Effect of a Klamath algae product (“AFA-B12”) on blood levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in vegan subjects: a pilot study

2009 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Baroni ◽  
Stefano Scoglio ◽  
Serena Benedetti ◽  
Chiara Bonetto ◽  
Silvia Pagliarani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Blood Concentration ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Reliable Marker

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient that is often inadequate in a plant-based (vegan) diet, thus the inclusion of a reliable vitamin B12 source in a vegan diet is recommended as essential. Unfortunately, many natural sources of vitamin B12 have been proven to contain biologically inactive vitamin B12 analogues, inadequate for human supplementation. The aim of this non-randomized open trial was to determine whether supplementation with a natural Klamath algae-based product (“AFA-B12”, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae algae plus a proprietary mix of enzymes) could favorably affect the vitamin B12 status of a group of 15 vegan subjects. By assessing blood concentration of vitamin B12, folate, and more importantly homocysteine (Hcy, a reliable marker in vegans of their B12 absorption), the vitamin B12 status of the participants at the end of the 3-month intervention period, while receiving the Klamath-algae supplement (T2), was compared with their vitamin B12 status at the end of the 3-month control period (T1), when they were not receiving any supplement, having stopped taking their usual vitamin B12 supplement at the beginning of the study (T0). Compared to the control period, in the intervention period participants improved their vitamin B12 status, significantly reducing Hcy blood concentration (p=0.003). In conclusion, the Klamath algae product AFA-B12 appears to be, in a preliminary study, an adequate and reliable source of vitamin B12 in humans.

scholarly journals Unintended Consequences: Nutritional Impact and Potential Pitfalls of Switching from Animal- to Plant-Based Foods

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2527
Author(s):  
Rachel Tso ◽  
Ciarán G. Forde
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Healthy Plant ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Nutritional Benefits ◽  
Potassium Magnesium

Consumers are shifting towards plant-based diets, driven by both environmental and health reasons. This has led to the development of new plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) that are marketed as being sustainable and good for health. However, it remains unclear whether these novel PBMAs to replace animal foods carry the same established nutritional benefits as traditional plant-based diets based on pulses, legumes and vegetables. We modelled a reference omnivore diet using NHANES 2017–2018 data and compared it to diets that substituted animal products in the reference diet with either traditional or novel plant-based foods to create flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets matched for calories and macronutrients. With the exception of the traditional vegan diet, all diets with traditional plant-based substitutes met daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and Vitamin B12 and were lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than the reference diet. Diets based on novel plant-based substitutes were below daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B12 and exceeded the reference diet for saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Much of the recent focus has been on protein quality and quantity, but our case study highlights the risk of unintentionally increasing undesirable nutrients while reducing the overall nutrient density of the diet when less healthy plant-based substitutes are selected. Opportunities exist for PBMA producers to enhance the nutrient profile and diversify the format of future plant-based foods that are marketed as healthy, sustainable alternatives to animal-based products.

scholarly journals 113: Does vegan diet influence levels of vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in the umbilical-cord?

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (1) ◽  
pp. S89-S90
Author(s):  
Tomer Avnon ◽  
Ronit Anbar ◽  
Inbar Lavie ◽  
Tali Benmayor ◽  
Efrat Paz Dubinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Vegan Diet

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a low-value financial-incentive program for increasing vegetable-rich restaurant meal selection and reducing socioeconomic inequality: a cluster crossover trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Nagatomo ◽  
Junko Saito ◽  
Naoki Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Program ◽  
Crossover Trial ◽  
Financial Incentive ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Marginal Value ◽  
Percentage Point Increase ◽  
Point Increase ◽  
Proxy Measure

Abstract Background In light of recent theories in behavioural economics, an intervention program with monetary incentives could be effective for helping patrons order healthy food, even if the incentive is small and less than one’s perceived marginal value. Methods In this single-arm cluster crossover trial at 26 local restaurants, a 1-week campaign offered a 50-yen (approximately 0.5 US dollars) cash-back payment to customers ordering vegetable-rich meals, while no pre-order incentives were offered during the control period. Results In total, 511 respondents out of 7537 customers (6.8%), and 704 respondents out of 7826 customers (9.0%), ordered vegetable-rich meals during the control and intervention periods, respectively. During the intervention period, the covariate-adjusted proportion of vegetable-rich meal orders was 1.50 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29 to 1.75), which increased daily sales by 1.77 times (95% CI: 1.11 to 2.83), even when subtracting the cost of cash-back payments. Respondents who reported spending the least amount of money on eating out (used as a proxy measure for income) were the least likely to order vegetable-rich meals during the control period. However, these individuals increased their proportion of purchasing such meals during the intervention period (a 3.8 percentage point increase (95% CI: 2.82 to 4.76) among those spending the least vs a 2.1 percentage point increase (95% CI: 1.66 to 2.62) among those spending the most; P for interaction = 0.001). Similarly, irregular employees exhibited a larger increase (+ 5.2 percentage points, 95% CI: 4.54 to 5.76) than did regular workers (− 1.4, 95% CI: − 1.66 to − 1.05, P for interaction = 0.001). Conclusions A program with an immediate low-value monetary incentive could be a public health measure for reducing inequalities in making healthy food choices. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000022396. Registered 21 May 2016.

