Search

Objective: the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 14 treatments including a total of 10 dietary antioxidants on the risk of prostate cancer. Material and methods: we searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science for only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the effect of these 10 antioxidants on the risk of getting prostate cancer. Using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Data extraction: studies were appraised by two investigators and data were extracted. Using a surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probability, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the relative ranking of agents. Results: from the earliest accessible date through August 2022, RCTs were gathered. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included with a total sample size of 73,365 males. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that green tea catechins (GTCs) significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer (SUCRA, 88.6 %) followed by vitamin D (SUCRA, 55.1 %), vitamin B6 (54.1 %), and folic acid was the lowest (22.0 %). Conclusion: based on the Ranking Plot of the Network, we can state that GTCs might have an impact on the prevention of prostate cancer compared to other dietary antioxidants, but we still need quality literature to further prove it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction and objective: a study was made of the folic acid (Fol) and vitamin B12 (B12) serum concentrations in critical patients with septic shock upon admission and after three days of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with an analysis of their association to inflammatory parameters and patient morbidity-mortality. Methods: a prospective analytical study was made of 30 critically ill patients with septic shock. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical information and severity scores were recorded. Data collected included serum Fol and B12 levels using the DxI® Autoanalyzer (Beckman Coulter) based on a competitive electrochemoluminescence immunoassay. Results: mean serum Fol was within the reference range stipulated by the laboratory on the first day. Nevertheless, a total of 21.4 % of the patients had high Fol levels, with 14.2 % being Fol deficient. An association was observed between Fol (p ˂ 0.012) status and 28-day mortality, and the number of days of mechanical ventilation, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and fibrinogen increased in patients with higher Fol levels (p ˂ 0.05). In addition, 85.7 % of cases had B12 levels above the reference values, with a correlation being observed between B12 and Fol. Conclusions: this study proposes Fol as a novel morbidity-mortality biomarker in critical septic patients, and reinforces the usefulness of B12 as a morbidity biomarker. It is thus suggested that the measurement of Fol upon admission and over the first 72 hours of hospital stay could provide prognostic information about the clinical course and outcome of septic shock patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Background: folic acid participates in one-carbon metabolism, which supplies methyl groups to numerous reactions in the body. Impaired delivery of these methyl groups affects gene expression. We hypothesize that offspring exposed to less folic acid will express higher levels of Pomc (proopiomelanocortin) gene mRNA. Aim: to investigate the Pomc gene and protein expression pattern in the female offspring of female rats receiving a folic acid-deficient diet during gestation, lactation, and post-weaning. Methods: the study involved female rat offspring (n = 10) born from mothers subjected to a control (2.0 mg of folic acid/kg of food) or folic acid-deficient (0.5 mg of folic acid/kg of food) diet, and fed the same diet during post-weaning. Samples were collected from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of the female offspring for real-time PCR and Western blotting analyses. Results: the female offspring in the folic acid-deficient diet group had significantly higher Pomc gene and protein expression than the female offspring in the control diet group (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: a folic acid-deficient diet during gestation, lactation, and post-weaning increases Pomc gene and protein expression, but does not modify food intake or body weight of female rat offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess whether adolescents with high body mass index (BMI), or fat mass index (FMI), in combination with insulin resistance (assessed with the Homeostatic Model Assessment [HOMA] index), had also lower blood vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations.Methods and Materials: Six hundred and fifteen adolescents from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study, with data on B-vitamins (both intakes and status), and BMI, FMI, HOMA, were selected. Intakes were assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h recalls. B-vitamins biomarkers were measured by chromatography and immunoassay. Analysis of covariance was applied to elucidate the differences in B-vitamins between combinations of groups defined according to the median of the z-scores of markers of body composition and insulin sensitivity.Results: When considering energy intakes and education of the mother in the model, in females, vitamin B6 intakes were higher in the high BMI/high HOMA group than in the high BMI-low HOMA group. Similarly, vitamin B6 intakes were higher in the high FMI/high HOMA group than in the low FMI/low HOMA group. Plasma