Low Vitamin B-12 Levels Linked to Bone Loss
Low Vitamin B12 Levels Linked to Bone Loss March 4, 2003
Older women with low levels of vitamin B12 are more likely to experience rapid bone loss, according to new research, which helps to establish the importance of the vitamin in bone health.
Vitamin B12, which is found in animal products, such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese and eggs, is needed to produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. But little is known about the vitamin’s affects on skeletal health, specifically among ageing women. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, led by Dr Katie Stone, studied a random, cohort study of 83 women over the age of 64 who participated in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.They archived baseline serum samples and measured hip bone mineral density in study subjects during two and six year follow-up examinations.
Results, published in this month’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, demonstrated that after adjusting for age, weight and clinic site, women with the lowest levels of B12 (below 280 pg/ml) experienced significantly more rapid hip bone loss than women with higher levels of B12 (above 280 pg/ml).
Rapid bone loss is a sign of osteoporosis, a condition that affects one in three women over the age of 50, and designated by the World Health Organisation as the second leading global health care problem after cardiovascular disease. Bone density loss is usually gradual and without noticeable symptoms.
“”While deficiencies in vitamin B12 are uncommon among younger women, many older women suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency,”" said Dr Stone. “”Our research shows that the women with the lowest levels of vitamin B12 are at an increased risk for bone loss in their hips, which could lead to fractures.”"
“”We knew that vitamin B12 benefited the nervous system, but our findings suggest that it may also benefit bone health,”" she added.
The authors note that for some elderly women, simple dietary supplements, multivitamins or dietary modification may slow the rates of bone loss, but a larger, randomized trial would be needed to determine whether treatment with supplemental vitamin B12 could reduce rates of bone loss in elderly women.
High calcium and vitamin D levels are also thought to help prevent osteoporosis-related fractures, while research suggests that soy isoflavones may help women with low bone mineral content prevent fractures in postmenopause years. There is also evidence from animal studies that antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, could reverse osteoporosis.
SupplementSpot has a full selection of supplements that slow or reverse bone loss. Click on the following links for more information:
Soda Consumption: A Major Health Risk
By Janice Billingsley HealthScoutNews Reporter SATURDAY, Nov. 9 (HealthScoutNews) — Soft drinks may fill you up, but they let you down when it comes to vitamins and minerals. A University of Missouri consumer economist, analyzing the results of a national food survey, found that people significantly increased their chances of being deficient in the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for common vitamins and minerals when they consumed a lot of sugared drinks. RDA deficiencies are not common. In the some 15,000 people who self-reported their food intake for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study, from only 1 percent to 8 percent of the participants were not getting the proper amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. However, says Michael S. Finke, an assistant professor or consumer and family economics at Missouri, the consequences of getting ever more calories from soft drinks or fruit-flavored sugared drinks with no nutrients is a trend that needs attention. “”RDA deficiency is not a major problem because a lot of foods have vitamins and minerals added, but this study shows that more nutrient-rich foods are being replaced by sugar drinks,”" says Finke, author of the study, appearing in the December issue of the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal. “”People haven’t really highlighted the consequences of this major food consumption trend,”" he says. Part of the problem could be simple economics, he says. Soda is a very cheap way to get calories. “”Soda pop has always been around, but it’s so much cheaper now, relatively speaking, than it was 30 years ago that it is an enticing food option for resource-constrained families,”" Finke says. “”A three-liter bottle of soda is 69 cents and contains 1,000 calories.”" The only cheaper food source, he says, is vegetable oils. Between 1970 and 1997, Finke says in his study, there has been a 86 percent increase in annual per capita consumption of carbonated, sugared soft drinks. One 12-ounce can of cola supplies about 150 calories from about 10 teaspoons of sugar. In the study, Finke reviewed the results of a 1994-1996 survey of the USDA’s Food Intakes by Individuals, to see if there were any associations between soda consumption and vitamin and mineral deficiency among participants in the self-reported food survey. The scientists looked at 14 vitamins and minerals, including: vitamins A, E, C, B6, and B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate, and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The study did not include information about any vitamin or mineral supplements taken. “”The results were a little bit more dramatic that I had expected,”" he says. “”I expected the results would be