Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Supplementing vitamin B6, vitamin B12mm and folate lowers homocysteine(related to increased cardiovascular disease) levels in celiac participants.
Homocysteine levels are often related to cardiovascular disease, since elevated homocysteine levels increase the risk for blood clotting and vascular blockages. Many do not realize that elevated levels of homocysteine are commonly due to vitamin B deficiencies (1,2). In addition to cardiovascular screenings, the American Heart Association has recommended homocysteine testing in people with malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes (3). Celiac disease is an example of a malabsorption syndrome and people with the disease often have vitamin deficiencies (1).
Recent research included 46 participants with celiac disease and 50 healthy control participants (1). Overall, 25 (49%) of the participants with celiac disease reported regular daily use of vitamin supplementation containing B6 (ranging from 1-6mg), folate (ranging from 100-400 microg), and vitamin B12 (ranging from 0.5-18 microg) for an average of 28 months. (1). None of the healthy individuals that served as controls took vitamin supplementation.
The average blood serum levels of vitamin B6, B12 and folate were significantly higher in participants taking vitamin supplements, compared to those who were not supplementing (P=0.016, P<0.001, P=0.017 respectively) (1).
Participants with celiac disease taking vitamins had lower homocysteine levels (7.1 micromol/L) than participants with celiac disease who did not taking vitamins (11.0 micromol/L; P=0.001) and healthy controls (9.7 micromol/L; P=0.003) (1). In addition, participants diagnosed with celiac disease who had villous atrophy* showed higher homocysteine levels compared to participants with celiac disease that had eliminated villous atrophy by regulating and eliminating gluten in their diets (11.0 vs 9.1 micromol/L; P=0.018) (1).
This study demonstrated that participants with celiac disease using B-vitamin supplementation had lower homocysteine levels than those who did not use vitamin supplementation. This study also supports previous research that vitamin B supplementation can lower homocysteine levels (4).
In conclusion, supplementing vitamin B6, B12 and folate lowers homocysteine levels in celiac participants (1). Future research should examine a standardized B-vitamin supplement to determine the best dosage and how long supplementation is needed to observe positive results.
Source: Hadithi, Muhammed, et al. “Effect of B vitamin supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in celiac disease.” World journal of gastroenterology: WJG 15.8 (2009): 955.
© 2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
Posted September 13, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
*villous atrophy- Shortening of the villus in the small intestines
References:
- Hadithi M, et al. Effect of B vitamin supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in celiac disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2009; 15(8): 955-960.
- McCully Ks. Homocysteine and vascular disease. Nat Med 1996; 2: 386-389.
- Malinow MR, et al. Homocysteine, diet, and cardiovascular diseases: a statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee, American Heart Association. Circulation 1999; 99:178-182.
- Dose-dependent effects of folic acid on blood concentration of homocysteine: a meta-analysis of the randomized trials. Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 82: 806-812.
