-
Plant Physiology Dec 2016B vitamins are the precursors of essential metabolic cofactors but are prone to destruction under stress conditions. It is therefore a priori reasonable that stressed... (Review)
Review
B vitamins are the precursors of essential metabolic cofactors but are prone to destruction under stress conditions. It is therefore a priori reasonable that stressed plants suffer B vitamin deficiencies and that certain stress symptoms are metabolic knock-on effects of these deficiencies. Given the logic of these arguments, and the existence of data to support them, it is a shock to realize that the roles of B vitamins in plant abiotic stress have had minimal attention in the literature (100-fold less than hormones) and continue to be overlooked. In this article, we therefore aim to explain the connections among B vitamins, enzyme cofactors, and stress conditions in plants. We first outline the chemistry and biochemistry of B vitamins and explore the concept of vitamin deficiency with the help of information from mammals. We then summarize classical and recent evidence for stress-induced vitamin deficiencies and for plant responses that counter these deficiencies. Lastly, we consider potential implications for agriculture.
Topics: Agriculture; Plants; Stress, Physiological; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 27807106
DOI: 10.1104/pp.16.01371 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Oct 2021Little is known regarding the associations between maternal factors and B-vitamin and choline concentrations in early milk and the trajectories of these vitamins during...
BACKGROUND
Little is known regarding the associations between maternal factors and B-vitamin and choline concentrations in early milk and the trajectories of these vitamins during lactation.
OBJECTIVES
In this hypothesis-generating study, we modeled the association between maternal and offspring factors and longitudinal changes in milk B-vitamin and choline concentrations throughout lactation.
METHODS
A hundred women were studied in a prospective birth cohort and milk samples from 52 women were collected at 2-8 d, 76 women at 28-50 d, and 42 women at 88-119 d postpartum. Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and lactation was assessed by an FFQ. Linear mixed-effects models with interaction terms were used to evaluate changes in milk B-vitamin and choline concentrations over time based on maternal factors and the early postpartum concentrations of these micronutrients.
RESULTS
The women with higher early postpartum milk concentrations of niacin (βinteraction = -0.02; SE = 0.00; P < 0.001), pantothenic acid (βinteraction = -0.10; SE = 2.56; P < 0.001), vitamin B-12 (βinteraction= -0.10; SE = 0.03; P < 0.001), and choline (βinteraction= -0.90; SE = 0.18; P < 0.001) exhibited a decrease in their concentrations throughout lactation. The participants with overweight and obesity prepregnancy experienced an increase in milk vitamin B-12 concentrations over time (βinteraction = 0.04; SE = 0.02; P = 0.06). In contrast, a decrease in vitamin B-12 concentration was observed among women with vitamin B-12 intake below the RDA during pregnancy (βinteraction= -0.08; SE = 0.05; P = 0.07). The women with niacin intake below the RDA during lactation experienced an increase in milk concentrations over time (βinteraction = 0.01; SE = 0.01; P = 0.03). A gestational age at birth >40 wk was associated with an increase in milk choline concentration throughout lactation (βinteraction = 0.54; SE = 0.16; P< 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Changes in B-vitamin and choline concentrations in human milk over time may be associated with the early concentrations of these micronutrients in milk, maternal prepregnancy BMI, dietary intake, and gestational age at delivery.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Choline; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Lactation; Milk, Human; Time Factors; Vitamin B Complex; Young Adult
PubMed: 34113959
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab191 -
Nutrients May 2015Because of ongoing global ageing, there is a rapid worldwide increase in incidence of osteoporotic fractures and the resultant morbidity and mortality associated with... (Review)
Review
Because of ongoing global ageing, there is a rapid worldwide increase in incidence of osteoporotic fractures and the resultant morbidity and mortality associated with these fractures are expected to create a substantial economic burden. Dietary modification is one effective approach for prevention of osteoporosis in the general population. Recently, B vitamins have been investigated for their possible roles in bone health in human studies. In this review, we provide different lines of evidence and potential mechanisms of individual B vitamin in influencing bone structure, bone quality, bone mass and fracture risk from published peer-reviewed articles. These data support a possible protective role of B vitamins, particularly, B2, B6, folate and B12, in bone health. However, results from the clinical trials have not been promising in supporting the efficacy of B vitamin supplementation in fracture reduction. Future research should continue to investigate the underlying mechanistic pathways and consider interventional studies using dietary regimens with vitamin B enriched foods to avoid potential adverse effects of high-dose vitamin B supplementation. In addition, observational and interventional studies conducted in Asia are limited and thus require more attention due to a steep rise of osteoporosis and hip fracture incidence projected in this part of the world.