significant for nutrients associated with foods that might be replaced by soda, like calcium in milk, but the results were also significant for every other vitamin and mineral.”" Finke and his colleagues found that sugar drink consumption was the most consistent variable — more than gender, race, or income — to signal the probability that people would not meet their RDA requirements. The problem, he says, is not failure to meet RDA requirements, as only a small proportion of the participants actually failed to do so, ranging from 181 people (1.2 percent) for niacin to 1,168 people (7.8 percent) for vitamin A. However, the trend of increased soda pop consumption could increase the likelihood that more people would fail to meet their RDA requirements down the road. “”If someone drinks two cans of soda daily, which is about 15 percent of daily caloric intake, there is a 1 percent decrease in the probability that the person will meet their RDA requirements in calcium, for instance,”" Finke says. “”So if the trend continues in the future as it has in the past, sugar drink consumption will have an even greater impact on failure to meet RDA’s.”" Finke says he is an economist, not a nutritionist, “”but it seems obvious that we should pay attention to this trend in U.S. food consumption and look at things we can to do reduce sugared drink consumption by making other foods less expensive and more palatable.”" Connie Diekman, a nutritionist at the Washington University in St. Louis, agrees that soft drink consumption is a trend threatening to compromise good, nutritional health, especially in young people. “”What this study and others have shown is that adolescents increasingly turn to soft drinks for hydration and then don’t need to get those calories from healthier choices,”" she says. “”In addition, the long-term effects of inadequate calcium — maybe not deficient, but less than that needed for bone health — are a major health issue.”" What To Do See a report on soda consumption by teens at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Go to the American Dietetic Association for some tips on how much soda to consume. SOURCES: Michael S. Finke, Ph.D., assistant professor, consumer and family economics, University of Missouri, Columbia; Connie Diekman, M.Ed., R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A., director, university nutrition, Washington University, St. Louis and spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association; December 2002 Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal
Supplements That Reduce Stress
NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT REDUCE AND HELP CONTROL MENTAL STRESS A number of nonprescription supplements have been shown to reduce mild to moderate anxiety. If you are taking any prescription medication for stress or depression, check with your doctor. If you do not have access to a physician, then refer to our <a href=”"drugdigest.html”" DRUG DIGEST that lists all known contraindications between drugs and herbs. Experiment with one remedy at a time. Reason: If you start taking several supplements and develop side effects, you won’t know which one is responsible.
Take the herbs listed below daily for three months and then take a two-week break. This strategy will minimize the potential for adverse effects and the risk of becoming psychologically dependent on them. Natural treatments to ease anxiety B vitamins The B vitamins - especially B6 and B12 - help regulate the body’s response to stress and maintain a healthy nervous system. What I recommend to my patients: Twice a day, take a vitamin B complex formula that contains at least 25mg of B6…and also contains 1mg of B12. Because these vitamins work best in combination with other nutrients, also take a multivitamin-mineral supplement twice a day.
Look for B12 in the form of hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin. They are better absorbed than the more commonly available cyanocobalamin.
Kava kava This herb is approved as an anxiety and insomnia treatment in many European countries. It can help relieve acute and chronic anxiety without making you feel drowsy or ‘fuzzy.’ Kava is as effective as serax - the benzodiazepine tranquilizer - for quelling anxiety but with no addictive potential.
Warning: Avoid kava if you drink alcohol or are taking benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax…sleeping pills, such as Seconal or Halcion…or anti-depressants, such as Prozac or Zoloft. Do not take kava if you have Parkinson’s disease - it may worsen tremors. Saint-John’s-wort This herb works as an antidepressant. It also relieves chronic anxiety. You must take it for several weeks before you feel its effects. Research shows it lowers anxiety levels as well as Vallium does without fogging thinking. It decreases the uptake (rate of removal) of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing serotonin levels, which induces calm feelings. It is not addictive and has few side effects.
Warnings: Don’t take Saint-John’s-wort if you’re on an antidepressant, particularly Nardil or Parnate. And - because Saint-John’s-wort may make you more sensitive to the sun, wear sunscreen when you are outdoors. Valerian This is a natural sedative - the most popular one used in Europe. It contains ingredients similar to those found in Vallium. It is useful for relieving anxiety because it helps you sleep. It isn’t addictive, nor does it make you feel groggy the next morning as sleeping pills can.
Warning: Don’t use valerian if you’re taking sedatives, such as phenobarbital or benzodiazepines.
