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Experts Warn of Rising Vitamin B6 Toxicity in Electrolyte Drinks and Supplements: Essential Insights You Need

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Awareness is increasing about the rare but serious side effects associated with high doses of vitamin B6, a nutrient commonly found in various dietary supplements, electrolyte drinks, and fortified foods.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in multiple bodily functions, such as nerve health, protein metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. This nutrient is vital for brain development, making it especially important during pregnancy and infancy. It is often marketed for its energy-boosting and stress-reducing properties.

Vitamin B6 is naturally present in many foods and is frequently added to instant products, particularly cereals. As indicated by the Office of Dietary Supplements, most multivitamins are formulated with B6.

Jamie Allan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, noted that some energy drinks utilize B6 as a caffeine substitute.

“People may be surprised at how prevalent B vitamins are in their diets,” she explains.

This widespread availability contributes to the issue.

Dr. Norman Latoff, a neurologist and director of the Peripheral Neuropathy Clinical Research Center at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, cautioned that excessive B6 can accumulate in body tissues and lead to nerve damage.

In November, concerns about vitamin B6 poisoning led the Australian Government to impose restrictions on supplements with high levels of this nutrient. By mid-2027, over-the-counter products will be limited to a daily dose of 50 milligrams, with anything above 200mg requiring a prescription.

Despite growing concerns, the popularity of vitamin B6 continues to rise. According to research firm IndustrieArk, the market for this vitamin is projected to surpass $712 million globally by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030.

While cases of poisoning remain rare, the number is on the rise. In 2024 alone, 439 cases of vitamin B6 exposure were reported, compared to 369 in 2023, according to the National Toxic Substance Data System.

Joanne Slavin, a registered dietitian and professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, expressed that many individuals assume water-soluble vitamins like B6 to be harmless. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, water-soluble vitamins are released through urine and need to be consumed regularly.

“It’s essential to understand that vitamins are not inert; they are chemicals,” explains Slavin. “There’s no need to overload your system.”

B6 toxicity might go underreported since symptoms develop gradually, with many consumers unaware of their excessive intake. “It sneaks up on you,” said Latoff, who estimates that 5% to 10% of neuropathy patients at Weill Cornell Center present with elevated B6 levels.

Early symptoms can include occasional numbness in the toes, which might be dismissed, followed by sensations of heat, cold, stinging, or tingling that begin in the feet and may extend upward.

Additional symptoms of B6 toxicity include nerve pain, numbness, imbalance, muscle weakness, fluctuations in blood pressure, fatigue, heartburn, and nausea.

A simple blood test can confirm if your B6 levels exceed safe limits.

“B6 has a wide margin of safety, allowing for significant amounts above the recommended dose,” remarked Allan. “However, excessive consumption of even water can lead to adverse effects.”

Colorado Woman Shares Her ‘Horrifying’ Vitamin B6 Poisoning Experience

Blair Huddy relocated to Colorado from California in 2024 and began using electrolyte drink mixes on advice from others to combat altitude sickness.

Hadi, now 36, took the drink daily, following the instructions to mix one sachet with 16 ounces of water. Each packet contained 1.93 mg of vitamin B6, which is about 110% of the recommended daily value.

She soon began experiencing bewildering symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and adrenaline rushes while continuing her electrolyte routine, clueless about the correlation. By January 2025, she also suffered from allergy-like symptoms and sleep disturbances. It wasn’t until March, after consuming chicken liver for the first time (which is rich in vitamin B6), that she was hospitalized with anaphylaxis and suspected heart complications.

Without prior allergic reactions, the situation baffled doctors.

“It was terrifying. I didn’t understand what was happening to me,” she recounted. “I continued taking the drink mix thinking I was just staying hydrated.”

Following her hospital discharge, Hadi developed peripheral neuropathy and tinnitus.

“I visited the doctor repeatedly, convinced something was seriously wrong,” Hadi explained, expressing feelings of exhaustion and anxiety triggered by these health issues. “I lost jobs and faced challenges at work.”

In May, she urged her doctor to conduct a blood test.

The clinic nurse informed her, “Your vitamin B6 levels are over twice the upper limit. You need to stop all B6 intake immediately.”

What is a Safe Amount of Vitamin B6?

The recommended daily intake for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for young adults, 1.5 mg for women over 50, and 1.7 mg for older men.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, beef liver, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. Most individuals receive sufficient B6 from their diet.

In the U.S., the established upper limit for adults is 100 mg. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority caps it at 12 mg, while Australia sets the limit at 50 mg.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents supplement manufacturers, regards 100 mg per day as a safe limit for the average healthy individual. However, specific health conditions may necessitate adjusted intake levels.

“The individual’s metabolism and ability to process vitamins influences their needs,” says Wong. “Various other factors can also contribute to the effects you’re experiencing.”

A 2020 study published in Pharmaceutical Nutrition noted that factors such as diet, genetics, and medication use can affect vitamin B6 toxicity, even at recommended levels.

Vitamin B6 may appear on labels as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, indicating its various chemical forms.

“Be sure to monitor the cumulative intake from all sources to ensure you meet your personal needs,” advises Wong.

Vitamin B6 remains in the body for 30 to 40 days. Latoff noted that symptoms should improve once B6 intake ceases, though complete nerve regeneration may not be possible based on the extent of damage.

Hadi attributes her symptoms to the electrolyte drink mix she consumed daily for six months, suspecting her diet also contributed, as she did not take other supplements.

