Vitamin Excess and Deficiency

Dysregulated serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins in dogs with chronic enteropathy

BACKGROUND

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of humans, nutrient malabsorption can result in fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, especially of vitamin D. In veterinary species, decreased concentrations of vitamin D are relatively common in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), but data on the status of other fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs) is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

Determine the serum concentrations of retinol, vitamin D, and α-tocopherol in dogs with CE compared with healthy dogs and compare clinical, clinicopathologic variables between CE and healthy dogs to detect associations with decreased FSVs concentrations.

ANIMALS

Eighteen client-owned dogs with CE and 33 healthy dogs.

METHODS

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), serum retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were compared between groups. Correlations and multiple regression modeling were used to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D, retinol, and α-tocopherol concentrations and clinical and clinicopathological variables.

RESULTS

Dogs with low serum albumin concentrations were more likely to have lower 25(OH)D concentrations than dogs with normal serum albumin concentration. Dogs with CE had higher serum concentrations of retinol, and variable α-tocopherol concentrations. The cause of these dysregulated vitamin concentrations is unclear and requires further study.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Dogs with severe forms of CE should be monitored for decreased concentrations of 25(OH)D. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance and the possible benefit of vitamin D supplementation in these patients.

Folic acid and autism: updated evidences

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impairs communication, socialization, and behavior. The association of ASD with folic acid has been investigated due to the importance of this vitamin for neurological health. This study is an update of the publication 'Folic acid and autism: What do we know?' and aims to systematically review studies examining the relationship between folic acid and ASD. The search resulted in 2,389 studies on folic acid and ASD, which were selected by two reviewers based on their titles and abstracts. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were fully read. The 52 included studies involved 10,429 individuals diagnosed with ASD and assessed the intake of vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12; serum levels of these vitamins, homocysteine, and methionine; therapeutic interventions using folic acid; and the association between maternal exposure to this vitamin and the risk of ASD. The evidence of insufficient folic acid intake in most individuals with ASD remains consistent in this update. No association was found between maternal exposure to folic acid and the risk of ASD in their children. Despite observed improvements in communication, socialization, and behavior in individuals with ASD following folic acid interventions, it is crucial to consider the individuality and complexity of ASD. Given the relevance of the topic, there remains a need for more high-quality research and clinical trials characterized by rigorous methodological designs.

The Role of Vitamins in Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms and Benefits

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurological disease worldwide, often resulting in a substantial decrease in quality of life, disability, and in severe cases, even death. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease. Nevertheless, current basic and clinical evidence suggests that vitamins, with their antioxidant properties and biological functions, may play a valuable role in improving the quality of life for individuals with SCI. They can promote overall health and facilitate the healing process. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of vitamins in the treatment of SCI.

Antioxidant therapy for hepatic diseases: a double-edged sword

Liver diseases are complex conditions, significantly influenced by oxidative stress. This comprehensive review assesses the therapeutic role of antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid and α tocopherol, beta-carotene, various minerals, and plant-based ingredients in mitigating oxidative stress-induced liver diseases. The manuscript delves into the critical influence of genetic and epigenetic factors on disease susceptibility, progression, and response to antioxidant therapy. While animal studies suggest antioxidant efficacy in liver disease treatment, human trials remain inconclusive, and caution is advised due to its possible potential pro-oxidant effects. Moreover, the interactions of antioxidants with other drugs necessitate careful consideration in the management of polypharmacy in liver disease patients. The review underscores the need for further research to establish the clinical benefits of antioxidants with understanding of possible antioxidant toxicities to elucidate the intricate interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors in liver diseases. The aim is to foster a better understanding of the knowledge on hepatic disease management with judicial antioxidant therapies.

