Vitamin B-6 and depressive symptomatology,over time,in older Latino adults

Background: Low vitamin B-6 status has been linked to depressive symptomatology. We examined the longitudinal association of vitamin B-6 status with depressive symptomatology across 3-time points over ～5–7 years in a cohort of older Hispanic adults.

Methods: We used two-level hierarchical linear regression models for continuous outcomes. Vitamin B-6 status was associated with depressive symptomatology across these time points.

Results: Plasma pyridoxyl-5-phosphate (PLP) concentration, a time-varying predictor, was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology. Study participants with PLP deficiency, vs. optimal PLP, had higher baseline depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) score of 22?±?14, vs. 20?±?13); this differential remained constant over time and persisted after controlling for age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, other relevant nutritional factors, perceived stress, stressful life events, allostatic load, and use of antidepressant medication. However, PLP concentration was not associated with the rate of change in depressive symptomatology over time.

Conclusions: Suboptimal plasma PLP is associated with higher depressive symptomatology in older Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent and this appears to persist over time. Our data suggest that identification and treatment of vitamin B-6 deficiency may be a useful preventive approach in this population.     

Evaluation of vitamin B6 intake and status of 20- to 64-year-old Koreans

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Recent research regarding vitamin B₆ status including biochemical index is limited. Thus, this study estimated intakes and major food sources of vitamin B₆; determined plasma pyridoxal 5''-phosphate (PLP); and assessed vitamin B₆ status of Korean adults.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Three consecutive 24-h diet recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 64-year-old adults (n = 254) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, cities of Kwangju and Gumi, Korea. Vitamin B₆ intake and plasma PLP were analyzed by gender and by vitamin B₆ supplementation. Pearson''s correlation coefficient was used to determine associations of vitamin B₆ intake and plasma PLP.

RESULTS

The mean dietary and total (dietary plus supplemental) vitamin B₆ intake was 1.94 ± 0.64 and 2.41 ± 1.45 mg/day, respectively. Median (50th percentile) dietary intake of men and women was 2.062 and 1.706 mg/day. Foods from plant sources provided 70.61% of dietary vitamin B₆ intake. Only 6.3% of subjects consumed total vitamin B₆ less than Estimated Average Requirements. Plasma PLP concentration of all subjects was 40.03 ± 23.71 nmol/L. The concentration of users of vitamin B₆ supplements was significantly higher than that of nonusers (P < 0.001). Approximately 16% of Korean adults had PLP levels < 20 nmol/L, indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin B₆, while 19.7% had marginal vitamin B₆ status. Plasma PLP concentration showed positive correlation with total vitamin B₆ intake (r = 0.40984, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, vitamin B₆ intake of Korean adults was generally adequate. However, one-third of subjects had vitamin B₆ deficiency or marginal status. Therefore, in some adults in Korea, consumption of vitamin B₆-rich food sources should be encouraged.     

B-vitamins in Relation to Depression in Older Adults Over 60 Years of Age: The Trinity Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) Cohort Study

ObjectivesMental health disorders are major contributors to disease burden in older people. Deficient status of folate and the metabolically related B vitamins may be implicated in these conditions. This study aimed to investigate folate, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₆, and riboflavin in relation to depression and anxiety in aging and also considered the role of fortified foods as a means of optimizing B-vitamin status and potentially reducing the risk of these mental health disorders.DesignThe Trinity Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) aging study was a cross-sectional cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults (n = 5186; ≥60 years) recruited from 2 jurisdictions within the island of Ireland from 2008 to 2012.MeasuresDepression and anxiety were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scales, respectively. The following B-vitamin biomarkers were measured: red blood cell folate, serum total vitamin B₁₂, plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP; vitamin B₆), and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac; riboflavin).ResultsBiomarker values in the lowest 20% of status for folate (odds ratio [OR] 1.79; 95% CI 1.23-2.61), vitamin B₆ (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.06), or riboflavin (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.00), but not vitamin B₁₂, were each associated with an increased risk of depression (CES-D score ≥16). Correspondingly, B vitamin–fortified foods if consumed daily were associated with a reduced risk of depression (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.70). A deficient status of vitamin B₆ (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.81), but not other vitamins, was associated with increased anxiety.Conclusions/ImplicationsBetter B-vitamin status may have a role in impacting positively on mental health in older adults. Regular intake of fortified foods can provide a means of optimizing B-vitamin status and thus could contribute to reducing depression. If confirmed by a randomized trial, these results may have implications for nutrition and mental health policy, and thus quality of life, in older people.     