Vitamin B6 Prevents Heart Disease
Vitamin B6 and Heart Disease
VERONA, ITALY. There is ample evidence that low plasma levels of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP), the active metabolite of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), are associated with an elevated risk of systemic inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, is associated with a greater risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Italian researchers recently proposed that PLP may directly affect CAD risk through several other mechanisms:
PLP inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking ADP receptors; Low levels of PLP have been associated with high cholesterol levels as well as with high levels of fibrinogen and the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
The researchers at the University of Verona School of Medicine recently concluded a clinical trial to determine the association between PLP levels and CAD risk. The trial involved 475 patients with documented CAD and 267 controls free from CAD. All participants had blood samples drawn for the determination of PLP, CRP (high sensitivity), homocysteine (total), fibrinogen, cholesterol and triglycerides. Levels of creatinine, folate and vitamin B12 were also determined.
The researchers found that the average (median) PLP concentration was 36.3 nmol/L and that 63% of the CAD patients had levels below the median as compared to only 50% of the controls. After adjusting for all major cardiovascular risk factors, they concluded that participants with a PLP level below 36.3 nmol/L had an 89% greater risk of CAD than did participants with higher levels. Low PLP levels were found to be particularly detrimental if combined with high CRP levels or a high LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. Patients with a PLP level below 36.3 nmol/L and a CRP level above 4.18 mg/L had a 4.61 times higher risk of CAD than did patients with a PLP level above 36.3 nmol/L and a CRP level below 0.81 mg/L. Similarly, patients with a PLP level below 36.3 nmol/L and a LDL/HDL ratio above 3.23 had an 11 times greater risk of CAD than did patients with a PLP level above 36.3 nmol/L and a LDL/HDL ratio below 1.97.
The researchers suggest that their results indicate that low vitamin B6 status as measured PLP level may be an important risk factor for coronary heart disease. They point out that low PLP levels have already been associated with an increased risk for stroke, venous thrombosis and heart attack.
Friso, S, et al. Low plasma vitamin B-6 concentrations and modulation of coronary artery disease risk. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 79, June 2004, pp. 992-98
Editor’s comment: These findings add to the already impressive body of evidence attesting to the crucial importance of vitamin B6 in cardiovascular health. Other researchers have found that supplementing (orally) with 40 mg/day of vitamin B6 will increase PLP levels to about 230 nmol/L within 3 days of beginning supplementation. Adequate amounts of vitamin B2 and magnesium are required in order to convert vitamin B6 to PLP.
High Homocysteine Levels Associated With Mental Decline In Older People
High Homocysteine Indicates Lower Mental Ability October 4, 2005 NEW YORK - In older people, higher blood levels of homocysteine are associated with lower mental functioning, new data indicate.
Homocysteine, an amino acid that has been tied to heart disease and stroke, can be lowered with folate and vitamins B6 and B12. The latest finding suggests to researchers that B vitamin supplements may help prevent homocysteine-related cognitive decline. “”My concern,”" Dr. Merrill F. Elias of Boston University told Reuters Health, “”is that many physicians still do not routinely include homocysteine determinations as part of the physical examination.”" The latest data come from the Framingham Offspring Study, the ongoing survey that’s tracking the health of successive generations living in the Massachusetts community. For people over age 60, Elias and his colleagues report in the American Journal of Epidemiology, increasing levels of total homocysteine in the blood were associated with decreasing levels of cognitive performance in several areas. “”None of the individuals in the study had experienced stroke and none were demented, but multiple cognitive abilities were adversely affected by increasing levels of homocysteine,”" Elias said. “”Most importantly,”" he added, “”none of the relations observed were seen for persons under 60 years of age, suggesting that interventions to lower homocysteine early in the adult life span could prevent even modest cognitive deficit related to higher levels of homocysteine.”" It is also noteworthy, Elias said, that high vitamin B12 levels correlated with better cognitive performance. Results of ongoing clinical trials, the researcher added, “”hold much promise that treatment with folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may result in lowering of homocysteine.”" SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, October 1, 2005.