The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Zinc deficiency is one of the most important micronutrient deficiencies in children that can affect the children's growth pattern. In this regard, different studies were conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on growth patterns in healthy children. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has summarized the results of these studies. So, in the present study, we systematically reviewed the result of the studies that assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric parameters in healthy, over 2-year-old children.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to November 2021. Data were pooled using the random-effects method and were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The pooled results of eight studies, including 1586 participants, showed that zinc supplementation significantly increases height [(WMD): 0.9, 95% CI: (0.27, 1.52), p < 0.001], weight [(WMD): 0.51, 95% CI: (0.06, 0.97), p < 0.001], height for age (HAZ) [(WMD): 0.07, 95% CI: (0.03, 0.10), p < 0.001]. Also, meta-regression analysis did not reveal any significant association between dose and duration of intervention and anthropometric parameters.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on weight, height, and HAZ.

Association of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem in the US general population

Based on nationally representative samples from US, we aimed to assess the associations of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem. A total of 25,312, 8425 and 24,234 participants were included in this study to investigate the relationship of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, respectively. Vitamins including niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, A, C, E and carotenoids were considered in our study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between all included dietary vitamin intake concentrations and the prevalence of specific outcomes. Increased lycopene (odds ratio [OR]: 0.904, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.829-0.985) intake was associated with a deceased prevalence of hearing loss. Higher dietary intake of folic acid (OR: 0.637, 95% CI: 0.443-0.904), vitamin B6 (0.667, 0.465-0.947), alpha-carotene (0.695, 0.494-0.968), beta-carotene (0.703, 0.505-0.969) and lutein + zeaxanthin (0.640, 0.455-0.892) were associated with a decreased prevalence of vision disorder. The inversely associations of sleeping problem with niacin (OR: 0.902, 95% CI: 0.826-0.985), folic acid (0.882, 0.811-0.959), vitamin B6 (0.892, 0.818-0.973), vitamin C (0.908, 0.835-0.987), vitamin E (0.885, 0.813-0.963) and lycopene (0.919, 0.845-0.998) were also observed. Our findings provide evidence that increased specific vitamin intake is associated with decreased prevalence of hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem.

Vitamin A Deficiency, COVID-19, and Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis (Black Fungus): An Analytical Perspective

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious opportunistic fungal disease characterized by rhino-orbito-cerebral and pulmonary involvement. It is mainly seen in people with secondary immunosuppression, isolated vitamin A deficiency, measles, and AIDS patients. It showed a rise during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the spring of 2021 in India, especially in diabetic COVID-19 patients. Vitamin A deficiency is known to cause nutritional immunodeficiency and hence leading the way to increased opportunistic fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. In the eye, it causes keratitis, night blindness, xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis, Bitot spots, keratomalacia, and retinopathy. It also causes decreased tear secretion and deterioration of the anatomical/physiological defense barrier of the eye. The negative impact of vitamin A deficiency has been previously demonstrated in measles, AIDS, and COVID-19. We think that mucormycosis in COVID-19 might be rendered by vitamin A deficiency and that vitamin A supplementation may have preventive and therapeutic values against mucormycosis and other ocular symptoms associated with COVID-19. However, any vitamin A treatment regimen needs to be based on laboratory and clinical data and supervised by medical professionals.

Proximate, Vitamins, Minerals and Anti-Nutritive Constituents of the Leaf and Stem of Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet: A Folk Medicinal Plant in South Africa

Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet (Asteraceae) is a perennial shrub used in South African folk medicine to combat human diseases such as diabetes, coughs, asthma, and diarrhoea, and for wound treatment. This study evaluated the leaf and stem of H. odoratissimum for their nutritive and anti-nutritive qualities using the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and colorimetry. Crude fat and protein were high in the leaf (7.61% and 7.82% DW), but low in the stem (2.25% and 3.4%), respectively. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content was significantly higher in the stem (68.5%) compared to the leaf (43.6%), while non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) in the leaf (24.93%) was higher than in the stem (15.67%). Mineral analysis showed that both the leaf and stem of H. odoratissimum are good sources of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Appreciable amounts of vitamins B2, C and E in the leaf and stem supports the folkloric utility of the plant in the traditional treatment of wounds, coughs and colds. A tolerable amount of phytate in both leaf (0.36%) and stem (1.06%) might be a factor for safer consumption of the plant as food and medicine. These findings suggest the use of the plant as a source for dietary supplementation and ethnomedicinal applications.