Intake of Folate,Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 and the Risk of CHD: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study Cohort I

Objective: To investigate the association of dietary folate, vitamin B₆ (VB₆) and vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂) with the risk of coronary heart disease among middle-aged persons.

Methods: A total of 40,803 subjects aged 40–59 years living in the community who were free of prior diagnoses of cardiovascular disease and cancer and who completed a food frequency questionnaire were followed from 1990–1992 to the end of 2001 in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.

Results: After 468,472 person-years of follow-up, 251 coronary heart disease incidents were documented. Coronary heart disease and definite myocardial infarction were inversely associated with dietary intake of folate, VB₆ and VB₁₂ after adjustment for age and sex, but the associations were attenuated after further adjustment for smoking, dietary and other cardiovascular risk factors. However, among non-multivitamin supplement users, multivariable hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the highest vs. lowest quintiles of VB₆ intake were 0.60 (0.37–0.97) for total coronary heart disease and 0.52 (0.29–0.91) for definite myocardial infarction, and the inverse associations with VB₁₂ were marginally significant. The combination of below-median intake of three vitamins or of only B₆ conferred a twice excess risk of total coronary heart disease.

Conclusions: Dietary intake of VB₆ was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease among middle-aged non-multivitamin supplement users. Dietary folate and VB₁₂ were also suggested to be protective factors for coronary heart disease.     

Dietary Diversity within Food Groups: An Indicator of Specific Nutrient Adequacy in Tehranian Women

Objective: To determine the relationship between dietary diversity within food groups and dietary diversity score and the probability of nutrient adequacy in Tehranian women.

Design: Cross-sectional study assessing food intake by two 24-hour recalls questionnaires on two different occasions. Dietary diversity was defined according to diet quality index revised. The mean probability of adequacy across 14 nutrients was calculated using the Dietary Reference Intakes.

Setting: District 13 of Tehran, Iran.

Subjects: 286 females aged 18–80 years.

Results: Whole grain diversity score mostly correlated with protein and vitamin B₂ (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Fruit diversity score was correlated with vitamin C (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Dairy diversity score was correlated with calcium intake (r = 0.54, p < 0.05). Meat diversity score was correlated with protein intake (r = 0.34, p < 0.05). Most subjects failed to meet vitamin B₆, zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper, and vitamin B₁₂ adequacy. Energy intake was a strong predictor of the mean probability of adequacy in models controlled for age, BMI, education level and job status (model R² = 0.53). Adding the number of servings from each of the food group to the models significantly improved the model fit (model R² = 0.59). Adding the dietary diversity score improved the model fit significantly (model R² = 0.64). Dairy diversity score had the strongest association with improved nutrient adequacy.

Conclusion: Dietary diversity score is a useful indicator of specific nutrient adequacy in Tehranian women. However, to determine the adequacy of a specific nutrient, the diversity scores of specific food groups might be taken into account.     

