Search Results (213)

Cobalt is an essential trace element involved in key biological processes. It serves most notably as a component of vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) and a regulator of erythropoiesis. While cobalt deficiency can lead to disorders such as megaloblastic anemia, excess cobalt poses toxicological risks to the thyroid, cardiovascular, and hematopoietic systems. In recent years, cobalt ions (Co²⁺) have gained attention for their ability to mimic hypoxia and promote angiogenesis. This represents a crucial mechanism for tissue regeneration. Cobalt mediates this effect mainly by stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) under normoxic conditions, thereby upregulating angiogenic genes, including VEGF, FGF, and EPO. Experimental studies—from cell culture to animal models—have demonstrated cobalt-induced enhancement of endothelial proliferation, migration, and microvascular formation. Emerging evidence also indicates that Co²⁺-stimulated macrophages secrete integrin-β1-rich exosomes. These exosomes enhance endothelial motility and tubulogenesis independently of VEGF. Furthermore, cobalt-modified biomaterials have been developed to deliver cobalt ions in a controlled manner. Examples include cobalt-doped β-tricalcium phosphate or bioactive glasses. These materials support both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.This review summarizes current findings on cobalt’s role in angiogenesis. The emphasis is on its potential in cobalt-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article

Methylation is a biochemical process involving the addition of methyl groups to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA). DNA methylation predominantly occurs on cytosine and adenine nucleobases, and the resulting products—most frequently 5-methylcytosine and N⁶-methyladenine epigenetic marks—can significantly influence gene activity at the affected genomic sites without modifying the DNA sequence called nucleotide order. Various environmental factors can alter the DNA methylation pattern. Among these, methyl donor micronutrients, such as specific amino acids, choline, and several B vitamins (including folate, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and cobalamin), primarily regulate one-carbon metabolism. This molecular pathway stimulates glutathione synthesis and recycles intracellular methionine. Glutathione plays a pivotal role during oocyte activation by protecting against oxidative stress, whereas methionine is crucial for the production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, which serves as the universal direct methyl donor for cellular methylation reactions. Because local DNA methylation patterns at genes regulating fertility can be inherited by progeny for multiple generations even in the absence of the original disrupting factors to which the parent was exposed, and DNA methylation levels at specific genomic sites highly correlate with age and can also be passed to offspring, nutrition can influence reproduction and life span in a transgenerational manner. Full article

Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract; however, its impact on gastric secretion remains unclear. This scoping review examines whether gastric secretion declines with age and explores its clinical implications. Following the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to December 2024. Fifteen studies (both animal and human) met the inclusion criteria: they were written in English, directly relevant to aging and gastric secretion, and had a clearly stated methodology. Evidence strength was assessed using the GRADE framework, revealing predominantly low to moderate certainty due to small sample sizes and observational study designs. Animal studies have demonstrated reduced acid secretion in older rats, which is attributed to mucosal atrophy and diminished responsiveness to gastrin. Recent human studies suggest that aging does not directly reduce acid output, as reduced acid secretion may result from a higher prevalence of atrophic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors. Antisecretory therapy may lack benefits in older adult patients with hypochlorhydria/achlorhydria and increase the risk of adverse effects. Pepsin output declines with aging due to reduced chief cell function, although its clinical impact on digestion is unclear. Since intrinsic factor secretion far exceeds the amount necessary for its physiological function, even low amounts seem to be sufficient to prevent cobalamin deficiency. Age-related decline in gastric secretion is mostly attributed to age-associated disorders; however, impairment of secretory function in older people is frequent. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies, larger cohorts, and histology-stratified analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents in Latin America are experiencing rising rates of overweight/obesity and non-communicable diseases, while public health nutrition efforts targeting this group remain limited. This study explores adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and its relationship with micronutrient adequacy and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption. Methods: Cross-sectional data from national nutrition surveys of 19,601 adolescents across six Latin American countries were analyzed. Data on sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and dietary habits were collected using standardized questionnaires and 24 h dietary recalls or food records. Nutrient intake was estimated via statistical modeling, and nutrient adequacy ratios were based on age- and sex-specific requirements. UPF intake was classified using the NOVA system, and adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed with the Planetary Health Diet Index. Results: Overall adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was low (mean score: 28.3%). Rural adolescents had higher adherence than urban adolescents, and those aged 10–13 and 17–19 showed better adherence compared to adolescents aged 14–16. Adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds adhered more than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Adherence varied from 20.2% in Argentina to 30.2% in Brazil and Chile. Higher adherence was associated with lower UPF intake. Among urban adolescents, greater adherence was linked to a higher risk of inadequate riboflavin, niacin, and cobalamin intake, a trend not observed in rural adolescents. Conclusions: Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is low among Latin American adolescents, particularly in urban areas. Public health efforts should prioritize reducing UPF consumption, improving access to nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate foods, and supporting fortified staple foods. Full article

