News
Vitamin D deficiency may increase rejection rates in lung transplant patients
3 May 2012
According to a new US study, low blood vitamin D levels seem to be associated with increased rejection and infections after lung transplantation.
06 August 2014
A new UK review reports that taking supplements with folic acid and/or vitamin B12 does not slow age-related mental decline. Experts commented that these conclusions are in contrast to the well accepted benefits of B vitamins for brain health and ignore latest research.
The review analyzed the results of 11 randomized controlled trials involving about 22,000 participants which compared the effect of B vitamin supplementation on cognitive function in older people against placebo (1). The analysis showed that participants receiving folic acid and/or vitamin B12 did see a reduction in the levels of homocysteine in their blood by around 25%. However, this had no effect on their mental abilities: the measurement of specific mental processes such as memory, speed or executive function showed no significant difference between the B vitamin and the placebo groups. Increased intakes of folic acid and vitamin B12 did not show to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers noted that while taking B vitamins may not help everyone, they may have some benefits in specific groups of people with dementia. Experts commented that the benefits of adequate vitamin B6, B9 and B12 intakes for brain health and cognitive performance are well established (2–4) and have also been shown in studies (5–7), which were incomprehensibly not included in the current review. People with higher blood concentrations of the amino acid homocysteine have been shown to be at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Increased intakes of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are known to lower levels of homocysteine in the body, potentially slowing mental decline. The experts added that preventing a multifac-torial disease such as dementia may certainly need more than only increased intakes of B vitamins: Eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking regular exercise and keeping blood pressure and weight in check can all help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
3 May 2012
According to a new US study, low blood vitamin D levels seem to be associated with increased rejection and infections after lung transplantation.
31 May 2016
Vitamin D deficiency is often found in patients with cardiovascular disease.
20 January 2009
According to a U.S. survey, individuals with low vitamin D blood levels have a higher risk of nose and throat infections. In a secondary analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a survey of the U.S. population, found that individuals with low blood levels of a vitamin D marker (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were also more likely to have an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Specifically, the analysis found that compared to those with levels greater than 30 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml), individuals with less than 10 ng/mL had a 36% higher risk of having a recent URTI; those with 10–<30 ng/mL had a 24% higher risk (1). In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has reemerged, resulting in the resurfacing of diseases such as rickets in children. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, “Older adults, people with dark skin, and people exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (i.e., sunlight) should consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.” The researchers commented that the evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin D continues to build. Given that vitamin D levels are relatively low in most foods and there are serious risks associated with excessive sun exposure, dietary supplements can be an effective alternative for achieving a sufficient intake. However, this study on its own does not mean that higher vitamin D intake will ensure prevention of upper respiratory tract infection. 1.Ginde A. et al. Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (4):384–390.