The American journal of clinical nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Comparison of the effect of low-dose supplementation with L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or folic acid on plasma homocysteine: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
Food fortification with folic acid has been introduced in several countries for the prevention of neural tube defects. Fortification has lowered total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in the US population, a consequence that may have health benefits. However, folic acid fortification could mask vitamin B-12 deficiency. Synthetic L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-MTHF) may be more appropriate than folic acid as a fortificant because it is unlikely to mask the hematologic indicators of vitamin B-12 deficiency. ⋯ Low-dose L-MTHF is at least as effective as is folic acid in reducing tHcy concentrations in healthy persons.
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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism. The common MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism decreases the enzyme's activity. ⋯ At any folate intake level, TT subjects have lower plasma folate concentrations than do CT and CC subjects. Yet, at high plasma folate concentrations, tHcy concentrations in TT subjects are as low as those in CT and CC subjects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Redistribution of vitamin A after iron supplementation in Indonesian infants.
Deficiencies of iron and vitamin A are prevalent worldwide. Single-micronutrient supplementation is widely used to combat these deficiencies. However, micronutrient deficiencies often occur concurrently, and there are many interactions between micronutrients. ⋯ In this study, iron supplementation in infants with marginal vitamin A status led to lower plasma vitamin A concentrations and simultaneously to greater vitamin A liver stores. This implies a redistribution of retinol after iron supplementation, which might induce vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, iron supplementation in infants should be accompanied by measures to improve vitamin A status.
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The energy requirements of women have been based on total energy expenditure (TEE) derived from the factorial approach or as multiples of basal metabolic rate (BMR). ⋯ Recommended energy intakes for healthy, moderately active women of reproductive age living in industrialized societies should be revised on the basis of TEE.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on cardiovascular disease risk factors in smokers.
The short-chain fatty acids formed in the human colon by the bacterial fermentation of fiber may have an antiinflammatory effect, may reduce insulin production, and may improve lipid metabolism. We previously showed in hypercholesterolemic patients that supplementation with the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 299v significantly lowers concentrations of LDL cholesterol and fibrinogen. ⋯ L. plantarum administration leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors and could be useful as a protective agent in the primary prevention of atherosclerosis in smokers.