Assessment of vitamin B6 status in Korean patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to assess vitamin B₆ intake and status in Korean patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 8-11% glycated hemoglobin (A1C), along with 28 age-matched non-diabetic subjects, participated. Dietary vitamin B₆ intake was estimated by the 24 hour recall method and plasma pyridoxal 5''-phosphate (PLP) was measured. There was a significant difference in daily total calorie intake between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups (1,917 ± 376 vs 2,093 ± 311 kcal). There were no differences in intake of total vitamin B₆ (2.51 ± 0.91 vs 2.53 ± 0.81 mg/d) or vitamin B₆/1,000 kcal (1.31 ± 0.42 vs 1.20 ± 0.32 mg) between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups, andI intakes of total vitamin B₆ were above the Korean RDA in both groups (180.0 ± 57.9 vs 179.0 ± 65.4). There was a higher percentage of diabetic subjects whose plasma PLP concentration was < 30 nmol/L compared to non-diabetic group. Plasma PLP levels tended to be lower in the diabetic subjects than in the non-diabetic subjects, although the difference was not statistically significant due to a large standard deviation (80.0 ± 61.2 nmol/L vs 68.2 ± 38.5 nmol/L). Nevertheless, plasma PLP levels should be monitored in pre-diabetic patients with diabetic risk factors as well as in newly diagnosed diabetic patients for long-term management of diabetes, even though this factor is not a major risk factor that contributes to the development of degenerative complications in certain patients.     

Dietary intake of vitamin B-6, plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, and homocysteine in Puerto Rican adults

Background

Vitamin B-6 is an important cofactor in many metabolic processes. However, vitamin B-6 intake and plasma status have not been well studied in the Puerto Rican population, a group with documented health disparities.

Objective

To assess dietary intake of vitamin B-6, food sources, and plasma status of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), and their associations with plasma homocysteine in 1,236 Puerto Rican adults, aged 45 to 75 years, living in the greater Boston area.

Design

Baseline data were analyzed cross-sectionally.

Method

Questionnaire data were collected by home interview. Dietary intake was assessed with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Plasma PLP and homocysteine were assayed from blood samples collected in the home.

Results

The mean daily intake of vitamin B-6 was 2.90±1.28 mg for men and 2.61±1.29 mg for women (P<0.001). Approximately 11% were deficient (PLP <4.94 ng/mL [PLP <20 nmol/L]) and another 17% insufficient (PLP ≥4.94 but <7.41 ng/mL [PLP ≥20 but <30 nmol/L]). Household income below the poverty threshold, physical inactivity, and current smoking were significantly associated with lower plasma PLP (P<0.05). Food groups contributing most to vitamin B-6 intake included ready-to-eat cereals, poultry, rice, potatoes, and dried beans. However, only intake of ready-to-eat cereals and use of supplements with vitamin B-6 were significantly associated with plasma PLP sufficiency (≥7.41 vs <7.41 ng/mL [PLP ≥30 vs <30 nmol/L], P<0.01). Both vitamin B-6 intake and PLP were significantly associated with plasma total homocysteine (P<0.001). The association between PLP and homocysteine remained statistically significant after further adjustment for plasma vitamin B-12 and folate (P=0.028).

Conclusions

Given the known importance of vitamin B-6 to health, the high prevalence of low vitamin B-6 status in this Puerto Rican population is of concern. Further work is needed to clarify the potential role that insufficient vitamin B-6 may have in relation to the observed health disparities in this population.     

Influence of vitamin intake and MTHFR polymorphism on the levels of DNA damage in tobacco farmers

Background: Genetic damage may occur spontaneously under normal metabolic circumstances, inadequate intake of nutrients, and excessive exposure to environmental mutagens. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the intake of micronutrients vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₆, and folate and of the polymorphism methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T on the induction of DNA damage in tobacco farmers. Methods: The study involved 66 men and 44 women engaged in tobacco cultivation in the region of Venâncio Aires (Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil). Peripheral blood samples were collected to analyze DNA damage using the Comet assay, the micronucleus (MN) test and MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Dietary intake was evaluated based on the mean values obtained from three 24-h diet recall questionnaires, and nutrient intake data were computerized and estimated in the Food Processor SQL 10.9 program. The statistical tests used to generate the stated results were Kruskal–Wallis test, Exact Fisher’s test, and multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: DNA damage was significantly higher in individuals who had an inadequate intake of folate, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin B₆ (P < 0.01) assessed by Comet assay. In relation to MN test results, buccal cells showed MN frequency higher in individuals with inadequate intake of vitamin B₆ (P < 0.01). No difference was observed in MN lymphocytes frequency. No significant association was detected between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and DNA damage in tobacco farmers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that folate, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin B₆ deficiency may be associated with genotoxic effect in individuals exposed to pesticides.     

