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Skin Therapy Letter Nov 2020Nicotinamide (or niacinamide), a form of vitamin B3 that is often confused with its precursor nicotinic acid (or niacin), is a low-cost, evidence-based oral treatment...
Nicotinamide (or niacinamide), a form of vitamin B3 that is often confused with its precursor nicotinic acid (or niacin), is a low-cost, evidence-based oral treatment option for actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and bullous pemphigoid. Despite its favorable safety profile and affordability, the integration of nicotinamide into clinical practice is an ongoing process, and like many over-the-counter supplements it has faced some barriers. The purpose of this article is to address some of those barriers by reviewing its efficacy, safety profile, and emphasizing the difference between nicotinamide and niacin. Lastly, we offer practical guidance around recommendations and the availability of nicotinamide, which can be hard to find for patients and providers alike.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Niacinamide; Skin Neoplasms; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 33196157
DOI: No ID Found -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Jan 2020Neurotropic B vitamins play crucial roles as coenzymes and beyond in the nervous system. Particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neurotropic B vitamins play crucial roles as coenzymes and beyond in the nervous system. Particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) contribute essentially to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Their importance is highlighted by many neurological diseases related to deficiencies in one or more of these vitamins, but they can improve certain neurological conditions even without a (proven) deficiency.
AIM
This review focuses on the most important biochemical mechanisms, how they are linked with neurological functions and what deficits arise from malfunctioning of these pathways.
DISCUSSION
We discussed the main role of B Vitamins on several functions in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS) including cellular energetic processes, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects, and both myelin and neurotransmitter synthesis. We also provide an overview of possible biochemical synergies between thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin and discuss by which major roles each of them may contribute to the synergy and how these functions are inter-related and complement each other.
CONCLUSION
Taking into account the current knowledge on the neurotropic vitamins B1, B6, and B12, we conclude that a biochemical synergy becomes apparent in many different pathways in the nervous system, particularly in the PNS as exemplified by their combined use in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Topics: Animals; Central Nervous System; Humans; Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; Peripheral Nervous System; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 31490017
DOI: 10.1111/cns.13207 -
Nutrients Jan 2022This review summarizes the current knowledge on essential vitamins B, B, B, and B. These B-complex vitamins must be taken from diet, with the exception of vitamin B,... (Review)
Review
This review summarizes the current knowledge on essential vitamins B, B, B, and B. These B-complex vitamins must be taken from diet, with the exception of vitamin B, that can also be synthetized from amino acid tryptophan. All of these vitamins are water soluble, which determines their main properties, namely: they are partly lost when food is washed or boiled since they migrate to the water; the requirement of membrane transporters for their permeation into the cells; and their safety since any excess is rapidly eliminated via the kidney. The therapeutic use of B-complex vitamins is mostly limited to hypovitaminoses or similar conditions, but, as they are generally very safe, they have also been examined in other pathological conditions. Nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B, is the only exception because it is a known hypolipidemic agent in gram doses. The article also sums up: (i) the current methods for detection of the vitamins of the B-complex in biological fluids; (ii) the food and other sources of these vitamins including the effect of common processing and storage methods on their content; and (iii) their physiological function.
Topics: Avitaminosis; Humans; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin K
PubMed: 35276844
DOI: 10.3390/nu14030484 -
Journal of Internal Medicine Oct 2021We have reviewed the literature and have identified more than 100 diseases or conditions that are associated with raised concentrations of plasma total homocysteine. The... (Review)
Review
We have reviewed the literature and have identified more than 100 diseases or conditions that are associated with raised concentrations of plasma total homocysteine. The commonest associations are with cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the central nervous system, but a large number of developmental and age-related conditions are also associated. Few other disease biomarkers have so many associations. The clinical importance of these associations becomes especially relevant if lowering plasma total homocysteine by B vitamin treatment can prevent disease and so improve health. Five diseases can at least in part be prevented by lowering total homocysteine: neural tube defects, impaired childhood cognition, macular degeneration, primary stroke, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. We conclude from our review that total homocysteine values in adults of 10 μmol/L or below are probably safe, but that values of 11 μmol/L or above may justify intervention. Homocysteine is more than a disease biomarker: it is a guide for the prevention of disease.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Child; Cognitive Dysfunction; Homocysteine; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Neural Tube Defects; Stroke; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 33660358
DOI: 10.1111/joim.13279 -
Blood May 2020
Topics: Adult; Anemia, Pernicious; Female; Humans; Prognosis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 32379881
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005344 -
