A stable-isotope study of zinc, copper, and iron absorption and retention by young women fed vitamin B-6-deficient diets

Article Abstract:

Studies performed in laboratory animals have reported that vitamin B-6 deficiency may alter the absorption and metabolism of minerals or trace elements in the diet. To investigate these findings, the effects of a vitamin B-6-deficient diet on zinc, copper and iron absorption and retention in the body were determined in eight healthy women. The women were between the ages of 21 and 30 and weighed between 123 and 180 pounds. None of the subjects were taking oral contraceptives. Six different diets, with varying amounts of vitamin B-6, were consumed for 11 to 28 days. During the different diet periods, the subjects drank solutions containing isotopes of copper, zinc and iron. The absorption and retention of these elements were determined by measuring the amount of each trace element present in the blood, urine and feces. During the diet periods deficient in vitamin B-6, zinc absorption and retention in the body increased, but the amount of zinc in the blood decreased, indicating that the absorbed zinc was not available for utilization. Copper absorption from the diet decreased during the vitamin B-6-deficient diets, while the amount of copper in the blood remained the same. The absorption of iron from the diet was not affected by vitamin B-6-deficient diets, but overall iron status may have declined. The results of this study indicate that diets deficient in vitamin B-6 may result in altered zinc metabolism, reduced copper absorption, and altered iron status. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Iron in the body, Iron (Nutrient), Zinc in the body, Zinc (Nutrient), Copper in the body, Copper (Nutrient)

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Electroencephalographic changes and periodontal status during short-term vitamin B-6 depletion of young, nonpregnant women

Article Abstract:

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is required for proper metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Low dietary intake of vitamin B-6 has been reported to be common in women, and both pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives have been reported to reduce blood levels of vitamin B-6. A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with altered protein metabolism, reduced enzyme activity, and the development of skin conditions (dermatitis and eczema), anemia, convulsive seizures, and abnormal electroencephalograms (EEGs, which measure brain electrical activity). Studies performed in monkeys with vitamin B-6 deficiency showed an increase in dental caries (cavities) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). To investigate further the effects of vitamin B-6 deficiency, eight healthy nonpregnant women followed a 12-day diet containing almost no vitamin B-6. Blood tests for vitamin B-6, dental examinations and EEGs were performed before and after the diet period. Following the diet period, two of the women had abnormal EEGs that returned to normal after adding vitamin B-6 to the diet. Blood levels of vitamin B-6 were reduced during the diet period, but there were no changes in the teeth or gums. This study represents the first report of EEG changes in women caused by following a diet deficient in vitamin B-6. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Periodontal disease, Periodontal diseases, Electroencephalography

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Ascorbic acid and erythorbic acid metabolism in nonpregnant women

Article Abstract:

The United States Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is the same for adult men and nonpregnant adult women. Sixty milligrams vitamin C per day is assumed to maintain adequate levels in the blood of men and women, but there is only sufficient research on the needs of men and little on the needs of women. There is some concern about a common food additive, erythorbic acid, which may compete with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the body and interfere with its utilization; studies have only been conducted with animals. Eleven healthy adult women volunteered to live in a metabolic research center where they consumed a diet supplying no vitamin C for 54 days. After 24 days of vitamin C depletion they were given vitamin C supplements in increasing dosages, with or without erythorbic acid. Blood levels of vitamin C were measured and clinical signs of deficiency were observed in some subjects. Supplementation after the depletion phase showed that the vitamin C requirements of nonpregnant nonsmoking adult women were marginally met by 60 mg/day. Instead, 90 mg vitamin C per day would allow for storage of the vitamin and would for this reason be preferable. Smokers may have higher vitamin C needs, but this has not been proven. No ill effects from erythorbic acid were observed, in fact it appeared to have a small protective effect on vitamin C levels.

Research, Reports, Prevention, Vitamin C, Vitamin C metabolism, Vitamin metabolism, Vitamin C deficiency, Scurvy

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