Intake of antioxidants and B vitamins is inversely associated with ischemic stroke and cerebral atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study was conducted to examine relationships between dietary habits and intakes of antioxidants and B vitamins and the risk of ischemic stroke, and to compare dietary factors according to the presence of cerebral artery atherosclerosis and stroke subtypes.SUBJECTS/METHODSA total of 147 patients and 144 control subjects were recruited consecutively in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Korea. Sixty participants each in the case and control groups were included in analyses after 1:1 frequency matching. In addition, 117 acute ischemic stroke patients were classified into subtypes according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) guidelines. Dietary intake was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire composed of 111 food items and plasma lipid and homocysteine levels were analyzed.RESULTSWhen compared with control subjects, stroke patients had unfavorable dietary behaviors and lower intakes of fruits (73.1 ± 83.2 g vs. 230.9 ± 202.1 g, P < 0.001), vegetables (221.1 ± 209.0 g vs. 561.7 ± 306.6 g, P < 0.001), and antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, B₆, β-carotene, and folate. The intakes of fruits, vegetables, vitamin C, and folate were inversely associated with the risk of ischemic stroke after adjusting for confounding factors. Intakes of vegetables, vitamins C, B₆, B₁₂, and folate per 1,000 kcal were lower in ischemic stroke with cerebral atherosclerosis than in those without. Overall vitamin B₁₂ intake per 1,000 kcal differed according to the TOAST classification (P = 0.004), but no differences among groups existed based on the post-hoc test.CONCLUSIONSWhen compared with control subjects, ischemic stroke patients, particularly those with cerebral atherosclerosis, had unfavorable dietary intake, which may have contributed to the development of ischemic stroke. These results indicate that proper dietary recommendations are important for the prevention of ischemic stroke.     

Vitamin and Mineral Intakes in Adults with Mood Disorders: Comparisons to Nutrition Standards and Associations with Sociodemographic and Clinical Variables

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrient intakes of people with mood disorders.

Method: A cross-sectional survey using 3-day food records was carried out in 97 adults with bipolar or major depressive disorder to compare nutrient intakes with Dietary Reference Intakes and British Columbia Nutrition Survey (BCNS) data. Blood levels of selected nutrients were compared to reference ranges. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the effects of sociodemographic and clinical variables on nutrient intakes.

Results: The average age of respondents was 46 (±13) years; most were women (n = 69) who had less than a university degree (n = 60) and whose incomes were in the government-defined lower range (n = 39). Compared with the BCNS, a larger proportion of the sample was below the estimated average requirement for thiamin (26% vs 8%), riboflavin (21% vs 4%), folate (64% vs 27%), phosphorous (12% vs 1%), and zinc (39% vs 15%; all P < 0.0001), as well as vitamin B₆ (25% vs 16%) and vitamin B₁₂ (27% vs 8%; both P < 0.05). Combined intakes of food and supplements helped reduce the prevalence of inadequacy; however, with supplementation, the proportion of participants exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels for niacin, vitamin B₆, folate, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc ranged from 1%–8%. Income, relationship status, age, gender, and caloric intake were associated with intakes of many nutrients. Types of medications were associated with nutrient intakes, as lower intakes of thiamin and phosphorous (P < 0.05) were found with antidepressant use, higher calcium and iron intakes (P < 0.05) were associated with antianxiety medication use, and magnesium intakes were increased with mood stabilizers (regression coefficient = 52.61, P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval = 0.74 to 104.48).

Conclusions: Adults with mood disorders are at risk for many nutrient inadequacies, as well as occasional excesses; social, demographic, and clinical factors may affect their nutrient intakes.     

