment R package and SAS macro. This paper serves as a practical guidebook for the BRINDA inflammation adjustment approach and aids users to use the BRINDA R package and SAS to streamline their analyses.

Assessment of Vitamin D status and association with inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether 25(OH)D concentrations in children and female adults may be influenced by inflammation and thus require adjustment when estimating the population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

We examined correlations between inflammation biomarkers, CRP or alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and serum 25(OH)D concentrations among preschool children (PSC; 6-59 mo) and nonpregnant females of reproductive age (FRA; 15-49 y).

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6 nationally representative nutrition surveys (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan, UK, USA, and Vietnam) conducted among PSC (n = 9880) and FRA (n = 14,749) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia project. Rank correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations were examined while taking into account complex survey design effects.

RESULTS

Among both PSC and FRA, correlations between inflammation and vitamin D biomarkers were weak and inconsistent across surveys. For PSC, correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.04 to 0.08, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D ranged from 0.01 to 0.05. Correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D for FRA ranged from -0.11 to 0.14, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.05 to 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the weak and inconsistent correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D, there is no rationale to adjust for these inflammation biomarkers when estimating population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PSC or FRA.

Folate Deficiency Is Spatially Dependent and Associated with Local Farming Systems among Women in Ethiopia

Background

Folate is essential for the synthesis and integrity of DNA, normal cell formation, and body growth. Folate deficiency among women of reproductive age (WRA) increases the risk of poor birth outcomes including neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies. Folate status is largely dependent on dietary intakes.

Objectives

We aimed to explore the spatial distribution of biomarkers of folate status and their association with farming systems among nonpregnant WRA in Ethiopia.

Methods

Serum and RBC folate concentration data were derived from the Ethiopia National Micronutrient Survey of 2015. The spatial dependencies of folate concentration of WRA were investigated and its relation with the dominant local farming system was explored.

Results

The median serum folate and RBC folate concentrations were 12.3 nmol/L and 567.3 nmol/L, respectively. The national prevalence of folate deficiency using homocysteine concentration as a metabolic indicator based on serum and RBC folate concentration was 11.6% and 5.7%, respectively. The majority of women (77.9%) had low RBC folate concentrations consistent with increased risk of NTD-affected pregnancies. Folate nutrition was spatially dependent at distances of ≤ 300 km. A marked variability in folate concentration was observed between farming systems: greater RBC folate concentration (median: 1036 nmol/L) was found among women from the Lake Tana fish-based system, whereas the lowest RBC folate concentration (median: 386.7 nmol/L) was observed in the highland sorghum chat mixed system.

Conclusions

The majority (78%) of WRA in Ethiopia had low folate status potentially increasing the risk of NTD-affected pregnancies. These findings may help national and subnational nutrition intervention strategies to target the most affected areas in the country.

Serum cobalamin in children with moderate acute malnutrition in Burkina Faso: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Among children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) the level of serum cobalamin (SC) and effect of food supplements are unknown. We aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of low SC in children with MAM, associations with hemoglobin and development, and effects of food supplements on SC.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A randomized 2 × 2 × 3 factorial trial was conducted in Burkina Faso. Children aged 6 to 23 months with MAM received 500 kcal/d as lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB), containing dehulled soy (DS) or soy isolate (SI) and 0%, 20%, or 50% of total protein from milk for 3 months. Randomization resulted in baseline equivalence between intervention groups. Data on hemoglobin and development were available at baseline. SC was available at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. SC was available from 1,192 (74.1%) of 1,609 children at baseline. The mean (±SD) age was 12.6 (±5.0) months, and 54% were females. Low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; <125 mm) was found in 80.4% (958) of the children and low weight-for-length z-score (WLZ; <-2) in 70.6% (841). Stunting was seen in 38.2% (456). Only 5.9% were not breastfed. Median (IQR) SC was 188 (137; 259) pmol/L. Two-thirds had SC ≤222 pmol/L, which was associated with lower hemoglobin. After age and sex adjustments, very low SC (<112 pmol/L) was associated with 0.21 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.41, p = 0.04) and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.06; 0.42, p = 0.01) z-score lower fine and gross motor development, respectively. SC data were available from 1,330 (85.9%) of 1,548 children followed up after 3 months and 398 (26.5%) of the 1,503 children after 6 months. Based on tobit regression, accounting for left censored data, and adjustments for correlates of missing data, the mean (95% CI) increments in SC from baseline to the 3- and 6-month follow-up were 72 (65; 79, p < 0.001) and 26 (16; 37, p < 0.001) pmol/L, respectively. The changes were similar among the 310 children with SC data at all 3 time points. Yet, the increase was 39 (20; 57, p < 0.001) pmol/L larger in children given LNS compared to CSB if based on SI (interaction, p < 0.001). No effect of milk was found. Four children died, and no child developed an allergic reaction to supplements. The main limitation of this study was that only SC was available as a marker of status and was missing from a quarter of the children.

