Nutrients

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17 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrospective Investigation of Thiamin and Energy Intakes Following an Outbreak of Beriberi in the Gambia

by David I. Thurnham, Angela E. Cathcart and Margaret B. E. Livingstone

Nutrients 2011, 3(1), 135-151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu3010135 - 19 Jan 2011

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 10378

Abstract

In the early part of the rainy season in 1988, an outbreak of beriberi occurred in free-living adults in a relatively small area in the North Bank region of The Gambia. In 1995 we selected two compounds in a village called Chilla situated [...] Read more.

In the early part of the rainy season in 1988, an outbreak of beriberi occurred in free-living adults in a relatively small area in the North Bank region of The Gambia. In 1995 we selected two compounds in a village called Chilla situated within the affected district to retrospectively examine dietary factors potentially contributing to the outbreak. There had previously been cases of beriberi in one compound (BBC) but not in the other (NBC). We measured energy and thiamin intakes for four days on six occasions during the year. We calculated energy and thiamin intakes of people living in the two compounds and foods were collected for thiamin analysis through the year. Thiamin:Energy ratios only met international recommendations in the immediate post‑harvest season when energy and thiamin intakes were highest and then fell through the year. In the rainy season when food was short and labour was heaviest, energy intakes were lower in the NBC but thiamin:energy ratios were lower in BBC. Records of rainfall in 1988 collected near the village indicated that the amount in August was twice the average. We suggest the heavy rainfall may have increased farm workload and reduced income from outside-village work activity. The lower energy intakes in the NBC may have forced adults to rest thus sparing thiamin demands and delaying onset of beriberi. In contrast, the higher energy intake of adults in the BBC may have enabled them to continue working, thus increasing demands for thiamin and inducing the earlier onset of beriberi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

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10 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Hesperetin Glycosides by Xanthomonas campestris and Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase and Their Anti-allergic Activities

by Kei Shimoda and Hiroki Hamada

Nutrients 2010, 2(2), 171-180; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2020171 - 9 Feb 2010

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 11957

Abstract

The production of hesperetin glycosides was investigated using glycosylation with Xanthomonas campestris and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase). X. campestris glucosylated hesperetin to its 3'-, 5-, and 7-O-glucosides, and CGTase converted hesperetin glucosides into the corresponding maltosides. The resulting 7-O-glucoside and [...] Read more.

The production of hesperetin glycosides was investigated using glycosylation with Xanthomonas campestris and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase). X. campestris glucosylated hesperetin to its 3'-, 5-, and 7-O-glucosides, and CGTase converted hesperetin glucosides into the corresponding maltosides. The resulting 7-O-glucoside and 7-O-maltoside of hesperetin showed inhibitory effects on IgE antibody production and on O₂^- generation from rat neutrophils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

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Review

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32 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D and Bone Health; Potential Mechanisms

by Eamon Laird, Mary Ward, Emeir McSorley, J.J. Strain and Julie Wallace

Nutrients 2010, 2(7), 693-724; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2070693 - 5 Jul 2010

Cited by 210 | Viewed by 28235

Abstract

Osteoporosis is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and significant economic and health costs. Vitamin D is a secosteriod hormone essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization which is positively associated with bone mineral density [BMD]. It is well-established that prolonged and severe vitamin [...] Read more.

Osteoporosis is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and significant economic and health costs. Vitamin D is a secosteriod hormone essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization which is positively associated with bone mineral density [BMD]. It is well-established that prolonged and severe vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Sub-optimal vitamin D status has been reported in many populations but it is a particular concern in older people; thus there is clearly a need for effective strategies to optimise bone health. A number of recent studies have suggested that the role of vitamin D in preventing fractures may be via its mediating effects on muscle function (a defect in muscle function is one of the classical signs of rickets) and inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength which in turn contributes to a decrease in incidence of falls, one of the largest contributors to fracture incidence. Osteoporosis is often considered to be an inflammatory condition and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with increased bone metabolism. The immunoregulatory mechanisms of vitamin D may thus modulate the effect of these cytokines on bone health and subsequent fracture risk. Vitamin D, therefore, may influence fracture risk via a number of different mechanisms. Full article

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19 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin A–Not for Your Eyes Only: Requirement for Heart Formation Begins Early in Embryogenesis

by Maija H. Zile

Nutrients 2010, 2(5), 532-550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2050532 - 25 May 2010

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 12934

Abstract

Vitamin A insufficiency has profound adverse effects on embryonic development. Major advances in understanding the role of vitamin A in vertebrate heart formation have been made since the discovery that the vitamin A active form, all-trans-retinoic acid, regulates many genes, including developmental genes. [...] Read more.