Association of Serum Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate,Pyridoxal, and PAr with Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Large-Scale Case-Control Study

Previous epidemiological studies have focused on the association of dietary vitamin B₆ or circulating pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) with colorectal cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the vitamin B₆ in relation to colorectal cancer risk combining the biomarkers of PLP, pyridoxal (PL) plus PLP, and PAr (the ratio of 4-pyridoxic acid over the sum of PLP and PL). A large-scale hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Guangdong Province, China, which included 1233 colorectal cancer cases and 1245 sex and age frequency-matched controls. Serum PLP, PL, and 4-pyridoxic acid (PA) were detected with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Serum PLP and the sum of PLP and PL were inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk, while PAr was positively associated with colorectal cancer risk. Comparing the highest with the lowest quartile, the adjusted OR (95% CI) was 0.26 (0.20–0.33, P_trend < 0.001) for serum PLP, 0.51 (0.40–0.66, P_trend < 0.001) for serum PLP plus PL, and 2.90 (2.25–3.75, P_trend < 0.001) for PAr. Serum PLP and PAr had significantly stronger associations with colorectal cancer risk in the male group and smoking group. Our results supported the protective role of vitamin B₆ in colorectal cancer risk among Chinese people. The positive association of PAr with colorectal cancer risk suggested the potential role of inflammation and oxidative stress in colorectal carcinogenesis.     

Dietary intake of B-vitamins in mothers born a child with a congenital heart defect

Background Periconceptional use of multivitamins reduces the risk of a child with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Data on the impact of maternal diet, however, are lacking. Aim of the study We investigated the association between the maternal dietary intake of B-vitamins and having a child with a CHD. Methods A case-control study was performed in 192 mothers of a child with a CHD and 216 mothers of a healthy child. Mothers filled out food frequency questionnaires covering the current dietary intake, and general questionnaires at 17 months after the index-pregnancy. Maternal blood samples were taken to determine B-vitamin and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations as nutritional biomarkers. Pregnant and lactating mothers and those with another diet compared with the preconceptional period were excluded for analysis. Case-mothers and controls were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression. Results The dietary intake of macronutrients and B-vitamins was comparable between both groups, but all mothers had a substantially lower median folate intake (cases 161 μg, controls 175 μg) than the Dutch recommended dietary allowance of 300 μg. Within the case-group, the intake of proteins and vitamin B₆ and the concentrations of serum vitamin B₁₂ and folate were significantly lower in hyperhomocysteinemics (tHcy ≥ 14.5 μmol/l) than in normohomocysteinemics. The maternal educational level was positively associated with B-vitamin intake, except for vitamin B₁₂ in controls. Low educated case-mothers showed a significantly lower median vitamin B₁₂ intake than controls (2.8 μg and 3.8 μg, P = 0.01). The CHD risk doubled if vitamin B₁₂ intake in these mothers reduced by 50% (OR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.5). Conclusions A diet low in vitamin B₁₂ is associated with an increased risk of a child with a CHD, especially in low educated women. A disbalance in the maternal intake of proteins and low folate intake may play a role as well, but needs further investigation. As hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease, these data may imply that the hyperhomocysteinemic mothers and their children should be targeted for nutritional interventions.     

Dietary intake of vitamin B(6) and risk of breast cancer in Taiwanese women

Background

B vitamins, including vitamin B₆, are coenzymes that are important for DNA integrity and stability. Deficiencies in B vitamins may promote tumor carcinogenesis.