Journal of the American College of... Feb 2021This is an update of the previous 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of vitamin and mineral supplementation on cardiovascular disease outcomes and all-cause... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This is an update of the previous 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of vitamin and mineral supplementation on cardiovascular disease outcomes and all-cause mortality. New randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses were identified by searching the Cochrane library, Medline, and Embase, and data were analyzed using random effects models and classified by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation approach. This updated review shows similar findings to the previous report for preventive benefits from both folic acid and B vitamins for stroke and has been graded with moderate quality. No effect was seen for the commonly used multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C, and an increased risk was seen with niacin (with statin) for all-cause mortality. Conclusive evidence for the benefit of supplements across different dietary backgrounds, when the nutrient is sufficient, has not been demonstrated.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Stroke; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 33509399
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.09.619 -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... Aug 2019Folic acid (FA), also termed folate, is an essential vitamin for health at all ages since it participates in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids,... (Review)
Review
Folic acid (FA), also termed folate, is an essential vitamin for health at all ages since it participates in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, neurotransmitters, and certain vitamins. It is therefore crucial for rapidly growing tissues such as those of the fetus. It is becoming clear that FA deficiency and impaired folate pathways are implicated in many diseases of both early life and old age. FA can be transported into the cell by the folate receptor, the reduced folate transporter, and proton-coupled folate transporter. Folate transport proteins are present in certain eye tissues, which explains why FA plays an important role in eye development. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the evidence relating FA deficiency to eye diseases.
Topics: Animals; Eye Diseases; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 30919078
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04304-3 -
Nutritional Neuroscience Mar 2023This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of B vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving the standard treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. We...
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of B vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving the standard treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. We also aimed to gather the evidence supporting the recommendations for supplementation in clinical practice.
METHODS
Performed between March 2020 and September 2021, the main inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with patients ≥ 18 years old, both sexes, fulfilling target diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or mild to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the RCTs were included if the scales to assess the severity of the symptoms were standardized rating scales in psychiatric. Trials that reported diagnoses of schizophrenia, perinatal depression, bipolar depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, cancer, and multiple sclerosis in association with any of the mentioned diagnoses were excluded.
RESULTS
We identified 20 RCTs that matched all eligibility criteria, totaling 2,256 subjects, diagnosed with MDD, GAD, and depressive or anxiety symptoms. Supplementation with folic acid or L-methylfolate, B1, B12 or methylcobalamin, and vitamin D (in different doses and study duration) significantly decreased depression score scales by increasing response to standard pharmacological treatment or as monotherapy, including partial or complete remission. As for anxiety symptoms, the availability of results is limited to adjuvant vitamin D therapy.
DISCUSSION
B vitamins and vitamin D associated with other compounds also showed significant results, so the improvement in symptoms cannot be attributed strictly to those. Our results suggest that intervention with B vitamins and/or vitamin D may be an effective and well-tolerated adjuvant strategy for improving the symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to the patient's clinical status and nutritional biomarkers.
Topics: Male; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Vitamin B Complex; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anxiety Disorders; Vitamin D; Depressive Disorder, Major
PubMed: 35156551
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2022.2031494 -
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:... Jun 2020This review details the physiologic roles of two insulin sensitizers, myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI). In the human ovary, MI is a second messenger of... (Review)
Review
This review details the physiologic roles of two insulin sensitizers, myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI). In the human ovary, MI is a second messenger of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and DCI is an aromatase inhibitor. These activities allow a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to be defined based on the combined administration of MI and DCI, where the best MI:DCI ratio is 40:1. Moreover, MI enhances the effect of metformin and clomiphene on the fertility of PCOS women seeking pregnancy. As impaired intestinal transport may lead to unsuccessful inositol treatment, we also discuss new data on the use of alpha-lactalbumin to boost inositol absorption. Overall, the physiological activities of MI and DCI dictate the dosages and timing of inositol supplementation in the treatment of PCOS.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Inositol; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 32396844
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.002 -
Reproductive Health Jan 2021Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is marked in 30 to 40% by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Myo-inositol (MI) increases insulin sensitivity, decreases... (Review)
Review
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is marked in 30 to 40% by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Myo-inositol (MI) increases insulin sensitivity, decreases hyperandrogenism and improves the menstrual cycle. Its effect during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been studied by many authors. We conducted a review of the literature on the impact of MI administration in PCOS women in assisted reproductive technologies. Myo-inositol is effective in normalizing ovarian function, improving oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS, however further evaluations by large multicentre randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in ART.
Topics: Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Inositol; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 33468143
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01073-3