scholarly journals EFEK FORTIFIKASI VITAMIN B12 TERHADAP KADAR VITAMIN B12 SERUM DAN HOMOSISTEIN SERUM PADA VEGETARIAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-120
Author(s):  
Susianto Susianto
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Homocysteine Level ◽  
Megaloblastic Anemia ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Serum Homocysteine ◽  
Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Community Trial

Introduction: Vegetarians consume plant-based foods with or without eggs and milk. Vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as natural sources of vitamin B12 are limited to animal-based foods. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, nerve damage and increase homocysteine level. Higher homocysteine level can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin B12 fortification on the level of serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine in vegetarian. Method: The research design was an experimental study, community trial. The samples were 42 vegetarians with vitamin B12 deficiency (< 156 pmol/L) selected from 118 vegetarians as members of Indonesia Vegetarian Society (IVS) Pekanbaru, treated by vitamin B12 fortified oatmeal for three months from March to June 2010.  Serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine were measured by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay and microparticle enzyme immunoassay method respectively. Result: Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarian was 35.6%. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase of serum vitamin B12 from 124.6 to 284.6 pmol/L (p=0.001) and significant decrease of serum homocysteine from 20.1 to 15.1 µmol/L (p=0.001). Conclusion: Consumption of vitamin B12 fortified oatmeal increases the level of serum vitamin B12 and decreases the level of serum homocysteine significantly in vegetarian with vitamin B12 deficiency.

scholarly journals Supplemented Creatine Induces Changes in Human Metabolism of Thiocompounds and One- and Two-Carbon Units

2010 ◽  
pp. 431-442
Author(s):  
T Navrátil ◽  
E Kohlíková ◽  
M Petr ◽  
D Pelclová ◽  
M Heyrovský ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Redox Processes ◽  
Human Metabolism ◽  
Metabolic Disturbances ◽  
Creatinine Excretion ◽  
Thiodiglycolic Acid ◽  
The Last Man

The administration of creatine (5 g/day for one month) to 11 young active sportsmen affected their urinary excretion of creatine, creatinine, and thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) as well as blood levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folates. The probands were divided into four groups, according to the amount of creatine found in urine, and of folates and vitamin B12 determined in blood. The changes of folates and vitamin B12 were mutually reciprocal. Each group utilized CR as donor of one- and two-carbon (1C and 2C) units by means of homocysteine (HoCySH), folates, and vitamin B12, in different metabolic pathways. In 10 men the creatine administration was accompanied by an increase of HoCySH level in blood, while in the last man, with accidentally discovered hyperhomocysteinemia, the HoCySH level dropped by 50 %. Differences between initial and terminal TDGA levels indicate that creatine affects equilibria of redox processes. Creatinine excretion into urine changed in the dependence on the extent of metabolic disturbances.

Maintenance of Elevated Blood Levels of Vitamin B12 in Human Subjects

1962 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
AARON ARNOLD ◽  
D. A. BERBERIAN ◽  
S. D. SOBELL
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Elevated Blood

scholarly journals Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Administration in CKD, Why Not?

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Capelli ◽  
Giuseppe Cianciolo ◽  
Lorenzo Gasperoni ◽  
Fulvia Zappulo ◽  
Francesco Tondolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience a huge cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events represent the leading causes of death. Since traditional risk factors cannot fully explain such increased cardiovascular risk, interest in non-traditional risk factors, such as hyperhomocysteinemia and folic acid and vitamin B12 metabolism impairment, is growing. Although elevated homocysteine blood levels are often seen in patients with CKD and ESRD, whether hyperhomocysteinemia represents a reliable cardiovascular and mortality risk marker or a therapeutic target in this population is still unclear. In addition, folic acid and vitamin B12 could not only be mere cofactors in the homocysteine metabolism; they may have a direct action in determining tissue damage and cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this review was to highlight homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 metabolism impairment in CKD and ESRD and to summarize available evidences on hyperhomocysteinemia, folic acid and vitamin B12 as cardiovascular risk markers, therapeutic target and risk factors for CKD progression.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 Status Upon Short-Term Intervention with a Vegan Diet—A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Participants

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Kathrin Lederer ◽  
Luciana Hannibal ◽  
Manuel Hettich ◽  
Sidney Behringer ◽  
Ute Spiekerkoetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cholesterol Intake ◽  
Healthy Participants

Vegans are at an increased risk for certain micronutrient deficiencies, foremost of vitamin B12. Little is known about the short-term effects of dietary change to plant-based nutrition on vitamin B12 metabolism. Systemic biomarkers of vitamin B12 status, namely, serum vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin, may respond quickly to a reduced intake of vitamin B12. To test this hypothesis, 53 healthy omnivore subjects were randomized to a controlled unsupplemented vegan diet (VD, n = 26) or meat-rich diet (MD, n = 27) for 4 weeks. Vitamin B12 status was examined by measurement of serum vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holo-TC), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy). Holo-TC decreased significantly in the VD compared to the MD group after four weeks of intervention, whereas metabolites MMA and tHcy were unaffected. Body weight remained stable in both groups. VD intervention led to a significant reduction of cholesterol intake, and adequate profiles of nutrient and micronutrient status. Lower intake of vitamin B12 was observed in VD, which was mirrored by a lower concentration of serum vitamin B12 and reduced holo-TC after 4 weeks. Plasma holo-TC may be a fast-responding biomarker to monitor adequate supply of vitamin B12 in plant-based individuals.

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