Vitamin E and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Review

Vitamin E, a nutrient found in several foods, comprises eight lipophilic vitamers, the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols. This vitamin is capable of exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and acting as immunomodulators. Despite these well-known biological activities, the findings regarding the ability of vitamin E and its serum metabolites to prevent and/or control chronic disease are often conflicting and inconsistent. In this review, we have described the metabolism of vitamin E and its interaction with the gut microbiota, considering that these factors may be partially responsible for the divergent results obtained. In addition, we focused on the correlations between vitamin E serum levels, dietary intake and/or supplementation, and the main non-communicable diseases, including diabetes mellitus, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and the four most common cancers (breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer) with the intention of providing an overview of its health effects in the non-communicable-diseases prevention.

Vitamin E supplementation improves testosterone, glucose- and lipid-related metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of vitamin E supplementation on testosterone, glucose, lipid profile, pregnancy rate, hirsutism, and body mass index (BMI) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

A multi-database search was performed from inception to January 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effects of vitamin E supplementation with or without another nutritional supplement on women with PCOS. A random-effects model was used to obtain mean differences (MDs) and its 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Evidence certainty was assessed with GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

We meta-analyzed eight RCTs reporting vitamin E supplementation alone or combined with other individual substances like omega-3, vitamin D3, or magnesium oxide in adult women ≤40 years old with PCOS. Vitamin E supplementation reduced fasting glucose (MD: -1.92 mg/dL, 95%CI: -3.80 to -0.05), fasting insulin (MD: -2.24 µIU/mL, 95%CI: -3.34 to -1.14), HOMA-IR (MD: -0.42, 95%CI: -0.65 to -0.19), total cholesterol (MD: -18.12 mg/dL, 95%CI: -34.37 to -1.86), LDL-cholesterol (MD: -15.92 mg/dL, 95%CI: -29.93 to -1.90), triglycerides (MD: -20.95 mg/dL, 95%CI: -37.31 to -4.58), total testosterone (MD: -0.42 ng/mL, 95%CI: -0.55 to -0.29), and increased sex hormone-binding globulin (MD: 7.44 nmol/L, 95%CI: 2.68 to 12.20). However, it had no impact on female sex hormones, HDL-cholesterol, BMI, and hirsutism. Two RCTs assessed pregnancy and implantation rates with inconsistent results. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin E supplementation improves glucose, lipid, and androgenic-related biomarkers in women with PCOS.

Dietary patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

This study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To achieve the research´s aim 127 adolescent students, 60 men (18.88±4.18 years) and 67 women (17.61±7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire that analyzed variables regarding their nutritional profile. Adolescent students presented a dietary pattern during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown characterized by different associations of food consumption, On one hand, the consumption of healthier foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, legumes, rice, or pasta, and on the other hand non-healthier foods as food, alcohol, or pastries. Further investigations are needed to implement multidisciplinary interventions to develop healthier habits in schools and to encourage the adoption of healthy diets among adolescents.

Bioinspired Solid-State Nanochannel Sensors: From Ionic Current Signals, Current, and Fluorescence Dual Signals to Faraday Current Signals

Inspired from bioprotein channels of living organisms, constructing "abiotic" analogues, solid-state nanochannels, to achieve "smart" sensing towards various targets, is highly seductive. When encountered with certain stimuli, dynamic switch of terminal modified probes in terms of surface charge, conformation, fluorescence property, electric potential as well as wettability can be monitored via transmembrane ionic current, fluorescence intensity, faraday current signals of nanochannels and so on. Herein, the modification methodologies of nanochannels and targets-detecting application are summarized in ions, small molecules, as well as biomolecules, and systematically reviewed are the nanochannel-based detection means including 1) by transmembrane current signals; 2) by the coordination of current- and fluorescence-dual signals; 3) by faraday current signals from nanochannel-based electrode. The coordination of current and fluorescence dual signals offers great benefits for synchronous temporal and spatial monitoring. Faraday signals enable the nanoelectrode to monitor both redox and non-redox components. Notably, by incorporation with confined effect of tip region of a needle-like nanopipette, glorious in-vivo monitoring is conferred on the nanopipette detector at high temporal-spatial resolution. In addition, some outlooks for future application in reliable practical samples analysis and leading research endeavors in the related fantastic fields are provided.

