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PloS One 2024Vitamin B12 deficiency is responsible for a variety of complications, particularly neurological/neuropsychiatric complications, including depression, irritability,...
BACKGROUND
Vitamin B12 deficiency is responsible for a variety of complications, particularly neurological/neuropsychiatric complications, including depression, irritability, paresthesia and insomnia. Since vitamin B12 is found in animal-derived products, vegans/vegetarians are at a greater risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
AIMS
This study aims to investigate the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency among a sample of adult Lebanese population, with a particular emphasis on assessing the severity of its neurological/neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, especially among vegans/vegetarians.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 483 Lebanese adults. Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized anxiety disorders-7 (GAD-7), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scales.
RESULTS
Among the participants, 11.4% were in the vegan/vegetarian group, and about 43.1% had vitamin B12 deficiency. After analyzing the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ISI total scores, higher scores were reported in participants with vitamin B12 deficiency, compared to individuals with normal vitamin B12 serum levels (p < 0.001). Regarding the diet type, vegans/vegetarians were more susceptible to developing depression compared to omnivores (mean scores of 11.92 vs 8.02 on the PHQ-9 scale, respectively, with p < 0.001). Of the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, 81.1% reported having paresthesia compared to 43.7% of individuals with no vitamin B12 deficiency (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Vitamin B12 deficiency in Lebanon is notably high and is linked to an increased risk of developing depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and paresthesia. Vegans/vegetarians exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing depression compared to omnivores, whereas the risk of developing insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder and paresthesia was statistically insignificant when comparing vegans/vegetarians to omnivores.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Vegans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Vegetarian; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Paresthesia; Lebanon; Vegetarians; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Diet, Vegan; Vitamin B 12; Diet
PubMed: 38630748
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297976 -
Neurology India 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs, the association between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs, the association between hypovitaminosis D and migraine, and the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on migraine-related symptoms as compared to placebo.
METHODS
Relevant databases were searched for observational studies and randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the difference in mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs; the association between hypovitaminosis D and migraine; and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on migraine-frequency, duration, and severity. Pooled mean difference and odds ratio were calculated (random-effects model, RevMan version 5.3).
RESULTS
Ten observational studies and two RCTs were included. The serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level in the migraineurs was significantly lower than that in the nonmigraineurs [mean difference - 4.44 ng/mL (95% CI: -6.11, -2.77)] (low-GRADE evidence). Hypovitaminosis D was found to be significantly associated with migraine [OR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.07, 3.58)] (low-GRADE evidence). As compared to placebo, oral vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the monthly migraine-frequency [mean difference: -2.20 (95% CI: -3.04, -1.36)].
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although it did not reduce the migraine-duration [mean difference: -16.00 hours per month (95% CI: -42.77, 10.76)] and migraine-severity score [standardized mean difference: -0.23 (95% CI: -0.79, 0.32)] (moderate-GRADE evidence).
CONCLUSION
Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was significantly lower in the migraineurs than that in the nonmigraineurs, and hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with migraine. Oral vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced migraine-frequency, but not its duration and severity.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Migraine Disorders; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 37635492
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.383862 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Transplant Recipients; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37876048
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.23-77 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023OPMDs (oral potentially malignant disorders) are a group of disorders affecting the oral mucosa that are characterized by aberrant cell proliferation and a higher risk... (Review)
Review
OPMDs (oral potentially malignant disorders) are a group of disorders affecting the oral mucosa that are characterized by aberrant cell proliferation and a higher risk of malignant transformation. Vitamin D (VitD) and its receptor (VDR) have been extensively studied for their potential contributions to the prevention and therapeutic management of various diseases and neoplastic conditions, including oral cancer. Observational studies suggest correlations between VitD deficiency and higher cancer risk, worse prognosis, and increased mortality rates. Interestingly, emerging data also suggest a link between VitD insufficiency and the onset or progression of OPMDs. Understanding the role of the VitD-VDR axis not only in established oral tumors but also in OPMDs might thus enable early detection and prevention of malignant transformation. With this article, we want to provide an overview of current knowledge about OPMDs and VitD and investigate their potential association and ramifications for clinical management of OPMDs.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Receptors, Calcitriol; Precancerous Conditions; Mouth Diseases; Mouth Neoplasms; Vitamins; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37894739
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015058 -
Reproductive Health May 2024Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that was initially known only for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels and maintaining bone health. However, it was later... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that was initially known only for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels and maintaining bone health. However, it was later discovered that many organs express vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and have a ligand for vitamin D, which regulates the expression of an extensive assortment of genes. As a result, vitamin D is indispensable for the proper function of organs, and its deficiency is believed to be a critical factor in symptoms and disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The significance of vitamin D in reproductive tissues was recognized later, and studies have revealed its crucial role in male and female fertility, as well as proper reproductive function during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a risk factor for infertility, gonadal cancers, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. However, data investigating the association between vitamin D levels and reproductive disorders, including endometriosis, have encountered inconsistencies. Therefore, the present study aims to review existing research on the effect of vitamin D on proper reproductive function, and the role of deficiency in reproductive diseases and specifically focuses on endometriosis.