vitamin B12 was significantly lower in males in the high FMI/high HOMA group than in the low FMI/low HOMA group, keeping also significant their trends throughout the groups, a fact that can be observed also for females (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Adolescents with combined higher adiposity and higher HOMA insulin sensitivity showed lower vitamin B12 plasma concentrations. These differences do not seem to be explained by dietary vitamin B12 intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antecedentes: El folato junto a otras vitaminas del complejo B cumplen importantes funciones en la modulación de la expresión génica y síntesis del ADN, siendo necesarios para la detoxificación de la homocisteína y la síntesis de neurotransmisores imprescindibles para el mantenimiento de la función cognitiva. Objetivo: Revisar sistemáticamente la evidencia científica sobre beneficios y/o riesgos de los folatos y nutrientes relacionados en la función cognitiva del adulto mayor. Material y método: "Revisión sistemática en Medline, vía Pubmed", y en referencias de artículos seleccionados entre los años 2005-2011, considerando específicamente nivel de folatos séricos e intraeritrocitarios, ingesta de folatos y función cognitiva en el adulto mayor. Resultados: Se encontraron doce estudios transversales, seis estudios de cohorte, y seis estudios clínicos randomizados a doble ciego que cumplieron con los criterios pre-establecidos. Conclusión: Esta revisión no permite concluir que la suplementación de ácido fólico tenga un efecto positivo sobre la función cognitiva en el adulto mayor. Considerando que bajos niveles séricos de folatos podrían relacionarse con un mayor riesgo de deterioro cognitivo y que altos niveles asociados a un bajo nivel de vitamina B12 sérica favorecería un mayor deterioro, se sugiere como medida precautoria revisar los niveles establecidos para fortificar alimentos con ácido fólico para limitar riesgos y maximizar beneficios.Background: Folate and other B complex vitamins play important roles in the synthesis of DNA, gene expression, homocysteine detoxification and synthesis of neurotransmitters necessary for the maintenance of cognitive function. Aim: Systematic literature review of benefit and/ risks of folate and related nutrients in cognitive function in older adults. Material and methods: "Medline via Pubmed systematic review" of selected articles from years 2010 and May 2011 and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum and erythrocyte folate levels, and folate intake and cognitive function in older adults. Results: Twelve cross-sectional studies, six cohort studies and six randomized double-blind clinical studies that met pre-established criteria were selected for analysis. Conclusions: This review doesn´t support a benefit from folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in the elderly. Whereas low folate serum levels may be related to increased risk of cognitive impairment and high levels associated with low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute a further deterioration, it is suggested as precautory measure to re-examine the present level of food fortification with folic acid to maximize benefits and limit potential risks.

Antecedentes: Estudios observacionales muestran que os niveles de folatos podrían estar asociados con el desarrollo de adenomas y cáncer colorrectal, sugiriendo que la suplementación de ácido fólico podría tener un efecto preventivo. Objetivo: Revisar sistemáticamente la evidencia científica proveniente de estudios clínicos randomizados con placebo y controlados que permitan conocer los efectos de la suplementación del ácido fólico sobre la recurrencia de adenomas colorrectales. Material y método: Revisión sistemática en Medline, vía Pubmed de estudios clínicos randomizados, con placebo y controlados a doble ciego y sus referencias, que evaluen específicamente el efecto de la suplementación de ácido sobre la recurrencia de adenomas colorrectales. Resultados: Siete estudios clínicos randomizados que cumplían los criterios de inclusión fueron seleccionados y evaluados. Conclusión: Los estudios seleccionados no permiten concluir que la suplementación de ácido fólico tenga un efecto beneficioso sobre la recurrencia de adenomas colorrectales. Se observa en algunos estudios diferencias de riesgo según tipo de folatos que sugieren revisar los criterios y niveles de suplementación en algunos subgrupos de población con mayores riesgos.Background: Observational studies show that folate levels may be associated with the development of adenomas and colorectal cancer, suggesting that folic acid supplementation may have a preventive effect. Aim: Systematic review of scientific evidence from randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies to identify the effects of folic acid supplementation on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Material and methods: Medline via Pubmed systematic review of randomized clinical trials, double-blind and placebo-controlled and references, specifically to evaluate the effect of acid supplementation on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Results: Seven randomized clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were selected and evaluated for analysis based on pre established criteria. Conclusions: The selected studies do not support that folic acid supplementation is beneficial in recurrence of colorectal adenomas. We observed in some studies differences in risk by type of folate suggesting to review the criteria and levels of supplementation in some population subgroups with higher risks.