“SAMe, Health Benefits
Food Sources Deficiency Signs and Symptoms Beneficial Effects Available Forms Principal Uses Depression Fibromyalgia Migraine Dosage Ranges Safety Issues and InteractionsS-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an important physiological agent formed in the body by combining the essential amino acid methionine with adenosyl-triphosphate (ATP). SAM was discovered in Italy in 1952– not surprisingly, most of the research on SAM has been conducted in the country of its discovery.Food Sources Because SAM is manufactured from methionine, you might think that dietary sources of methionine provide the same benefits as SAM. However, high doses of methionine do not increase levels of SAM, nor do they provide the same pharmacological activity as SAM. On the contrary, high dosages of methionine are associated with some degree of toxicity.Deficiency Signs and Symptoms Normally the body manufactures all the SAM it needs from the amino acid methionine. However, a deficiency of methionine, vitamin B12, or folic acid can result in decreased SAM synthesis. In addition, tissue levels of SAM are typically low in the elderly and in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, depression, and various liver disorders.Beneficial Effects SAM is involved in over 40 biochemical reactions in the body. It functions closely with folic acid and vitamin B12 in “”methylation”" reactions–the process of adding a single carbon unit (a metyl group) to another molecule. SAM is many times more effective in transferring methyl groups than other methyl donors. Methylation reactions are critical in the manufacture of many body components— especially brain chemical –and in detoxification reactions.SAM is also required in the manufacture of all sulfur-containing compounds in the human body, including glutathione and various sulfur-containing cartilage components. The beneficial effects of SAM supplementation are far-reaching because of its central role in so many metabolic processes.Available Forms Principal Uses There are five principal conditions where SAM is used: depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, liver disorders, and migraine headaches.Depression SAM is necessary in the manufacture of important brain compounds such as neurotransmitters and phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. Supplementing the diet with SAM in depressed patients results in increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatidylserine. It improves binding of neurotransmitters to receptor sites, which causes increased serotonin and dopamine activity and improved brain cell membrane fluidity, all resulting in significant clinical improvement.The antidepressive effects of folic acid (Vitamin B6) are mild compared to the effects noted in clinical trials using SAM. Based on results from a number of clinical studies, it appears that SAM is perhaps the most effective natural antidepressant (although a strong argument could be made for the extract of St. John’s Wort standardized to contain 0.3 percent hypericin) Tables 45.1 and 45.2 [ following tables ] summarize double-blind studies comparing SAM to either a placebo or an antidepressant drug.Most of the studies cited in Table 45.1 and 45.2 used injectable SAM. However, more recent studies using a new oral preparation at a dosage of 400 milligrams four times daily (1600 mg total) demonstrate that SAM is just as effective orally as it is intravenously. SAMis better tolerated and has a quicker onset of antidepressant action than tricyclic antidepressants.The most recent study compared SAM to the tricyclic desipramine. In addition to clinical response, the blood level of SAM was determined in both groups. At the end of the 4-week trial, 62 percent of the patients treated with SAM and 50 percent of the patients treated with desipramine had significantly improved. Regardless of the type of treatment, patients with a 50 percent decrease in their Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) score showed a significant increase in plasma SAM concentration. These results suggests that one of the ways tricyclic drugs exert antidepressive effects is by raising SAM levels.In addition to generalized depression, there are two conditions associated with depression where SAM produces significant effects: the postpartum (after pregnancy) period and drug rehabilitation. SAM’s benefits in these conditions probably stem from a combination of its effects on brain chemistry and liver function. In the study in postpartum depression (after-pregnancy “”blues”"), the administration of SAM (1,600 milligrams per day) produced significantly better mood scores than a placebo group. As for the use of SAM in drug detoxification, SAM (1,200 milligrams daily) significantly reduced psychological distress (chiefly anxiety and depression) in the detoxification and rehabilitation of opiate abusers.Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a recently recognized disorder which is regarded as a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia shares many common features with another recently termed syndrome, the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The only difference in diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and CFS is the requirement of musculoskeletal pain in fibromyalgia and fatigue in CFS. The likelihood of being diagnosed as having fibromyalgia or CFS depends on the type of physician consulted. Specifically, if the patient consults a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist, he or she is much more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia than CFSs. Depression is often an underlying finding in both fibromyalgia and CFS.Diagnosis requires fulfillment of all the following major criteria and four or more minor criteria. The major criteria are: Generalized aches or stiffness of at least three anatomic sites for at least three months Six or more typical, reproducible tender points Exclusion of other disorders that can cause