Despite the development of a wide plethora of different anticancer agents, most of them are not used for patient treatment due to adverse effects caused by untargeted cytotoxicity. To prevent this unwanted toxicity, it is necessary to develop therapies discriminating between healthy and cancerous cells. One possible method is to target proteins overexpressed in cancer but not in normal cells. CD320 is a receptor responsible for the uptake of the transcobalamin-bound fraction of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is necessary for DNA synthesis, and thus, cell proliferation. CD320 was shown to be overexpressed in many cancers and its potential role as an early cancer biomarker was confirmed in several studies. Consequently, CD320 may represent a promising anti-cancer therapy target. This review summarizes the current advances and perspectives of anti-cancer CD320 targeting therapy, including therapeutic conjugates of vitamin B12, CD320-specific antibodies and nanobodies, nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic drugs, porphyrin, and the potential of targeted CD320 therapy in attenuation of tumor tissues. Given the growing interest in CD320 as a novel target for anti-cancer therapy, further in vivo studies are required for the investigation of CD320 targeting effects on systemic cytotoxicity. Full article

In the presented work, an attempt was made to digest kefir enriched with microalgae additives from the species Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella pyrenoidosa in four concentrations—0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5%. The level of released protein, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and selected vitamins from the B group was analyzed, and their bioavailability was additionally estimated. The amount of iron released in these conditions increased significantly from 0.1% of the supplementation level. Higher values of iron were obtained for Chlorella, and in the case of protein, slightly higher values were noted for Spirulina. In turn, for vitamin B2, higher amounts were noted for Chlorella for doses of 1 and 5%. In the case of vitamin B12, significantly higher amounts were noted in the case of Spirulina supplementation. After in vitro digestion, an increase in the bioavailability of protein and phosphorus was observed with an increase in the dose of microalgae. The relative bioavailability of iron decreased with an increase in the dose of microalgae used, similarly to vitamin B12. Chlorella was characterized by higher iron bioavailability than Spirulina, and in the case of vitamin B2 only at the highest doses of 1 and 5% of the algal supplement. The tests carried out show that microalgae supplementation significantly increases the content of protein, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B12 in the tested kefir. Full article

Canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) has been associated with coagulation abnormalities, predisposing affected dogs to a hypercoagulable state and potential thromboembolic events. This study aimed to evaluate the coagulation status in dogs with CIE using a viscoelastic point-of-care device, a Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet^®). A retrospective review of medical records identified 38 dogs diagnosed with CIE that underwent VCM Vet^® testing. Coagulation profiles were classified as hypercoagulable, normocoagulable, or hypocoagulable. The results demonstrate that 81.5% of dogs exhibited hypercoagulability, and significant associations were found between the coagulation status and the type of CIE. Hypercoagulability was more commonly found in immunosuppressive-responsive enteropathy (IRE) cases. Albumin and cobalamin were significantly higher in food-responsive enteropathy, whereas the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) was significantly higher in immunosuppressive-responsive enteropathy and non-responsive enteropathy. One dog with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) was suspected of having developed possible pulmonary thromboembolism. These findings reinforce previous reports of hypercoagulability in CIE and suggest that VCM Vet^® is a valuable and easy tool to assess coagulation abnormalities in a clinical setting. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the clinical implications of hypercoagulability in CIE and the potential role of anticoagulant therapy in disease management. Full article