Topics: Humans; Endometriosis; Female; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Infertility, Female
PubMed: 38698459
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01797-y -
Nutrients Aug 2023Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are one of the main reasons that the pediatric population goes to the doctor. The connection between ARTI and vitamin D (VD)... (Review)
Review
Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are one of the main reasons that the pediatric population goes to the doctor. The connection between ARTI and vitamin D (VD) is currently debated by the medical community, and so far, there has been little agreement with regard to the ideal level of 25(OH)D concentration that would provide protection for the respiratory tract, or the effectiveness of its administration in the treatment of respiratory infections. The purpose of this literature review was to bring attention to the immunomodulatory and antiviral function of vitamin D and its relation to the respiratory system by examining the main ARTIs, including SARS-CoV-2. The latter has affected the pediatric population in different ways, from asymptomatic patients to severe forms with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Although there are not much clinical data on the SARS-CoV-2 disease in the pediatric population worldwide, we tried to find out whether there is a connection between the severity of this disease, other ARTIs, and vitamin D supplementation. We also aimed to find out if 25OHD deficiency had an adverse effect on the evolution of the disease and the recovery period in the case of younger patients affected by COVID-19. For this literature review, the PICO framework was selected as the methodological approach. Our results demonstrated many methods by which this vitamin may lower the risk of ARTI with regard to the COVID-19 infection. Despite these significant advancements, more research is needed to support the idea that 25(OH)D concentration can influence the evolution of respiratory tract infections in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Vitamin D; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamins; Respiratory Tract Infections; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37571367
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153430 -
Jornal de Pediatria 2024
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Child
PubMed: 38604241
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2024.04.001 -
Reumatologia Clinica May 2024Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency. Althought currently it is a rare disease, we should considerer it in the differential...
Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency. Althought currently it is a rare disease, we should considerer it in the differential diagnosis of purpura and arthritis in patients with restrictive diets. We present the case of a 49-year-old man with a history of a nutritional disorder presented to our hospital with generalized purpura and hemarthros. Following the anamnesis and laboratory findings, rheumatological, infectious and hematological etiologies were excluded. Finally, the diagnosis of scurvy was made upon demostration poor levels of vitamin C and a spectacular response to nutritional supplements. We compare this case with 19 similar cases reported in the medical literature.
Topics: Scurvy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Vasculitis; Ascorbic Acid
PubMed: 38821739
DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2024.05.003 -
ACS Synthetic Biology Aug 2023Hyperhomocysteinemia─a condition characterized by elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood─is associated with multiple health conditions including folate...
Hyperhomocysteinemia─a condition characterized by elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood─is associated with multiple health conditions including folate deficiency and birth defects, but there are no convenient, low-cost methods to measure homocysteine in plasma. A cell-free biosensor that harnesses the native homocysteine sensing machinery of bacteria could satisfy the need for a detection platform with these characteristics. Here, we describe our efforts to engineer a cell-free biosensor for point-of-care, low-cost assessment of homocysteine status. This biosensor can detect physiologically relevant concentrations of homocysteine in plasma with a colorimetric output visible to the naked eye in under 1.5 h, making it a fast, convenient tool for point-of-use diagnosis and monitoring of hyperhomocysteinemia and related health conditions.
Topics: Humans; Folic Acid; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Multimorbidity; Folic Acid Deficiency; Vitamin B 12
PubMed: 37459448
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00103 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023
Topics: Humans; Child; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37780439
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1286481