What are the latest recommendations for vitamin B12 levels?5 answersThe latest recommendations for vitamin B12 levels suggest that there is insufficient evidence to consider the relation between vitamin B12 intake or status and cognitive function in the development of vitamin B12 recommendations. Current evidence does not support a direct link between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function. However, it is advised to monitor Vitamin B12 levels regularly in patients taking metformin, as it can reduce absorption and lower serum concentrations. Daily vitamin B12 losses in adults and elderly range from 1.4 to 5.1 µg, with intake needed to compensate for these losses ranging from 3.8 to 20.7 µg. Additionally, individuals on oral replacement therapy should have their vitamin B12 concentrations retested at the first follow-up appointment to assess absorption and treatment efficacy.
What is source of vitamin b12?5 answersVitamin B12, an essential micronutrient for humans, is primarily sourced from animal products like meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products. While plant-based diets are gaining popularity, strict vegetarians face a risk of B12 deficiency due to the absence of this vitamin in fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, bivalves like oysters, scallops, and cockles are rich sources of B12, with higher levels than vertebrate meats, potentially due to a B12-producing microbiome within these species. Additionally, recent studies have explored non-animal sources of B12 like seaweeds, mushrooms, and fermented foods, suggesting that a varied diet containing these sources could potentially meet daily B12 requirements. Overall, while animal products remain the most reliable source of vitamin B12, ongoing research is uncovering alternative sources that could be beneficial for individuals following specific dietary preferences.
What are the potential long-term health consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in Indian Americans?5 answersVitamin B12 deficiency in Indian women during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes, including a higher risk of neural tube defects, pregnancy complications, lower birth weight, and adverse long-term health outcomes in the offspring, such as cognitive functions, adiposity, and insulin resistance. The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency in exclusively breastfed Indian infants aged 1-6 months is alarmingly high, with a positive correlation between the Vitamin B12 levels of the infants and their mothers. Vitamin B12 deficiency in early childhood may result in serious neurological and cognitive deficits. Vitamin B12 deficiency in Indian Americans can lead to neurologic, cognitive, psychiatric, and mood symptoms, and may contribute to increased vascular risk factors in neuropsychiatric illnesses.
How toxic is iron?5 answersIron can be toxic in various contexts. In the context of human ingestion, iron poisoning can be life-threatening, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to multi-organ failure. The severity of toxicity depends on the amount ingested, and serum iron levels measured at four to six hours after ingestion are useful in determining toxicity. In plants, excessive iron uptake can lead to iron toxicity, causing damage to cell membranes, reduced growth, and yield. Iron toxicity is more likely to occur in soils with high pH, high organic matter, or elevated levels of available iron. In aquatic environments, iron toxicity can affect the growth and reproduction of algae, cladocerans, and fish. The concentrations of iron required to elicit a biological response can exceed the solubility limits of iron in natural surface waters. In the context of cardiovascular diseases, iron has potentially toxic aspects, and iron-dependent cell death known as ferroptosis has been implicated in myocardial injury. In bacterial studies, iron ions were found to have acute and long-term toxic effects on luminescent Escherichia coli, affecting non-vital reactions without suppressing growth or genetic mechanisms.
What vitamins and minerals are toxic in large doses?5 answersVitamins and minerals that can be toxic in large doses include vitamin A, vitamin D, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. High doses of synthetic antioxidative vitamins A, E, C, and β-carotene can lead to hypervitaminosis and intoxication. Excessive consumption of vitamins can also lead to organ or tissue toxicity. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) require longer/higher exposures to cause toxicity. Vitamin toxicity can influence drug metabolism, GI microflora, and absorption of nutrients. Acute renal failure with hypercalcemia can be caused by high-dose over-the-counter vitamin supplementation, such as vitamin D hypervitaminosis.
Why is B12 often laking?5 answersVitamin B12 deficiency can occur due to various reasons. One common cause is pernicious anemia, which is the most common cause of B12 deficiency in the Western world. Other factors that can lead to B12 deficiency include strict vegan diets, an aging population, and patients undergoing bariatric surgery. In some cases, B12 deficiency may be masked by the presence of macro-B12, which is a complex formed between B12-vitamin binding proteins and immunoglobulins. Additionally, certain interfering substances, such as pseudovitamin B12, can affect the accuracy of B12 assays, leading to erroneous results. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these causes and patient groups who may be at risk of B12 deficiency.