similar symptoms The minor criteria are: Generalized fatigue Chronic headache Sleep disturbance Neurological and psychological complaints Joint swelling numbing or tingling sensations Irritable bowel syndrome Variation of symptoms in relation to activity, stress, and weather changes Three clinical studies show SAM produces excellent benefits in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The first study was a double-blind, crossover study of 17 patients with fibromyalgia. During treatment with SAM (200 milligrams daily by injection for 21 days), subjects demonstrated significant reduction in the number of trigger points and painful areas and improvements in mood.In another double-blind study, orally administered SAM (800 milligrams daily) was compared to a placebo for 6 weeks in 44 patients with fibromyalgia. Researchers evaluated tender point score, muscle strength, disease activity, subjective symptoms, mood parameters, and side effects. Patients given SAM demonstrated improvements in clinical disease activity, pain experienced during the last week, fatigue, morning stiffness, and mood; however, the tender point score and muscle strength did not differ in the two treatment groups. SAM was without side effects.The most recent study compared SAM to transutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)– a popular treatment for fibromyalgia– in 30 patients with fibromyalgia. Patients receiving SAM (200 milligrams by injection and 400 milligrams orally daily) demonstrated significantly greater clinical benefits—decreased number of tender points, subjective feelings of pain and fatigue, and improved mood. TENS offered little benefit on most symptoms while SAM was deemed “”effective in relieving the signs and symptoms of primary fibromyalgia.”" Migraine SAM is beneficial in the treatment of migraine headaches. The benefits manifest gradually and require long-term treatment for therapeutic effectiveness. Dosage Ranges In general, the longer SAM is used, the more beneficial the results. It is perfectly suited for long-term use because of its excellent safety profile. Here are the dosage ranges for the various clinical indications. Depression Four hundred milligrams three to four times daily. Because SAM can cause nausea and gastrointestinal disturbances in some people, it should be started at a dosage of 200 milligrams twice daily for the first day, increased to 400 milligrams twice daily on day three, 400 milligrams three times daily on day ten, and finally to the full dosage of 400 milligrams four times daily after 20 days if needed. Fibromyalgia Two hundred milligrams to 400 milligrams two times daily. Safety Issues No significant side effects have been reported with oral SAM other than the occasional nausea and gastrointestinal disturbances. However, individuals with bipolar (manic) depression should not take SAM unless under strict medical supervision. SAM’s antidepressant activity may lead to the manic phase in these individuals. This effect is exclusive to some individuals with bipolar depression.Interactions SAM functions very closely with vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6, and choline in methylation reactions. Because of SAM’s effects on the liver, it may enhance the elimination of various drugs from the body. The clinical significance of this particular effect has not been fully determined.
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine Essential For Vascular Health
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine Improves Vascular Health for Diabetics August 13, 2007
Supplements of thiamine may boost vascular health for diabetics, English scientists have suggested after their research indicated that low levels of the B vitamin may be key to a range of vascular problems. Writing in the journal Diabetologia, lead researcher Paul Thornalley from the University of Warwick reports that thiamine concentration in blood plasma was decreased by about 75 per cent in both type 1 and 2 diabetics. “”The deficiency of thiamine in clinical diabetes may increase the fragility of vascular cells to the adverse effects of hyperglycaemia and thereby increase the risk of developing microvascular complications,”" wrote Thornalley. “”Correction of the low plasma thiamine concentration with thiamine supplements may decrease the risk of microvascular complications in diabetes,”" he added. An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030. In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, with $92 billion being direct costs from medication, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures. The new research, funded by British charity Diabetes UK, investigated thiamine and related phosphorylated metabolite levels in the plasma, erythrocytes and urine of 74 diabetic patients (26 type 1 and 48 type 2) and 20 healthy controls. Thornalley and co-workers report that the thiamine concentration in blood plasma was decreased 76 per cent in type 1 diabetic patients and 75 per cent in type-2 diabetic patients. This is reportedly the first time that thiamine deficiency has been identified in diabetics, with the researchers indicating that the previous studies used the conventional way of assessing levels of thiamine status was to measure the activity of an enzyme called transketolase in red blood cells - this measure masked deficiency by assuming normal levels of thiamine when in fact the normal enzyme activity was due to increased amounts of two proteins THTR-1 and RFC-1 that help transport thiamine into red blood cells. The increased levels of these proteins were a direct response to there being a deficiency of thiamine in the body. The decreased availability of thiamine in the vascular cells would reduce the protection of cells against the effects of high glucose levels, and would reflect problems in endothelial cells (endothelial cells line the body’s entire circulatory system) and increased risk of atherosclerosis (chronic inflammatuion in the artery walls). The researchers confirmed that