Introducción: El ácido fólico presenta una relevancia potencial en la prevención de diversas patologías (malformaciones congénitas, enfermedad cardiovascular, cáncer, enfermedades neurodegenerativas), lo cual ha supuesto la implantación de estrategias para aumentar su ingesta: educación nutricional, suplementación farmacológica y fortificación obligatoria o voluntaria. En España se comercializan alimentos fortificados voluntariamente con ácido fólico, aunque se carece de datos específicos y no es posible evaluar su impacto en la ingesta de la población. Objetivos: Obtener un mayor conocimiento de las prácticas de fortificación de los alimentos con ácido fólico. Métodos: Se diseñó una Base de Datos de alimentos fortificados con ácido fólico a partir de un estudio de mercado y se recopilaron datos de alimentos no fortificados procedentes de Tablas de Composición de Alimentos. Resultados y discusión: La Base de Datos incluyó 260 alimentos fortificados. El grupo mayoritario fue el de "Cereales y derivados" (52%) seguidos por "Leche y derivados" (17%). La mayoría de productos carecía de población diana de consumo (37%) o iban dirigidos a población con "Sobrepeso" (28%) e "Infantil" (23%), siendo minoritarios los dirigidos a mujeres en edad fértil (2%). El número de alimentos no fortificados fue de 690. El nivel de fortificación declarado por los fabricantes se encontró entre 15 y 430% de la Cantidad Diaria Recomendada (CDR) de ácido fólico por 100 g/ml, y la adición conjunta de vitaminas B6 y B12 en un 75% de los productos. El mercado español ofrece ya una importante cantidad de alimentos fortificados con ácido fólico de forma voluntaria, a un nivel ≥ 15% de la CDR por 100 g/ml o ración.Introduction: Folic acid is a potentially relevant factor in the prevention of a number of pathologies (congenital abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer and neurocognitive decline). This has led to the introduction of different strategies in order to increase folate intake: nutritional education, pharmacological supplementation and mandatory or voluntary fortification of staple foods with folic acid. In Spain there is a growing number of folic acid fortified products on a voluntary basis, but there is also a lack of reliable data to assess their impact on the population's dietary folate intakes. Objective: To gather a better knowledge of folic acid food fortification practices in Spain. Methods: A Food Composition Database was developed using data from a market study. Also, previously published data of unfortified staple foods from Food Composition Tables was reviewed. Results and discussion: The Database included 260 folic acid fortified food items and it was periodically updated. Food groups included were primarily "Cereals and derivatives" (52%) followed by "Dairy products". Most of these foodstuffs lacked a target population for their consumption (37%) or were aimed at "Weight control" (28%) and "Children" (23%), but only 2% targeted women at a reproductive age. Number of unfortified foods included was 690. Fortification levels declared by manufacturers ranged between 15 and 430% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for folic acid per 100 g/ml, and simultaneous addition of B6 and B12 vitamins was observed in75% of the products. Currently, Spain market offers a significant number of folic acid fortified products on a voluntary basis and at a level ≥ 15% of the RDA per 100 g/ml or serving declared by manufacturers.

Los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentan un aumento de homocisteína plasmática (Hcy), debido a la alteración en la metilación causada por la uremia y déficit de los cofactores necesarios (vitamina B, ácido fólico). Esto se correlaciona con un mayor desarrollo de la enfermedad vascular prematura. El tratamiento, no está consensuado, siendo escasa la respuesta a la administración oral de dosis convencionales de ácido fólico. En este trabajo valoramos la respuesta de la hiperhomocisteinemia de 73 pacientes en programa de hemodiálisis periódica tras la administración de 50 mg de ácido folínico parenteral durante 18 meses. La homocisteína plasmática de los pacientes en el momento de inicio del estudio presentaba unos valores medios de 22,67 (μmol/l). Durante el primer año de suplementación mantuvieron el valor medio de 20μmol/l. A partir del primer año de tratamiento, y hasta finalizar los 18 meses de observación, los niveles medios de homocisteína fueron de 19,58 μmol/l. Aunque con el tiempo de tratamiento encontramos una clara tendencia al descenso de sus valores plasmáticos, no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Los valores de homocisteína no se normalizaron en ninguno de los pacientes tratados.Hemodialysis patients present an increase in plasma homocysteine (Hcy) due to methylation impairment caused by uremia and the deficiency of the co-factors needed (vitamin B, folic acid). This correlates with a more common development of premature vascular disease. There is no consensus on the therapy, with a poor response to oral administration of conventional doses of folic acid. In this work, we assessed the response of hyperhomocysteinemia in 73 regular hemodialysis patients after the administration of 50 mg of parenteral folinic acid for 18 months. Plasma homocysteine of the patients at the time of the study beginning presented mean values of 22.67 (μmol/L). During the first year of supplementation the mean value was kept at 20μmol/L. From the first year to the end of the 18-months observation period the mean homocysteine levels were 19.58μmol/L. Although we found a clear trend towards a decrease in plasma homocysteine levels during the treatment period, there were no significant differences. Homocysteine levels did not come back to normal in none of the patients treated.

