Why Most Of Us Should Be Taking B Vitamin Supplements

[tex]

Hi All,

As background information, consider that a higher level of homocysteine in our blood, makes us more prone to having blood clots, which result in heart attacks and strokes. A high level of blood serum homocysteine is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased fractures, in elderly persons.

Homocysteine does not directly affect bone density. Instead, it appears that homocysteine affects collagen, by interfering with the cross-linking between the collagen fibers, and the tissues they reinforce. And, to add insult to injury, recent research suggests that intense, long duration exercise, raises plasma homocysteine levels.

In those who experience a stroke, there is a high rate of hip fractures on the affected side. In a trial with 2 homocysteine-lowering vitamins, (folate and B12), in people with prior stroke, there was an 80% reduction in fractures, mainly hip, after 2 years. Interestingly, in that trial, bone density, (and the number of falls), were identical in the vitamin, and the placebo groups. That implies that the risk of fractures decreased, even though bone density was not measurably increased.

Vitamin supplements counter the deleterious effects of homocysteine on collagen. Since older persons inefficiently absorb B12 from their food, they may benefit from taking oral supplements, with higher doses, (such as 100 mcg/day, as found in some multivitamins), or by intramuscular injection.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/ab ... 293/9/1082

So what does all this have to do with us? Consider the results of this recent study:

Patients with celiac disease and using vitamin supplements had higher serum vitamin B6 (P = 0.003), folate (P < 0.001), and vitamin B12 (P = 0.012) levels than patients who did not or healthy controls (P = 0.035, P < 0.001, P = 0.007, for vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12, respectively). Lower plasma homocysteine levels were found in patients using vitamin supplements than in patients who did not (P = 0.001) or healthy controls (P = 0.003). However, vitamin B6 and folate, not vitamin B12, were significantly and independently associated with homocysteine levels.

CONCLUSION: Homocysteine levels are dependent on Marsh classification and the regular use of B-vitamin supplements is effective in reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease and should be considered in disease management.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2653396/

Marsh classification refers to a method of rating the damage to the villi of the small intestine, in celiac patients. Unfortunately, this system leaves a lot to be desired, as far as accuracy is concerned, as documented by the article associated with the following link:

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.ns ... 870056180B

Remember that just because we are in remission, (with no clinical symptoms), does not mean that our nutrient absorption is back to normal. The article referenced just above, shows that evidence of physical intestinal damage still exists up to 4 years after adopting the GF diet. Another followup study done on celiacs, a year or two after they adopted the GF diet, showed that over 80% of them still show significant residual intestinal damage. For pediatric patients, though, the results were much, much better, with only about 25% of them still showing residual intestinal damage.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/b ... 4/art00008

Tex

[Rosie]

Great info, Tex. Blood clots are a concern for me because I have Factor V Leiden, a gene varient in the blood clotting cascade that predisposes me to blood clots. It's a special problem with extra estrogen, as seen with birth control pills and HRT. My sister developed some thrombosis in her legs that migrated to her lungs about 1 month after starting HRT. She was hospitalized and was OK after a lot of heparin therapy. Since it's genetic, I got tested and was positive too. My daughter is positive, as are several nieces that got tested too.

So along with affects on bone density, some extra B vitamins seems like a very good idea for me!

Also, your quotes about how long it takes to heal the gut were helpful with my impatience about healing. I have cut out all my known intolerances for about 5 months now, but still don't feel "cured". I'm doing pretty good, but just haven't been able to put on weight despite trying to consume more calories. Maybe if I increase my chocolate intake.........

Rosie

[Gloria]

Tex,

I don't remember if you've said there is a test for the level of homocysteine in our blood. Is there?


Rosie,

I vote for the increase in chocolate intake to raise your weight!

Gloria

[Gabes-Apg]

Gloria - i like your thinking.......
the gluten free / dairy free chocolate that i have been getting in australia comes in two flavours, milk and white.
i eat a small square of each at the same time and it is delicious! now that my diet and taste buds have totally changed, it is amazing what i delight in!

I had my first reality check yesterday. After 2 weeks of D free, feeling relative normal and gradually introducing different ingredients, the BM had changed in formation, was very soft and it was the first time soemthing had happened during the day, this happened at work and it totally unsetttled me. Started the gastro stop straight away, went home as i feared it could deteriorate very quickly given what i have read on here.
I have realised that you can not plan too far ahead, it is day at a time with meals and clothes and even what my energy levels will be. I have always been a macro organisation type person and have the week all planned out in my head, i am now realising i have to transition into a day by day thing.

all part of the joy of managing this demon.

Tex - i am in awe of the time you spend reviewing these articles and being able to present us with a easy to read summary.

[tex]

Rosie,

Since my diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, (and Parkinson's), I've been taking Metanyx, daily. I wish that I had started taking it when my MC symptoms first appeared, over 10 years ago. Notice that information about homocysteine is available on the site:

http://www.metanx.com/


Gloria,

Yes, there's a simple blood test for serum homocysteine level. If I recall correctly, the neuro doc tested my level when I went through all those tests in August. I need to look that up, and check the results.


Gabes,


Yes, there are almost always some setbacks, during recovery, but as time goes on, and your body heals, they should occur less often, and they should be less of an inconvenience.

As far as the articles are concerned, I'll come across a research article that I haven't seen before, and become curious, and as I research it, naturally one thing leads to another, and I have a tough time deciding where to stop. It's a good thing that I don't have to get up early, because if I start on one late at night, it sometimes runs into the wee hours of the morning, (or later), and it doesn't do any good for me to stop and go to bed, because I can't sleep, anyway, until I'm satisfied that I've got it pretty well pinned down.

I hope your setback doesn't last long.

Tex

[Rosie]

Tex, that Metanx looks like a good way to get the needed vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) important in keeping the homecysteine levels down. It looks like it's a prescription med, so I'll see what my PCP thinks. I have my annual physical coming up next month. She's ususally pretty open to new things, if well-supported. I'll be interested to see her reaction to my control of LC with diet. I haven't had an appointment with her since my diagosis, as the GI doctor was handling the colonoscopy results.

Rosie

[tex]

Rosie,

My neuro doc gave me a whole box of Metanyx samples, when he was cleaning out some of the clutter in his office, and they seemed like a good idea, so I asked my PCP if he was familiar with it, and what he thought about me taking it. He said, "Sure, I take it myself. It's good for helping to prevent some of the normal aging damage to the brain, and helps to improve cognition, and memory. Do you want a prescription?" And, of course, after that endorsement, I certainly did. There's a generic equivalent available, too.

If your doctor is open-minded, then she should certainly embrace your results with the diet. After all, it's difficult for a logical thinker to argue with success. Of course, that's why so many of the GI docs are willing to argue about it - they're neither open-minded, nor logical thinkers.

Tex