trials are now being carried out to see if supplementing diet with thiamine could correct low plasma thiamine concentration in diabetes, and prevent vascular complications. Commenting on the study, Diabetes UK’s Matt Hunt said the study could potentially have very exciting outcomes, but called for more research. “”Around 80% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease and diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the UK’s working age population,”" Hunt is quoted as saying by the BBC. “”Therefore, any research that could help must be looked at seriously.”" Source: Diabetologia Published on-line ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00125-007-0771-4 “”High prevalence of low plasma thiamine concentration in diabetes linked to a marker of vascular disease”" P.J. Thornalley, R. Babaei-Jadidi, H. Al Ali, N. Rabbani, A. Antonysunil, J. Larkin, A. Ahmed, G. Rayman and C.W. Bodmer
Low Vitamin B12 Is Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease
VITAMIN DEFICIENCY IMPLICATED IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. Some studies have found a correlation between low vitamin B12 levels and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia; other studies have found no such correlation. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute now provide convincing evidence that a deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folic acid (folate) is associated with an increased risk of AD and dementia. Their study involved 370 non-demented people aged 75 years and older who were not supplementing with vitamin B12 or folate. The participants were tested at baseline to determine mental status and had blood samples drawn for analysis of vitamin B12 and folate levels. Only subjects who showed no signs of dementia were included in the follow-up group. Three years later 77 of the participants had developed dementia; of these 59 were diagnosed with AD. Compared with participants with normal levels of vitamin B12 and folate the participants with low levels of at least one of the vitamins had a 2.3 times higher risk of AD and a 1.7 times risk of any kind of dementia. These risk estimates were obtained after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, sex, and educational attainment. The researchers speculate that homocysteine, a known neurotoxin, may be involved in the development of AD and that vitamin B12 and folic acid help prevent this effect by reducing homocysteine levels in the body. Wang, H-X, et al. Vitamin B12 and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, Vol. 56, No. 9, May 8, 2001, pp. 1188-94
IP6 with Inositol: Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about IP6 with Inositol What exactly is IP6?
IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is a component of fiber primarily found in whole grains and legumes. It appears that the cancer protective effects of high fiber diets are due to the presence of higher levels of IP6 in the fiber. However, although IP6 is found in substantial amounts in the fiber component of whole grains and beans, supplementation with purified IP6 and the correct amounts of inositol offers several advantages. Firstly, in grains and beans the IP6 exists primarily as a poorly absorbed form because it is complexed with protein and minerals like calcium, magnesium or potassium to form a salt. Therefore, in its natural state IP6 is poorly absorbed. Studies have shown that pure IP6 is significantly more bioavailable that the IP6 found in whole grains and beans. This action is important as IP6 exerts significant beneficial effects within cancer cells - turning off their ability to multiply.
Why is IP6 combined with inositol?
The remarkable combination of IP6 with inositol was originally discovered by Dr. Shamsuddin, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Maryland, USA. When combined with IP6 inositol dramatically increases the anticancer and immune enhancing effects of IP6. Dr Shamsuddin discovered that when properly combined with inositol, IP6 forms two molecules of IP3 in the body. Inositol, the backbone structure of IP6, has six carbon atoms that are capable of binding phosphate molecules; when all six carbons are occupied by six phosphate groups IP6 is formed. When only three of the carbon groups are bound by phosphate it is called IP3. This chemistry is important because although IP6 is gaining all the attention, it is really IP3 that is doing all the work. IP3 plays an important role inside the cells of our bodies. It basically functions as an on/off switch for human cancers according to experimental studies in cell cultures (in vitro studies). When IP3 levels are low (as in cancer cells), the cells replicate out of control. That basically is what occurs in cancer. When cancer cells are bathed in a broth of IP3, they literally turn themselves off. This action reflects the central role that IP3 plays in controlling key cell functions, including replication and the communication between cells. Dr Shamsuddin has discovered the correct ratio of IP6 and inositol to ensure the formation of IP3 within the body.
Is the combination of IP6 with inositol more powerful that IP6 alone?
The simple answer is yes! Dr Shamsuddin has proven that the combination exerts much greater effect than IP6 alone. This potentiation has demonstrated in animal models for breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. For example; in one study (Shamsuddin A., Ulah A., Chakravarthy A: Inositol and inositol hexaphosphate suppresses cell proliferation and tumor formation in CD-1 mice. Carcinogenesis 10:1461-1463. 1989) mice were given a compound (DMH) to induce cancer formation. Of these, one group was additionally treated with IP6 and inositol. The results indicate that the mice treated with IP6 alone or inositol alone have lower occurrences of tumors per animal. This benefit was greatly enhanced when IP6 and inositol were given in combination. The table below clearly illustrates the superiority of the combination.