Background: Sufficient choline supply is essential for tissue functions via phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin within membranes and secretions like bile, lipoproteins and surfactant, and in one-carbon metabolism via betaine. Choline requirements are linked to age and genetics, folate and cobalamin via betaine, and arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid transport via the phosphatidylcholine moiety of lipoproteins. Groups at risk of choline deficiency include preterm infants, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and patients dependent on parenteral nutrition. Fortifiers, formula and supplements may differently impact their choline supply. Objective: To evaluate added amounts of choline, folate, cobalamin, ARA and DHA in fortifiers, supplements and formula used in pediatric care from product files. Methods: Nutrient contents from commonly used products, categorized by age and patient groups, were obtained from public sources. Data are shown as medians and interquartile ranges. Results: 105 nutritional products including fortifiers, formula and products for special indications were analyzed. Choline concentrations were comparable in preterm and term infant formulas (≤6 months) (31.9 [27.6–33.3] vs. 33.3 [30.8–35.2] mg/100 kcal). Products for toddlers, and patients with CF, kidney or Crohn’s disease showed Choline levels from 0 to 39 mg/100 kcal. Several products contain milk components and lecithin-based emulsifiers potentially increasing choline content beyond indicated amounts. Conclusions: Choline addition is standardized in formula for term and preterm infants up to 6 months, but not in other products. Choline content may be higher in several products due to non-declared sources. The potential impact of insufficient choline supply in patients at risk for choline deficiency suggests the need for biochemical analysis of products. Full article

Food cobalamin malabsorption (FCM) represents a prevalent, often underdiagnosed, etiology of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly within an aging population. Unlike pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder targeting intrinsic factor, FCM stems from the impaired release of cobalamin from food proteins, primarily due to age-related gastric changes, medication-induced gastric hypochlorhydria, metformin, or non-immune atrophic gastritis. The clinical presentation of FCM mirrors that of general cobalamin deficiency, encompassing a spectrum of neurological (peripheral neuropathy, cognitive decline), hematological (megaloblastic anemia), and gastrointestinal (glossitis, anorexia) manifestations. Given the potential for irreversible neurological sequelae, early detection and intervention are paramount. High-dose oral cobalamin (125–250 mcg daily) has demonstrated efficacy, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to parenteral administration. Full article

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood. It is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. Maternal B12 levels are particularly important, as they influence fetal brain development. Inadequate maternal intake during pregnancy may lead to altered neurodevelopmental trajectories and increase the risk of ASD. Postnatally, insufficient dietary cobalamin in infants and young children could further contribute to cognitive and behavioral impairments. One potential mechanism linking low B12 levels to ASD involves its role in the gut microbiota balance. Dysbiosis, commonly observed in individuals with ASD, is associated with increased gut permeability, low-grade inflammation, and disruptions in the gut–brain axis, all of which may contribute to ASD symptoms. Additionally, B12 is essential for neurotransmitter metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, cognition, and behavior. Cobalamin also plays a key role in neuronal myelination, which ensures efficient signal transmission in the nervous system. Disruptions in these processes could underlie some of the cognitive and behavioral features associated with ASD. Despite growing evidence, the link between B12 and ASD remains inconclusive due to inconsistent findings across studies. Research suggests that B12 levels may serve as a potential biomarker for disease progression and treatment response. However, many studies rely on single-time-point measurements, failing to account for individual variability, genetic predispositions, dietary intake, and environmental factors, all of which can influence B12 levels and ASD risk. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify this relationship. Full article

Background and Objectives: Among nutritional factors implicated in periodontal health, the vitamin B complex—particularly folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (B12), thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B2)—has gained attention for its role in immunomodulation and tissue repair. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on whether adequate vitamin B complex intake or status is associated with improved periodontal outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for observational studies investigating vitamin B complex intake or status in relation to periodontal disease indicators. Articles were screened according to PRISMA guidelines, and five studies met inclusion criteria. Results: Five observational studies were included. In older adults, each standard deviation increase in serum folate was associated with an approximate 26% reduction in periodontal disease odds ratio (OR = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.93). Among young adult women, inadequate riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6) intake correlated with higher community periodontal index (CPI) scores (p < 0.05). In a large NHANES-based cohort, insufficient thiamine (B1) intake yielded a 33% higher likelihood of severe periodontitis (p < 0.05), while adequate riboflavin was protective (OR = 0.90). Another dose–response analysis (n = 8959) indicated up to a 30% risk reduction for moderate folate or B1 intake, but no extra benefit with excessive intake. Finally, a UK Biobank analysis (n = 9476) showed that those in the highest quartile of a “high micronutrient” dietary pattern—including vitamins B6 and folate—had a 24% lower risk of self-reported periodontal disease (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.90) compared to the lowest quartile. Conclusions: Across diverse populations, inadequate vitamin B complex intake—especially folate—was consistently linked to worse periodontal outcomes. Full article