Vitamin A insufficiency has profound adverse effects on embryonic development. Major advances in understanding the role of vitamin A in vertebrate heart formation have been made since the discovery that the vitamin A active form, all-trans-retinoic acid, regulates many genes, including developmental genes. Among the experimental models used, the vitamin A-deficient avian embryo has been an important tool to study the function of vitamin A during early heart formation. A cluster of retinoic acid-regulated developmental genes have been identified that participate in building the heart. In the absence of retinoic acid the embryonic heart develops abnormally leading to embryolethality. Full article

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14 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship between Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Vitamin D Status

by Ola Engelsen

Nutrients 2010, 2(5), 482-495; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2050482 - 4 May 2010

Cited by 260 | Viewed by 23982

Abstract

This paper reviews the main factors influencing the synthesis of vitamin D, with particular focus on ultraviolet radiation exposure. On the global level, the main source of vitamin D is the sun. The effect of solar radiation on vitamin D synthesis depends to [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the main factors influencing the synthesis of vitamin D, with particular focus on ultraviolet radiation exposure. On the global level, the main source of vitamin D is the sun. The effect of solar radiation on vitamin D synthesis depends to some extent on the initial vitamin D levels. At moderate to high latitudes, diet becomes an increasingly important source of vitamin D due to decreased solar intensity and cold temperatures, which discourage skin exposure. During the mid-winter season, these factors result in decreased solar radiation exposure, hindering extensively the synthesis of vitamin D in these populations. Full article

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12 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease

by Vivian Cristina Garcia and Lígia Araújo Martini

Nutrients 2010, 2(4), 426-437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2040426 - 31 Mar 2010

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 12266

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency has been observed worldwide at all stages of life. It has been characterized as a public health problem, since low concentrations of this vitamin have been linked to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. Several studies have suggested that vitamin [...] Read more.

Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency has been observed worldwide at all stages of life. It has been characterized as a public health problem, since low concentrations of this vitamin have been linked to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. Several studies have suggested that vitamin D is involved in cardiovascular diseases and have provided evidence that it has a role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. It may be involved in regulation of gene expression through the presence of vitamin D receptors in various cells, regulation of blood pressure (through renin-angiotensin system), and modulation of cell growth and proliferation including vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. Identifying correct mechanisms and relationships between vitamin D and such diseases could be important in relation to patient care and healthcare policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

18 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nonclassical Vitamin D Actions

by Armin Zittermann and Jan F. Gummert

Nutrients 2010, 2(4), 408-425; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2040408 - 25 Mar 2010

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 16225

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly clear that vitamin D has a broad range of actions in the human body. Besides its well-known effects on calcium/phosphate homeostasis, vitamin D influences muscle function, cardiovascular homeostasis, nervous function, and the immune response. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency has been [...] Read more.

It is becoming increasingly clear that vitamin D has a broad range of actions in the human body. Besides its well-known effects on calcium/phosphate homeostasis, vitamin D influences muscle function, cardiovascular homeostasis, nervous function, and the immune response. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency has been associated with muscle weakness and a high incidence of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 and 2 diabetes. Most importantly, low vitamin D status has been found to be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. Several recent randomized controlled trials support the assumption that vitamin D can improve muscle strength, glucose homeostasis, and cardiovascular risk markers. In addition, vitamin D may reduce cancer incidence and elevated blood pressure. Since the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is high throughout the world, there is a need to improve vitamin D status in the general adult population. However, the currently recommended daily vitamin D intake of 5–15 µg is too low to achieve an adequate vitamin D status in individuals with only modest skin synthesis. Thus, there is a need to recommend a vitamin D intake that is effective for achieving adequate circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (>75 nmol/L). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

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19 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D status during Pregnancy and Aspects of Offspring Health

by Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Robyn M. Lucas, Sharon Lewis and Jane Halliday

Nutrients 2010, 2(3), 389-407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030389 - 23 Mar 2010

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 14701

Abstract

Low maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy have been linked to various health outcomes in the offspring, ranging from periconceptional effects to diseases of adult onset. Maternal and infant cord 25(OH)D levels are highly correlated. Here, we review the available evidence for these [...] Read more.

Low maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy have been linked to various health outcomes in the offspring, ranging from periconceptional effects to diseases of adult onset. Maternal and infant cord 25(OH)D levels are highly correlated. Here, we review the available evidence for these adverse health effects. Most of the evidence has arisen from observational epidemiological studies, but randomized controlled trials are now underway. The evidence to date supports that women should be monitored and treated for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy but optimal and upper limit serum 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy are not known. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

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18 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin B₁₂ in Health and Disease

by Fiona O’Leary and Samir Samman

Nutrients 2010, 2(3), 299-316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030299 - 5 Mar 2010

Cited by 328 | Viewed by 58169

Abstract

Vitamin B₁₂ is essential for DNA synthesis and for cellular energy production. This review aims to outline the metabolism of vitamin B₁₂, and to evaluate the causes and consequences of sub-clinical vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is [...] Read more.

Vitamin B₁₂ is essential for DNA synthesis and for cellular energy production. This review aims to outline the metabolism of vitamin B₁₂, and to evaluate the causes and consequences of sub-clinical vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is common, mainly due to limited dietary intake of animal foods or malabsorption of the vitamin. Vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency as are other groups with low intakes of animal foods or those with restrictive dietary patterns. Malabsorption of vitamin B₁₂ is most commonly seen in the elderly, secondary to gastric achlorhydria. The symptoms of sub-clinical deficiency are subtle and often not recognized. The long-term consequences of sub-clinical deficiency are not fully known but may include adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, vascular, cognitive, bone and eye health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Vitamins)

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