Methods

We examined the association of dietary vitamin B₆ intake with overall breast cancer risk and breast cancers stratified by hormone receptor status. This case-control study included 391 breast cancer cases and 782 control subjects enrolled at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. Energy-adjusted intake of vitamin B₆ was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

As compared with women in the lowest tertile, the multivariate-adjusted ORs for breast cancer among women in the second and highest tertiles of vitamin B₆ intake were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64–2.52) and 0.64 (0.26–0.92), respectively. In addition, higher vitamin B₆ intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing ER-negative breast tumors.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that higher intake of vitamin B₆ is associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk, particularly ER-negative tumors.Key words: breast cancer, ER-defined breast tumors, 1-carbon metabolism, vitamin B₆     

Development of a Self-Assessment Instrument to Determine Daily Intake and Variability of Dietary Vitamin K

Objective: To develop and validate a brief, self-assessment instrument (K-Card) to determine daily variations in dietary vitamin K₁ (phylloquinone) intake for use in patients receiving oral warfarin anticoagulant therapy.

Methods: The K-Card was designed to include a checklist of selected common foods and beverages providing ≥ 5 μg vitamin K per serving in American diets and items with lower vitamin K content typically consumed in quantities which contribute significantly to total vitamin K intake. The K-Card was validated against records of weighed food intake from thirty-six healthy volunteers, 20 to 40 and 60 to 80 years of age, whose phylloquinone intakes and plasma concentrations had been previously measured by the Metabolic Research Unit, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA USA. Future use of the K-Card by patients was simulated by a single investigator using 108 one-day weighed food records to estimate phylloquinone intakes. Dietary phylloquinone calculated from the K-Card was compared to the values of phylloquinone intake from the diet records collected on the same days, and to fasting plasma phylloquinone concentrations obtained from the same individuals on the following day.

Results: The mean dietary phylloquinone intake (± SEM) was 138.8 ± 15.7 μg for the K-Cards compared to 136.0 ± 15.8 μg for the diet records (p = 0.067). Bland-Altman limits of agreement between quantities of dietary phylloquinone calculated from the K-Card and values obtained from the weighed food records were ± 38 μg.

Conclusion: In this simulation, the K-Card provided an accurate estimate of dietary phylloquinone intake and therefore deserves further testing for use by patients receiving coumarin-based anticoagulant therapy to determine whether variability in dietary patterns contributes to disruptions in anticoagulant drug efficacy and safety.     

Folate Status Worsens in Recently Institutionalized Elderly People without Evidence of Functional Deterioration

Objective: To follow folate status, hematological and cognitive changes during the first year of institutionalization among elderly subjects.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Long-stay unit of the Dijon University Geriatric Hospital.

Subjects: Twenty women and four men older than 65 years admitted consecutively.

Main outcome measures: Folate and vitamin B-6 dietary intake was evaluated by a five-day record on admission (day 1 or d 1), at day 45 (d 45), day 90 (d 90), day 135 (d 135), day 180 (d 180), day 360 (d 360). Circulating levels of folate, vitamin B-6, total homocysteine (tHcy), blood counts and cognitive performance were determined in parallel.

Results: From d 1 to d 360, mean folate and vitamin B-6 intakes remained below the French RDA and mean folate intakes decreased significantly (Δ = ?10.2%, p <0.05). Mean plasma or erythrocyte folate decreased significantly (Δ = ?33.7%, p <0.05 and Δ = ?30.2%, p <0.001, respectively) from d 1 to d 360; no significant change was observed for the other blood parameters. The incidence of folate deficiency increased (8% vs. 37% for plasma folate <6.8 nmol/L and 8% vs. 17% for erythrocyte folate <340 nmol/L) from d 1 to d 360. Mean plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) remained <20 nmol/L during the one-year follow-up. There was no difference between genders for plasma tHcy. Although mean plasma tHcy was <14 μmol/L, plasma tHcy was >14 μmol/L in about one-third of the subjects. At each period, 50% or more subjects were anemic (Hct <35% in women and Hct <40% in men), but the anemia was normocytic (MCV <100 fL). Subjects had a moderate dementia at admission, and no change was observed during the study.

Conclusions: Subjects were already vitamin B-6 deficient at admission. Folate status was impaired during the study. Low vitamin intakes were the main cause of vitamin B-6 deficiency and folate status deterioration. Hematology and mental status capacity were not aggravated by folate status deterioration. Plasma tHcy didn’t appear to be an earlier predictor of folate deficiency.     