Effect of Vitamin-Containing Amino Acid Supplements on Menopausal Symptoms and Age-Related Skin Changes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Introduction

Women aged ≥  45 years are known to experience various menopausal symptoms due to reduced oestrogen levels. Changes associated with cutaneous ageing, such as wrinkles and sagging, are also prominent in women in this age group. Numerous studies have evaluated the usefulness of individual basic nutrients and essential components, such as amino acids and vitamins, in menopausal women. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the effects of supplements containing amino acid and vitamin combinations on menopausal symptoms and age-related changes in the skin.

Methods

This is a randomised, placebo-controlled study on the effects of a supplement containing three types of amino acids [leucine, glutamine and arginine (LGA)] and 11 types of vitamins in 37 middle-aged women. The participants ingested either the test substance or a placebo twice daily for 8 consecutive weeks, at the end of which time the efficacy and safety of the test substance were assessed based on subjective symptoms of fatigue, Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) score, the grade and number of wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, results of an analysis of the stratum corneum of the cheek and blood test results.

Results

None of the participants experienced adverse events, and all items assessed in our survey of subjective symptoms of fatigue showed a significant decrease in the test substance group (LGA group). Additionally, the SMI score of the LGA group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group. The LGA group showed significant improvement in the grade of the wrinkles in the corners of the eyes and the number of wrinkles, and the stratum corneum cell area declined significantly in the LGA group compared to the placebo group at the end of the study.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the vitamin-containing amino acid supplement improved menopausal symptoms and age-related changes in the skin (wrinkles).

Trial Registration

UMIN000029830.

Assessment and Interpretation of Vitamin and Trace Element Status in Sick Children: A Position Paper From the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition

Assessment of vitamin and trace element status (VTE) is important in the clinical management of the sick child. In this position paper, we present the various assessment methods available to the clinical practitioner, and critically discuss pitfalls with interpretation of their results. There are 4 main approaches to assess the VTE body status of an individual patient including clinical examination, dietary assessment, and measurement of direct and indirect biomarkers of VTE in biological samples. Clinical signs of VTE deficiencies usually present only when body stores are substantially depleted and are often difficult to detect or differentiate from other nonnutrient-related causes. In isolation, dietary assessment of micronutrients can be inaccurate and imprecise, in disease and in individual patient assessment but may be useful to complement findings from other VTE assessment methods. Use of biomarkers is the most common approach to assess VTE status in routine practice but in the presence of systemic inflammatory response and in the absence of appropriate paediatric reference intervals, interpretation of biomarker results might be challenging and potentially mislead clinical practice. The use of a multimodal approach, including clinical examination, dietary assessment, and laboratory biomarkers is proposed as the optimal way to ascertain the VTE status of individual patients. In the presence of acute inflammatory conditions, VTE measurements in plasma should be replaced by biomarkers not affected by systemic inflammatory response or delayed until inflammatory state is resolved.

Cell Line-, Protein-, and Sialoglycosite-Specific Control of Flux-Based Sialylation in Human Breast Cells: Implications for Cancer Progression