CONCLUSIONS

Low SC is prevalent among children with MAM and may contribute to impaired erythropoiesis and child development. The SC increase during supplementation was inadequate. The bioavailability and adequacy of cobalamin in food supplements should be reconsidered.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN42569496.

Serum Levels of Thyroid Hormone, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid, and Ferritin in Chalazion

PURPOSE

To compare serum thyroid hormone, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, folic acid, and ferritin levels between chalazion patients and control.

METHODS

18-65-year-old chalazion patients and controls were included. The peripheric blood sampling results were investigated. Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), vitamin B12, vitamin D3, folic acid, and ferritin levels of chalazion and control groups were compared.

RESULTS

The male-to-female ratio was 41/107 in chalazion group and 52/106 in control group (p > .05).The mean age was 37.123 ± 13.252 years (18-65) and 39.912 ± 13.747 years (18-65) in the groups, respectively (p > .05).The mean value of vitamin B12 was 304.894 ± 131.592 pg/mL (122.700-985.300) in chalazion group and 353.200 ± 184.341 pg/mL (134.800-1127.000) in control group (p = .038).The mean values of FT3, FT4, TSH, vitamin D3, folic acid, and ferritin levels were similar between the groups (p > .05 for all).

CONCLUSION

This study reports that chalazion patients have less serum vitamin B12 level than healthy subjects.

Vitamin Status and Diet in Elderly with Low and High Socioeconomic Status: The Lifelines-MINUTHE Study

Socioeconomic health inequalities are an important global public health problem. However, it is not well known to what extent socioeconomic inequalities culminate in impaired vitamin status and whether this is mediated by diet. We, therefore, aimed to assess vitamin status in a population already at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, i.e., elderly with high and low socioeconomic status (SES), and to investigate whether potential differences therein were mediated by diet quality. Vitamin status in 1605 individuals (60–75 years) from the Lifelines- Micronutrients and Health inequalities in Elderly (MINUTHE) Study was assessed by measuring folic acid and the vitamins B6, B12, D, A, E, and K. Multinomial logistic and linear regression analyses were applied to test the associations between SES and vitamin status. Mediation analysis was used to explore the interrelationship between SES, diet quality, and vitamin status. Low SES was associated with poorer status of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and, notably, folic acid. Moreover, multivitamin deficiencies were more prevalent in the low SES group. Diet quality was found to mediate the associations of SES with folic acid (for 39.1%), vitamin B6 (for 37.1%), and vitamin B12 (for 37.2%). We conclude that low SES is a risk factor for a spectrum of vitamin deficiencies. Diet quality can partially explain the socioeconomic differences in vitamin status, suggesting that policymakers can mitigate socioeconomic inequality in nutritional status through improving diet quality.

Adjusting iron and vitamin A status in settings of inflammation: a sensitivity analysis of the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) approach

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of iron and vitamin A status is needed to inform public health decisions, but most population-level iron and vitamin A biomarkers are independently influenced by inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the reproducibility of the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) regression approach to adjust iron [ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)] and vitamin A [retinol-binding protein (RBP), retinol] biomarkers for inflammation (α-1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein).

METHODS

We conducted a sensitivity analysis comparing unadjusted and adjusted estimates of iron and vitamin A deficiency using the internal-survey regression approach from BRINDA phase 1 (16 surveys in children, 10 surveys in women) and 13 additional surveys for children and women (BRINDA phase 2).

RESULTS

The relations between inflammation and iron or vitamin A biomarkers were statistically significant except for vitamin A biomarkers in women. Heterogeneity of the regression coefficients across surveys was high. Among children, internal-survey adjustments increased the estimated prevalence of depleted iron stores (ferritin <12 µg/L) by a median of 11 percentage points (pp) (24 pp and 9 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively), whereas estimates of iron-deficient erythropoiesis (sTfR >8.3 mg/L) decreased by a median of 15 pp (15 pp and 20 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively). Vitamin A deficiency (RBP <0.7 µmol/L or retinol <0.7 µmol/L) decreased by a median of 14 pp (18 pp and 8 pp in BRINDA phase 1 and phase 2, respectively) in children. Adjustment for inflammation in women resulted in smaller differences in estimated iron deficiency than in children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are consistent with previous BRINDA conclusions that not accounting for inflammation may result in an underestimation of iron deficiency and overestimation of vitamin A deficiency. Research is needed to understand the etiology of the heterogeneity in the regression coefficients before a meta-analyzed regression correction can be considered.