Aging is associated with increased risk of developing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the daily intake of micronutrient whose deficient in diet could cause anaemia (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) and vitamin C to establish the prevalence of anaemia in a group of institutionalized of 124 elderly subjects residing in five nursing homes in León (Spain). A precise weighing method was used to conduct the control of food intake covering seven days. Energy, alcohol, iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C intake were obtained. Weight, and Height also were measured. Serum iron, serum ferritin, haemoglobin and hematocrit were also measured. Average daily iron intake was higher than the 10 mg recommended by the National Academy of Science although significantly higher (p < 0.05) in males (17.0 ± 7.4 mg) than in females (11.8 ± 1.5 mg). Moreover, vitamin C intake in all subjects is high (118.8 ± 43.7 mg) and higher than Spanish RDA (198%). Average intakes of folate and vitamin B12 in the present study exceeded the RDA, (103% and 144%). However, 45.83% of males and 5.97% of females showed deficiencies in vitamin B12 and 53.91% of the subjects showed deficiencies in folic acid. The average haemoglobin concentration (14.28 ± 1.33 g/dL), hematocrit percentage (43.71 ± 6.31), ferritin concentration (87.01 ± 59.74 ng/mL) and serum iron (85.36 ± 33.98 µg/dL) showed similar figures to the results obtained in other studies carried out on elderly populations. It would be necessary to adequately compose the menus given in nursing homes, decreasing energy contribution, and supplying micronutrient rich foods or fortified foods.El envejecimiento comporta un mayor riesgo de anemia y deficiencias de micronutrientes. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en evaluar el aporte diario de micronutrientes, cuya carencia dietética podría ocasionar anemia (hierro, ácido fólico, vitamina B12), así como de vitamina C para conocer la prevalencia de anemia entre un grupo de 124 ancianos que vivían en cinco residencias de León (España). Se utilizó un método preciso de pesaje para controlar la ingestión de alimentos durante 7 días. Se midieron el aporte de energía, alcohol, hierro, ácido fólico, vitamina B12 y vitamina C. También se registraron el peso y la talla. Además, se analizaron el hierro sérico, la ferritina sérica, la hemoglobina y el hematócrito. El aporte diario medio de hierro resultó mayor que los 10 mg recomendados por la Academia Nacional de Ciencias, si bien la cantidad recibida por los varones (17,0 ± 7,4 mg) era significativamente superior (p < 0,05) a la de las mujeres (11,8 ± 1,5 mg). Es más, el aporte de vitamina C de todos los sujetos fue alto (118,8 ± 43,7 mg) y superior a la cantidad diaria recomendada (CDR) en España (198%). El aporte medio de ácido fólico y de vitamina B12 en este estudio excedió las CDR pertinentes (103% y 144%). Sin embargo, el 45,83% de los varones y el 5,97% de las mujeres manifestaron carencias de vitamina B12, mientras que el 53,91% de la población presentaba una deficiencia de ácido fólico. La concentración media de hemoglobina (14,28 ± 1,33 g/dl), el porcentaje del hematócrito (43,71 ± 6,31), la concentración de ferritina (87,01 ± 59,74 ng/ml) y el hierro sérico (85,36 ± 33,98 µg/dl) se asemejaron a los de otros estudios sobre poblaciones ancianas. Sería necesario organizar adecuadamente los menús de las residencias para la tercera edad, disminuyendo el aporte energético y suministrando alimentos ricos en micronutrientes o fortificados.

