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Effect of nutrient supplementation on serum homocysteine, iron and proteins in psychogeriatric patients.
- Source :
-
Clinical laboratory [Clin Lab] 2003; Vol. 49 (1-2), pp. 29-34. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- In a longitudinal follow-up study the effect of pharmaceutical supplementation of nutrients (folate, vitamin B12, B6, B1, C, iron and proteins) was established in 25 psychogeriatric patients (subject group). A reference group of 30 apparently healthy elderly subjects was used for comparison and statistical evaluation. At the time of hospitalization percentages concerning the incidence of decreased serum concentrations reflecting an inappropriate nutrient state in the subject group amounted to 28% for vitamin B12, 20% for folate, 36% for iron, 12% for transferrin and 56% for albumin concentrations. Increased plasma concentrations of homocysteine combined with decreased folate concentrations were found in 16% of the psychogeriatric patients. If compared with the initial results at admission, after three weeks of nutrient supplementation the vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations were increased. Results for serum iron concentrations remained below the reference range interval in 5 of the 25 subjects reflecting iron deficiency. Initially decreased serum transferrin concentrations did not return to the reference range. Serum albumin levels still further decreased after admission to the hospital, resulting after three weeks in albumin concentrations below the reference range for 68% of the subjects. It is concluded that supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 lowered homocysteine plasma concentrations successfully. Supplementation of protein nutrients is not appropriate in order to restore disturbances of protein metabolism. Persisting low concentrations of proteins in serum are indicative of irreversible decreased synthesis.
- Subjects :
- Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Ascorbic Acid therapeutic use
Dietary Proteins therapeutic use
Folic Acid therapeutic use
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Iron therapeutic use
Reference Values
Vitamin B Complex therapeutic use
Dietary Supplements
Homocysteine blood
Iron blood
Mental Disorders blood
Mental Disorders diet therapy
Serum Albumin analysis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1433-6510
- Volume :
- 49
- Issue :
- 1-2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Clinical laboratory
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 12593473