Associations of Vitamin B6 Intake and Plasma Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2003–2004

Previous evidence suggests a potential dual impact of aging and vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism; gender may influence PUFA biosynthesis. Perturbation of PUFA compositions during B6 deficiency could be linked to age-related health outcomes. However, little is known about the interrelationships between vitamin B6, PUFA, and gender in the older population. Therefore, we investigated whether gender-specific associations of B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) concentration, respectively, with plasma PUFA concentrations and ratios (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA) existed in older adults. We further examined the relationships of adequate B6 status (PLP ≥ 20 nmol/L) with high (above median) plasma PUFA relative to deficient B6 status. This cross-sectional study analyzed 461 participants aged ≥60 years from NHANES 2003–2004. Nutrient intakes were assessed using two 24-h recalls and supplement questionnaires. PLP and PUFA concentrations were measured. Multivariate linear regression assessed the association of B6 intake and PLP with PUFA; multivariate logistic regression evaluated the relationship of adequate B6 status with high plasma PUFA, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary factors; physical activity; smoking; alcohol; medication; and BMI. There were interactions between gender and B6 intake on EPA (P-_interaction = 0.008) and AA (P-_interaction = 0.004) only, whereas no interaction existed between gender and PLP on PUFA. PLP was directly associated with EPA (β = 0.181, P = 0.002), DHA (β = 0.109, P = 0.005), EPA + DHA (β = 0.14, P = 0.002), EPA/AA (β = 0.186, P = 0.004), and (EPA + DHA)/AA (β = 0.13, P = 0.026). The odds of having high plasma EPA (adjusted (a) OR: 2.03, P = 0.049) and EPA/AA (aOR: 3.83, P < 0.0001) were greater in those with adequate B6 status compared to those with deficient B6 status. In conclusion, in US older adults, a higher PLP level was associated with a greater level of EPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA. Adequate B6 status was associated with high EPA and EPA/AA status. These findings suggest that sufficient vitamin B6 status may positively influence PUFA metabolism in older adults.     

Association between mood and diet quality in subjects with metabolic syndrome participating in a behavioural weight-loss programme: A cross-sectional assessment

Abstract

Background/objective

The interplay between individual's mood fluctuations and nutrition has important health implications. However, little information is available on the relationship between dietary intake and mood state in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between dietary intake and mood state in subjects with MetS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on the baseline data of 84 volunteers (mean age 49 ± 1 years) recruited into the Metabolic Syndrome Reduction in Navarra-Spain (RESMENA-S) study. Mood state was determined using a mood thermometer visual analogue scale. The dietary intake was assessed with a 48-hours weighted food record, from which a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score was obtained. Anthropometrical measurements and biochemical parameters were also analysed.

Results

At baseline, a positive association between mood thermometer and HEI was observed. Among the 10 HEI components, vegetables, fruits, calories from lipids, saturated fatty acids, and dietary variety were related with higher mood. Moreover, those participants who consumed more water, fibre, vitamin B₆, ascorbic acid, tryptophan, magnesium, and selenium have higher mood.

Discussion

In conclusion, an association between both the overall dietary pattern and isolated nutrients with mood state was observed. The analyses of both dietary patterns and specific nutrients are important to determine the association between mental disorders and dietary intake.     

B vitamin supplementation improves cognitive function in the middle aged and elderly with hyperhomocysteinemia

Objective: An intervention study was performed to determine if supplement containing folic acid, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ could improve cognitive function and lower homocysteine in middle-aged and elderly patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Methods: One hundred and four participants with hyperhomocysteinemia were recruited in Tianjin, China, aged 55–94 years old. Fifty-seven individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia were included in the intervention group (vitamin B group, which received 800 µg/day of folate, with 10 mg of vitamin B₆ and 25 µg of vitamin B₁₂) and 47 patients in the placebo group. The endpoint was the improvement in cognitive function as evaluated by Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests (BCATs). All parameters were measured before and after the treatment period of 14 weeks.