Topics: Bone Density; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Bone and Bones; Humans; Osteoporosis; Osteoporotic Fractures; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 25961321
DOI: 10.3390/nu7053322 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD Aug 2006The B-vitamins, including vitamins B12, B6, B1, B2, niacin (B3) and folate (B9), have been implicated as protective risk factors against cognitive decline and... (Review)
Review
The B-vitamins, including vitamins B12, B6, B1, B2, niacin (B3) and folate (B9), have been implicated as protective risk factors against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. This commentary reviews the evidence to support protective relations of these vitamins, including consideration of known vitamin deficiency syndromes, theories of underlying biologic mechanisms, and the epidemiologic evidence. We also comment on the potential benefits and harms of vitamin supplementation as well as make recommendations for the direction of future studies.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Dementia; Folic Acid; Humans; Risk Factors; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 16917152
DOI: 10.3233/jad-2006-9409 -
Nutrients Nov 2020Multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements are frequently used amongst older populations to improve adequacy of micronutrients, including B-vitamins, but evidence for... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements are frequently used amongst older populations to improve adequacy of micronutrients, including B-vitamins, but evidence for improved health outcomes are limited and deficiencies remain prevalent. Although this may indicate poor efficacy of supplements, this could also suggest the possibility for altered B-vitamin bioavailability and metabolism in older people. This open-label, single-arm acute parallel study, conducted at the Liggins Institute Clinical Research Unit in Auckland, compared circulatory and urinary B-vitamer responses to MVM supplementation in older (70.1 ± 2.7 y, = 10 male, = 10 female) compared to younger (24.2 ± 2.8 y, = 10 male, = 10 female) participants for 4 h after the ingestion of a single dose of a commercial MVM supplement and standardized breakfast. Older adults had a lower area under the curve (AUC) of postprandial plasma pyridoxine ( = 0.02) and pyridoxal-5'phosphate ( = 0.03) forms of vitamin B but greater 4-pyridoxic acid AUC ( = 0.009). Urinary pyridoxine and pyridoxal excretion were higher in younger females than in older females (time × age × sex interaction, < 0.05). Older adults had a greater AUC increase in plasma thiamine ( = 0.01), riboflavin ( = 0.009), and pantothenic acid ( = 0.027). In older adults, there was decreased plasma responsiveness of the ingested (pyridoxine) and active (pyridoxal-5'phosphate) forms of vitamin B, which indicated a previously undescribed alteration in either absorption or subsequent metabolic interconversion. While these findings cannot determine whether acute B responsiveness is adequate, this difference may have potential implications for B function in older adults. Although this may imply higher B vitamin substrate requirements for older people, further work is required to understand the implications of postprandial differences in availability.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Breakfast; Diet Records; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Male; Nutrients; Postprandial Period; Vitamin B Complex; Young Adult
PubMed: 33212933
DOI: 10.3390/nu12113529 -
Evidence Report/technology Assessment Apr 2006To assess the effects, associations, mechanisms of action, and safety of B vitamins and, separately, berries and their constituents on age-related neurocognitive... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects, associations, mechanisms of action, and safety of B vitamins and, separately, berries and their constituents on age-related neurocognitive disorders-primarily Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts. Additional studies were identified from reference lists and technical experts.