Vitamin B12 is the common name for a group of cobalamins, which are cobalt corrines. Cobalamins are water-soluble B vitamins. Vitamin B12, as a coenzyme of various enzymes, is an essential component of many key metabolic processes in the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes dysfunction of various organs and systems in the body, including the central nervous system. Humans, like other animals, are unable to synthesize cobalamin. This vitamin must be supplied with a balanced diet. The only valuable dietary sources of cobalamin are foods of animal origin, especially offal (e.g., liver). Vegan and vegetarian diets are deficient in vitamin B12. People who follow this nutritional model require systematic cobalamin supplementation, usually in oral form. Other causes of cobalamin deficiency are various pathogenetic processes, in the course of which any of the stages of the complicated process of absorption of this vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract are impaired. Disorders of intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 require systematic supplementation of cobalamin parenterally (usually by intramuscular or subcutaneous injections) for the rest of life. Supplementary therapy with vitamin B12 may cause various adverse reactions, among which hypersensitivity reactions of various spectrums and intensity of symptoms are possible. According to available data, hypersensitivity to cobalamin is more likely after intramuscular or subcutaneous administration than in oral form. It also seems that long-term administration of cobalamin predisposes to allergy to vitamin B12, regardless of its chemical form. Although hypersensitivity to cobalamin is rather rare, it can also be of great clinical importance. This is due to the fact that vitamin B12 deficiency affects a significant part of the population, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases that impair its absorption. In addition, supplementary therapy with cobalamin is long-term (usually lifelong) and there is no alternative form of treatment. For these reasons, solutions are sought that will allow for the safe continuation of treatment supplementing cobalamin deficiency. Various cyanocobalamin desensitization protocols are proposed, differing in duration, the dynamics of gradual dose increase, or the method of injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous). An analysis of available data in this field suggests that desensitization with cyanocobalamin seems to be an effective way to obtain tolerance to vitamin B12, allowing for long-term supplementation of this vitamin regardless of the chemical form, dose size, frequency, or route of administration. Full article

Homocysteine is an amino acid derived from methionine which is metabolized via vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine)- and vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin)-dependent pathways. Supplementation of B vitamins has been shown to effectively reduce plasma homocysteine levels. Previous research has also demonstrated an association between lower plasma homocysteine levels and decreased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. However, whether supplementation of B vitamins is associated with risk reduction in thromboembolic events and confers clinical benefits remains inconclusive. This review examines clinical trials published over the past 29 years to assess the effects of B vitamin supplementation on thrombotic risk reduction and homocysteine metabolism. The findings from these studies are inconsistent, and the impact of B vitamins on thrombosis prevention remains uncertain. Given the conflicting evidence, further clinical and translational research is necessary to clarify the role of B vitamin supplementation in thrombosis risk reduction. Full article

Water-soluble B vitamins, mainly obtained through dietary intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products, act as co-factors in various biochemical processes, including DNA synthesis, repair, methylation, and energy metabolism. These vitamins include B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), and B12 (Cobalamin). Recent studies have shown that besides their fundamental physiological roles, B vitamins influence oncogenic metabolic pathways, including glycolysis (Warburg effect), mitochondrial function, and nucleotide biosynthesis. Although deficiencies in these vitamins are associated with several complications, emerging evidence suggests that excessive intake of specific B vitamins may also contribute to cancer progression and interfere with therapy due to impaired metabolic and genetic functions. This review discusses the tumor-suppressive and tumor-progressive roles of B vitamins in cancer. It also explores the recent evidence on a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between B vitamin metabolism and cancer progression and underscores the need for further research to determine the optimal balance of B vitamin intake for cancer prevention and therapy. Full article

Chronic enteropathy (CE) or chronic inflammatory enteropathy is a group of diseases with multiple and different etiologies characterized by chronic gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss for more than 3 weeks, and inflammatory cell infiltration, such as lymphoplasmacytic cells in the intestinal mucosal lamina propria. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed after excluding other diseases such as parasitic infections, tumors, pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, metabolic diseases, and endocrine diseases, such as hypoadrenocorticism. Nutritional management depends on several important functions, such as digestion and absorption processes, digestive enzymes and nutritional transporters, and barrier functions. Intestinal dysbiosis may have been found to be involved in various functions. Recently, cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) and vitamin D have been considered negative prognostic factors in dogs with CE. Cobalamin supplementation ameliorates clinical disease severity in dogs with CE, and vitamin D supplementation ameliorates hypocalcemia in dogs with CE and hypoalbuminemia. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of CE and present treatment and nutritional management strategies for CE and prognostic vitamins. Full article