Results: The BCAT total score and four sub-tests scores (digit copy, Chinese character rotation, digital working memory, and recognition of meaningless figure) of BCAT at 14 weeks significantly increased only for the vitamin B group. Serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels significantly decreased in the intervention group, while serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ significantly increased in the intervention group.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that supplement containing folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ in middle-aged and elderly patients with hyperhomocysteinemia could improve their cognitive function partly and reduce serum tHcy levels.     

Lead Exposure,B Vitamins,and Plasma Homocysteine in Men 55 Years of Age and Older: The VA Normative Aging Study

Background: Lead (Pb) exposure may influence the plasma concentration of homocysteine, a one-carbon metabolite associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Little is known about the associations between Pb and homocysteine over time, or the potential influence of dietary factors.Objectives: We examined the longitudinal association of recent and cumulative Pb exposure with homocysteine concentrations and the potential modifying effect of dietary nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism.Methods: In a subcohort of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Normative Aging Study (1,056 men with 2,301 total observations between 1993 and 2011), we used mixed-effects models to estimate differences in repeated measures of total plasma homocysteine across concentrations of Pb in blood and tibia bone, assessing recent and cumulative Pb exposure, respectively. We also assessed effect modification by dietary intake and plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂.Results: An interquartile range (IQR) increment in blood Pb (3 μg/dL) was associated with a 6.3% higher homocysteine concentration (95% CI: 4.8, 7.8%). An IQR increment in tibia bone Pb (14 μg/g) was associated with a 3.7% higher homocysteine (95% CI: 1.6, 5.6%), which was attenuated to 1.5% (95% CI: –0.5, 3.6%) after adjusting for blood Pb. For comparison, a 5-year increase in time from baseline was associated with a 5.7% increase in homocysteine (95% CI: 4.3, 7.1%). The association between blood Pb and homocysteine was significantly stronger among participants with estimated dietary intakes of vitamin B₆ and folate below (vs. above) the study population medians, which were similar to the U.S. recommended dietary allowance intakes.Conclusions: Pb exposure was positively associated with plasma homocysteine concentration. This association was stronger among men with below-median dietary intakes of vitamins B₆ and folate. These findings suggest that increasing intake of folate and B₆ might reduce Pb-associated increases in homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.Citation: Bakulski KM, Park SK, Weisskopf MG, Tucker KL, Sparrow D, Spiro A III, Vokonas PS, Nie LH, Hu H, Weuve J. 2014. Lead exposure, B vitamins, and plasma homocysteine in men 55 years of age and older: the VA Normative Aging Study. Environ Health Perspect 122:1066–1074; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1306931     

Correlation of erythrocyte fatty acid composition and dietary intakes with markers of atherosclerosis in patients with myocardial infarction

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that erythrocytes that are low in n-3 fatty acids and high in trans-fatty acids and nutrient intakes are associated with the risk of atherosclerosis. Fifty patients with acute nonfatal myocardial infarction were recruited to measure their dietary intake, erythrocyte fatty acid composition, intima medial thickness (IMT), and the Gensini score, which are markers of atherosclerosis. Trans-oleic acid of erythrocytes was positively (P = .05) correlated with the carotid IMT. After adjusting for age, sex, and energy intake, the IMT was negatively associated with the intake of protein, fat, phosphate, zinc, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₆, niacin, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, total fatty acids, total n-3 fatty acids, and total n-6 fatty acids. The Gensini score was also negatively associated with the intake of protein, fat, phosphate, sodium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₆, niacin, linolenic acid, total fatty acids, and total n-3 fatty acids. In conclusion, lower levels of trans-oleic acid (elaidic acid) in erythrocytes and higher intakes of vitamins, minerals, and n-3 fatty acids were associated with the decreased risk of atherosclerosis. However, these findings need further investigation in randomized controlled clinical trials before public health recommendations for atherosclerosis prevention can be made.