REVIEW METHODS
Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and folate, and a dozen types of berries and their constituents were evaluated. Human, animal, and in vitro studies were evaluated. Outcomes of interest from human studies were neurocognitive function or diagnosis with AD, cognitive decline, PD, or related conditions. Intervention studies, associations between dietary intake and outcomes, and associations between B vitamin levels and outcomes were evaluated. Specific mechanisms of action were evaluated in animal and in vitro studies. Studies were extracted for study design, demographics, intervention or predictor, and neurocognitive outcomes. Studies were graded for quality and applicability.
RESULTS
In animal studies, deficiencies in vitamins B1 or folate generally cause neurological dysfunction; supplementation with B6, B12, or folate may improve neurocognitive function. In animal experiments folate and B12 protect against genetic deficiencies used to model AD; thiamine and folate also affect neurovascular function and health. Human studies were generally of poor quality. Weak evidence suggests possible benefits of B1 supplementation and injected B12 in AD. The effects of B6 and folate are unclear. Overall, dietary intake studies do not support an association between B vitamin intake and AD. Studies evaluating B vitamin status were mostly inadequate due to poor study design. Overall, studies do not support an association between B vitamin status and age-related neurocognitive disorders. Only one study evaluated human berry consumption, finding no association with PD. Animal studies of berries have almost all been conducted by the same research group. Several berry constituents have been shown to affect brain and nerve tissue function. Blueberry and strawberry extract were protective of markers of disease, although effects on neurocognitive tests were less consistent. Berry extracts may protect against the deleterious effects of compounds associated with AD. Reporting of adverse events was uncommon. When reported, actual adverse events from B vitamins were rare and minor.
CONCLUSIONS
The current research on B vitamins is largely inadequate to confidently assess their mechanisms of action on age-related neurocognitive disorders, their associations with disease, or their effectiveness as supplements. B vitamin supplementation may be of value for neurocognitive function, but the evidence is inconclusive.
Topics: Aging; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Blueberry Plants; Cognition; Disease Models, Animal; Folic Acid; Fragaria; Fruit; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Parkinson Disease; Plant Extracts; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 17628125
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2020Higher folate and vitamin-B12 have been linked to lower risk of overweight. However, whether this is a causal effect of these B-vitamins on obesity risk remains unclear... (Observational Study)
Observational Study Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Higher folate and vitamin-B12 have been linked to lower risk of overweight. However, whether this is a causal effect of these B-vitamins on obesity risk remains unclear and evidence in older individuals is scarce. This study aimed to assess the role of B-vitamin supplementation and levels on body composition in older individuals.
METHODS
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 2919 participants aged ≥ 65 years with elevated homocysteine levels. The intervention comprised a 2-year supplementation with a combination of folic acid (400 µg) and vitamin B12 (500 µg), or with placebo. Serum folate, vitamin-B12, active vitamin-B12 (HoloTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Dietary intake of folate and vitamin-B12 was measured at baseline in a subsample (n = 603) using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were assessed with Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
RESULTS
Cross-sectional analyses showed that a 1 nmol/L higher serum folate was associated with a 0.021 kg/m lower BMI (95% CI - 0.039; - 0.004). Higher HoloTC (per pmol/L log-transformed) was associated with a 0.955 kg/m higher FMI (95% CI 0.262; 1.647), and higher MMA (per μgmol/L) was associated with a 1.108 kg/m lower FMI (95% CI - 1.899; - 0.316). However, random allocation of B-vitamins did not have a significant effect on changes in BMI, FMI or FFMI during 2 years of intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Although observational data suggested that folate and vitamin B12 status are associated with body composition, random allocation of a supplement with both B-vitamins combined versus placebo did not confirm an effect on BMI or body composition.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Aged; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Netherlands; Risk; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 31076856
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-01985-8 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2012Many epidemiologic studies have considered whether markers of B-vitamin status are associated with cognitive function and cognitive decline. This avenue of research was... (Review)
Review
Many epidemiologic studies have considered whether markers of B-vitamin status are associated with cognitive function and cognitive decline. This avenue of research was sparked by the homocysteine (Hcy) theory of cardiovascular disease, which was extended to Alzheimer's disease when a link between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease was discovered. Hcy could cause cognitive impairment via direct neurotoxicity. However, decreased remethylation of Hcy to methionine might also compromise cognitive function by means other than mere Hcy lowering. Folate and vitamin B-12 participate in Hcy remethylation and largely determine Hcy status. Consequently, much of the relevant research has focused on these 2 B vitamins. The many subtly different hypotheses that investigators have addressed by attempting to link several B-vitamin status indicators to diverse cognition-related outcomes have created a confusing body of conflicting studies that seems to defy summarization. Nevertheless, themes are discernible that aid interpretation, foster hypothesis generation, and inform future study design. For example, despite a shared metabolic pathway, Hcy, vitamin B-12, and folate are differently related to specific cognitive outcomes. Although consistency of findings across studies is often touted as essential to distinguishing causal from coincidental relationships, discrepancies among study findings can be even more informative.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Methylation; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency
PubMed: 23153734
DOI: 10.3945/an.112.002535 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021Platinum compounds have found wide application in the treatment of various types of cancer and carboplatin is one of the main platinum-based drugs used as antitumor...