Background: the question on whether undernutrition remains linked to depressive symptoms, considering the effect of deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate, is of practical relevance because they are potentially preventable and treatable. This study aims to evaluate whether undernutrition is linked to depressive symptoms, considering the effect of vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels.Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 84 older adults living in care homes. Data about nutritional status using Mini-Nutritional Assessment, serum folic acid and Vitamin B12 levels, cognitive ability, functional dependency, symptoms and /or depressive behaviour was obtained. Depression symptoms were measured using the 20-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.Results: fifty three older adults were at depression risk (63.1%). Of those, 34% were at undernutrition risk. Although a high frequency of older adults with low plasma levels of vitamin B12 (42.9%) and lower levels of folic acid (5.9%) was found, no significant differences concerning the existence of depressive symptoms were found. In the multivariable analysis, an increase in depression risk was observed amongst participants nutritionally at risk OR = 3.47 (1.05-11.46), whereas having low levels of folic acid and Vitamins B12 were not associated with depression risk.Conclusion: amongst undernourished older adults, an increase in risk of depression was observed independently of folic acid and vitamin B12 status. These results highlight the need to implement preventive strategies, particularly directed at older adults living in care home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies show that folate levels may be associated with the development of adenomas and colorectal cancer, suggesting that folic acid supplementation may have a preventive effect. Aim: Systematic review of scientific evidence from randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies to identify the effects of folic acid supplementation on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Material and methods: Medline via Pubmed systematic review of randomized clinical trials, double-blind and placebo-controlled and references, specifically to evaluate the effect of acid supplementation on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas Results: Seven randomized clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were selected and evaluated for analysis based on pre established criteria. Conclusions: The selected studies do not support that folic acid supplementation is beneficial in recurrence of colorectal adenomas. We observed in some studies differences in risk by type of folate suggesting to review the criteria and levels of supplementation in some population subgroups with higher risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Folate and other B complex vitamins play important roles in the synthesis of DNA, gene expression, homocysteine detoxification and synthesis of neurotransmitters necessary for the maintenance of cognitive function. Aim: Systematic literature review of benefit and/ risks of folate and related nutrients in cognitive function in older adults. Material and methods: "Medline via Pubmed systematic review" of selected articles from years 2010 and May 2011 and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum and erythrocyte folate levels, and folate intake and cognitive function in older adults. Results: Twelve cross-sectional studies, six cohort studies and six randomized double-blind clinical studies that met pre-established criteria were selected for analysis. Conclusions: This review doesn't support a benefit from folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in the elderly. Whereas low folate serum levels may be related to increased risk of cognitive impairment and high levels associated with low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute a further deterioration, it is suggested as precautory measure to re-examine the present level of food fortification with folic acid to maximize benefits and limit potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Folic acid is a potentially relevant factor in the prevention of a number of pathologies (congenital abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer and neurocognitive decline). This has led to the introduction of different strategies in order to increase folate intake: nutritional education, pharmacological supplementation and mandatory or voluntary fortification of staple foods with folic acid. In Spain there is a growing number of folic acid fortified products on a voluntary basis, but there is also a lack of reliable data to assess their impact on the population's dietary folate intakes. Objective: To gather a better knowledge of folic acid food fortification practices in Spain. Methods: A Food Composition Database was developed using data from a market study. Also, previously published data of unfortified staple foods from Food Composition Tables was reviewed. Results and discussion: The Database included 260 folic acid fortified food items and it was periodically updated. Food groups included were primarily "Cereals and derivatives" (52%) followed by "Dairy products". Most of these foodstuffs lacked a target population for their consumption (37%) or were aimed at "Weight control" (28%) and "Children" (23%), but only 2% targeted women at a reproductive age. Number of unfortified foods included was 690. Fortification levels declared by manufacturers ranged between 15 and 430% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for folic acid per 100 g/ml, and simultaneous addition of B6 and B12 vitamins was observed in 75% of the products. Currently, Spain market offers a significant number of folic acid fortified products on a voluntary basis and at a level ≥ 15% of the RDA per 100 g/ml or serving declared by manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis patients present an increase in plasma homocysteine (Hcy) due to methylation impairment caused by uremia and the deficiency of the co-factors needed (vitamin B, folic acid). This correlates with a more common development of premature vascular disease. There is no consensus on the therapy, with a poor response to oral administration of conventional doses of folic acid. In this work, we assessed the response of hyperhomocysteinemia in 73 regular hemodialysis patients after the administration of 50 mg of parenteral folinic acid for 18 months. Plasma homocysteine of the patients at the time of the study beginning presented mean values of 22.67 ( μmol/L). During the first year of supplementation the mean value was kept at 20 μmol/L. From the first year to the end of the 18-months observation period the mean homocysteine levels were 19.58 μmol/L. Although we found a clear trend towards a decrease in plasma homocysteine levels during the treatment period, there were no significant differences. Homocysteine levels did not come back to normal in none of the patients treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]