The Effect of IP6, inositol and the combination of IP6 and inositol on intestinal tumors in mice Combination Tumor Prevalence* Tumor Frequency** DMH 63% 116% DMH + IP6 47% 62% DMH + Inositol 30% 45% DMH + IP6 + Inositol 25% 25% Control 0% 0% * Percent of mice with tumors** Percent of tumors per mouse IP6’s anti cancer effects
Based on extensive experimental studies in animals and cell cultures, the combination of IP6 and inositol exerts anticancer effects against virtually all types of cancers including cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, skin and brain as well as lymphomas and leukemia. The table below lists some of the cancer cells that IP6 has shown activity against.
Tissue of Organ Type Cell Line Brain tumor SR.B10A Breast tumor MCF-7, MDA-MB-321 & -435 Colon carcinoma HT-29 Fibroblast (immortalized) BALBc-3T3 Leukemia K-562, HL-60 Liver carcinoma Hep G2 Lung carcinoma HTB-119, RTE Prostate carcinoma PC-3 Skeletal muscle sarcoma RD Skin JB6
To learn more about the ability of IP6 to assist tumor regression click here.
How does IP6 work to fight cancer?
In addition to its antioxidant and immune enhancing effects, IP6 exerts a number of interesting anticancer actions. Dr Shamsuddin believes that the central pathway of IP6 action involves taking control of cell division. Cancer cells are out of control , dividing uncontrollably. What IP6 does in the cancer cell is literally turns off the switch that is telling the cell to divide. Dr Shamsuddin and others have shown that IP6 reduces the rate of cancer cells in both animal and cancer cell studies by reducing the manufacture of new DNA. Since it does not exert the same inhibition in normal cells, IP6 is dramatically different from conventional anticancer agents. Chemotherapy drugs, for example, work by literally killing cells rather indiscriminately, and as a result, are quite toxic because they are killing the good as well as the bad. IP6 is dramatically different because it’s helping the cell function normally, without damaging healthy cells.
How much IP6 should I take?
Dr Shamsuddin recommends taking a daily dose of 800 - 1,200 mg of IP6 along with 200-300 mg inositol as a general preventative measure. In patients with cancer or at high risk for cancer Dr Shamsuddin recommends a dose in the range of 4,800-7,200 mg IP6 along with 1,200-1800 mg inositol. This should be taken on an empty stomach. The correct balance of IP6 and inositol is contained in the two IP6 products available through this site or through one of our official outlets.
Can IP6 and inositol be used along side conventional treatments?
Studies have shown that this combination can be used with conventional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. In fact, according to Dr Shamsuddin, IP6 and inositol has been shown to potentate these therapies.
Is there any side effects from IP6 therapy?
IP6 is extremely safe, based upon extensive animal testing and human studies. In fact, no side effects have been reported even at higher doses.
Vitmin B Complexes Lower Risk of Heart and Vascular Disease
B Vitamins Lower Homocysteine May Help Lower Stroke Risk Earlier Study DIscredited March 30, 2006 Taking high doses of B vitamins may help reduce the risk of a second stroke and heart attacks, according to a new analysis. The B vitamin group, including folic acid, B6, and B12, reduce the amount of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. High levels of this substance have been linked to heart disease. But a previous study by the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) group based in Canada and the US suggested that taking a combination of B9, B6 and B12 did not reduce recurrent stroke and cardiac events. However work carried out since then suggested to the team that their initial trial included patients who were not likely to benefit from the treatment. In a new analysis they excluded patients with low and very high B12 levels at baseline. These were likely to have B12 malabsorption or to be taking B12 supplements outside the study. Patients with significant renal impairment were also excluded as they were unlikely to respond to vitamin therapy. In the remaining 2155 patients, high-dose vitamin supplements reduced recurrent stroke, death and heart disease by 21 per cent compared with those taking low-dose vitamins, they report in the 1 November issue of Stroke Stroke (vol 36, p2404). When they subdivided patients by baseline levels of vitamin B12, thus identifying those with difficulties absorbing the vitamin, the differences between the low-dose and high-dose groups became greater. The authors suggest that given the fortification of flour with folate, the response to vitamin therapy for lowering homocysteine largely depends on B12 levels of heart patients. Higher doses of B12 could be required to reduce homocysteine, and thus