Platinum compounds have found wide application in the treatment of various types of cancer and carboplatin is one of the main platinum-based drugs used as antitumor agents. The anticancer activity of carboplatin arises from interacting with DNA and inducing programmed cell death. However, such interactions may occur with other chemical compounds, such as vitamins containing aromatic rings with lone-pair orbitals, which reduces the anti-cancer effect of carboplatin. The most important aspect of the conducted research was related to the evaluation of carboplatin affinity to vitamins from the B group and the potential impact of such interactions on the reduction of therapeutic capabilities of carboplatin in anticancer therapy. Realized computations, including estimation of Gibbs Free Energies, allowed for the identification of the most reactive molecule, namely vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate). In this case, the computational estimations indicating carboplatin reactivity were confirmed by spectrophotometric measurements.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carboplatin; Humans; Neoplasms; Nucleotides; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 33807309
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073634 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jul 2023Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including angina pectoris, and hypertension; however, the effect on survival... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including angina pectoris, and hypertension; however, the effect on survival remains uncertain. CCBs impair fibrinolysis and have been linked to elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy), a CVD risk marker.
OBJECTIVE
We explored the association between CCB use and mortality in a large prospective cohort of patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (SAP), and potential effect modifications by Hcy-lowering B-vitamin treatment (folic acid, B, and/or B) as 61.8% of the patients participated in a randomized placebo-controlled B-vitamin intervention trial.
METHODS
Patient baseline continuous characteristics according to CCB treatment were tested by linear regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality associated with CCB treatment, also according to B-vitamin intervention, were examined using Cox regression analysis. The multivariable model included CVD risk factors, medical histories, and the use of CVD medications.
RESULTS
A total of 3991 patients (71.5 % men) were included, of whom 907 were prescribed CCBs at discharge. During 10.3 years of median follow-up, 20.6% died and 8.9% from cardiovascular- and 11.7% from non-cardiovascular causes. Patients treated with CCBs had higher plasma Hcy, fibrinogen levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (all P<0.001). Furthermore, CCB use was positively associated with mortality, also after multivariable adjustments (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.34 [1.15,1.57], 1.35 [1.08,1.70], and 1.33 [1.09,1.64] for total, CVD, and non-CVD death, respectively). Numerically stronger associations were observed among patients not treated with B-vitamins (HR [95% CI]: 1.54 [1.25, 1.88], 1.69 [1.25, 2.30], and 1.41 [1.06, 1.86] for total, CVD deaths, and non-CVD deaths, respectively), whereas no association was seen in patients treated with B-vitamins (HR [95% CI]: 1.15 [0.91, 1.46], 1.09 [0.76, 1.57], and 1.20 [0.88, 1.65]).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with suspected SAP, CCB treatment was associated with increased mortality risk primarily among patients not treated with B-vitamins.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Vitamin B Complex; Calcium Channel Blockers; Angina, Stable; Prospective Studies; Folic Acid
PubMed: 37121550
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.04.033