Sialylation, a post-translational modification that impacts the structure, activity, and longevity of glycoproteins has been thought to be controlled primarily by the expression of sialyltransferases (STs). In this report we explore the complementary impact of metabolic flux on sialylation using a glycoengineering approach. Specifically, we treated three human breast cell lines (MCF10A, T-47D, and MDA-MB-231) with 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc, a "high flux" metabolic precursor for the sialic acid biosynthetic pathway. We then analyzed N-glycan sialylation using solid phase extraction of glycopeptides (SPEG) mass spectrometry-based proteomics under conditions that selectively captured sialic acid-containing glycopeptides, referred to as "sialoglycosites." Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that flux-based changes to sialylation were broadly distributed across classes of proteins in 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc-treated cells. Only three categories of proteins, however, were "highly responsive" to flux (defined as two or more sialylation changes of 10-fold or greater). Two of these categories were cell signaling and cell adhesion, which reflect well-known roles of sialic acid in oncogenesis. A third category-protein folding chaperones-was unexpected because little precedent exists for the role of glycosylation in the activity of these proteins. The highly flux-responsive proteins were all linked to cancer but sometimes as tumor suppressors, other times as proto-oncogenes, or sometimes both depending on sialylation status. A notable aspect of our analysis of metabolically glycoengineered breast cells was decreased sialylation of a subset of glycosites, which was unexpected because of the increased intracellular levels of sialometabolite "building blocks" in the 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc-treated cells. Sites of decreased sialylation were minor in the MCF10A (<25% of all glycosites) and T-47D (<15%) cells but dominated in the MDA-MB-231 line (~60%) suggesting that excess sialic acid could be detrimental in advanced cancer and cancer cells can evolve mechanisms to guard against hypersialylation. In summary, flux-driven changes to sialylation offer an intriguing and novel mechanism to switch between context-dependent pro- or anti-cancer activities of the several oncoproteins identified in this study. These findings illustrate how metabolic glycoengineering can uncover novel roles of sialic acid in oncogenesis.

Assessing Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Marketed to Children in Canada

Given the growth of supplements specifically designed for children in Canada, this study examines the nutrient levels of these products, and evaluates them in light of the US Health and Medical Division (HMD)—formerly the Institute of Medicine—and Health Canada’s recommendations. Content analysis was used to document the nutrient levels of child-targeted vitamins, minerals and fish oils/omega-3s (n = 80) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Products were assessed according to HMD and Health Canada dosage recommendations for children, and the percentage of Estimate Average Requirements (EAR), Adequate Intakes (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intakes Level (UL) calculated. Median EAR/AI/UL percentages and quartiles were calculated for each nutrient, and estimates for the adequate intake recommendations plotted with box plots. Sixty five percent of the products assessed were multivitamins; the median dose was higher than AI recommendations for vitamins A, B6, B12, and C, as well as thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. Substantial variation in vitamin, mineral, or fish oil dosage was found between similar supplements—with nutrients such as vitamin B12 ranging from 83% to 5557% of AI. Such findings matter because the very existence of these products suggests that children should be taking them, yet more research is needed on their potential (adverse) effects over both the short and long term. The substantial variation in dosages between products also raises questions about the (perhaps unnecessary) fortification of our children, as well as the expectations that parents know—or are even aware of—appropriate nutrient levels for their kids.

Overall Dietary Quality Relates to Gut Microbiota Diversity and Abundance

Disturbances in gut microbiota homeostasis may have metabolic consequences with potentially serious clinical manifestations. Diet influences the host's metabolic health in several ways, either directly or indirectly by modulating the composition and function of gut microbiota. This study investigated the extent to which dietary quality is reflected in gut microbiota diversity in overweight and obese pregnant women at risk for metabolic complications. Dietary quality was measured by a validated index of diet quality (IDQ) and microbiota composition was analyzed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing from 84 women pregnant less than 18 weeks. The alpha diversity, measured as Chao1, observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs), phylogenetic diversity, and the Shannon index were calculated. The IDQ score correlated positively with the Shannon index (rho = 0.319, p = 0.003), but not with the other indexes. The women who had the highest dietary quality (highest IDQ quartile) had higher gut microbiota diversity in all the investigated indexes, when compared to the women with the lowest dietary quality (lowest IDQ quartile; p < 0.032). Consequently, a higher dietary quality was reflected in a higher gut microbiota diversity. The presented approach may aid in devising new tools for dietary counseling aiming at holistic health, as well as in microbiome studies, to control for dietary variance.