While she is recovering, Hadi still experiences some ringing in her ears and is undergoing physical therapy. She has resumed work and is providing support for individuals dealing with vitamin B6 toxicity.

“I wish I had someone to share that suffering with, and now I can support others experiencing it,” Hadi expressed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Discover How Genes Connect Intestinal Motility to Vitamin B1: An Unexpected Nutrient Link

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In a groundbreaking study analyzing data from over 268,000 individuals, researchers have identified that genes associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism significantly influence intestinal motility. This discovery paves the way for personalized treatments targeting conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Diaz Muñoz et al. identified key mechanisms involved in intestinal motility, including an overlooked role for vitamin B1. Image credit: Hillman et al., doi: 10.1264/jsme2.ME17017 / CC BY 4.0.

Gastrointestinal motility is crucial for food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, all critical components of human health and well-being.

The regulation of motility depends on a multifaceted communication network, which encompasses the gut-brain axis, the immune system, gut microbiota, and is affected by external influences such as diet, physical activity, and medications.

Disruptions in motility control and peristalsis can lead to significant health issues, including IBS and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction, highlighting the importance of understanding these conditions.

In this recent study, Professor Mauro D’Amato from LUM University, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, and Ikerbasque, along with his colleagues, employed a large-scale genetic approach to identify common DNA variations linked to intestinal motility.

The research utilized questionnaires and genetic data from 268,606 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry, applying computational analysis to pinpoint relevant genes and mechanisms.

The team discovered 21 genomic regions that affect defecation frequency, including 10 previously unknown regions, affirming the biologically plausible pathways involved in intestinal motility regulation.

For instance, they found significant correlations with bile acid regulation, which aids fat digestion and serves as signaling molecules in the intestines, along with neural signaling pathways crucial for intestinal muscle contractions (especially acetylcholine-related signaling).

However, the most striking outcome arose when the researchers pinpointed two high-priority genes focused on vitamin B1 biology, specifically those involved in the transport and activation of thiamine: SLC35F3 and XPR1.

To validate the relevance of the vitamin B1 signal, they further examined dietary data from the UK Biobank.

A study involving 98,449 participants revealed that increased dietary thiamine intake correlated with more frequent bowel movements.

Crucially, the relationship between thiamine consumption and bowel frequency exhibited variations based on genetic factors, specifically the combined genetic score of SLC35F3 and XPR1.

This suggests that genetic variations in thiamine metabolism may impact how vitamin B1 intake affects bowel habits in the general population.

“By utilizing genetic data, we’ve created a roadmap for the biological pathways influencing intestinal pace,” said Dr. Cristian Díaz Muñoz from CIC bioGUNE-BRTA.

“The data strongly highlights vitamin B1 metabolism alongside established mechanisms like bile acids and neural signaling.”

This research also confirms a significant biological link between bowel frequency and IBS, a widespread condition affecting millions globally.

“Issues with intestinal motility are at the core of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other common motility disorders, yet the underlying biology remains challenging to decipher,” noted Professor D’Amato.

“These genetic findings point to specific pathways, particularly those involving vitamin B1, as vital areas for further research, including laboratory experiments and meticulously designed clinical trials.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the Journal on January 20, 2026.

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C. Diaz Muñoz et al. Genetic analysis of defecation frequency suggests a link to vitamin B1 metabolism and other pathways regulating intestinal motility. Intestine published online January 20, 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337059

Source: www.sci.news

Vitamin C Intake Directly Affects Collagen Production and Skin Regeneration: Study Finds

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Recent studies reveal that vitamin C concentrations in the skin are closely linked to blood (plasma) levels, and can be enhanced by increasing fruit consumption. This research, involving 20 healthy individuals from New Zealand and Germany, demonstrated that eating two kiwifruits rich in vitamin C daily boosts plasma levels, elevates the vitamin content in the skin, enhances skin thickness (collagen production), and supports the regeneration of the skin’s outer layer.

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is found in all parts of the skin. Puller et al. conducted an extensive study to correlate plasma and skin ascorbic acid levels, emphasizing key skin compartments. Image credit: Pullar et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587.

“The strength of the link between skin thickness and vitamin C intake is striking,” remarked Professor Margriet Vissers from the University of Otago.

“We were taken aback by the significant correlation between plasma and skin vitamin C levels, which was notably stronger than that in other organs we examined.”

“For the first time, we have shown that circulating vitamin C penetrates all skin layers and correlates with enhanced skin function.”

“I’m incredibly proud of my team’s work and thrilled by the insights from our findings.”

The results imply that true beauty emanates from within, suggesting that vitamin C delivered through the bloodstream effectively supports skin function holistically.

“Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.”

“This understanding has prompted the inclusion of vitamin C in numerous skincare formulations.”

“However, due to its high water solubility, vitamin C is not easily absorbed through the skin’s outer barrier.”

“Our findings indicate that the skin effectively absorbs vitamin C from blood circulation.”

“The uptake into the outer epidermal layers seems to be prioritized.”

The researchers utilized healthy skin samples from patients undergoing elective surgeries to establish the connection between plasma and skin vitamin C levels.

They carried out a pre- and post-dietary vitamin C intervention study involving 12 healthy participants in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Germany.

“Participants were instructed to consume two kiwifruits (equivalent to 250 micrograms of vitamin C) daily for eight weeks,” explained Professor Vissers.

“We collected skin samples before and after the dietary intervention, enabling us to analyze the basal skin layer in Christchurch and the integumentary skin layer alongside skin functionality tests in Germany.”

The researchers assessed skin sample regeneration, including skin thickness, elasticity, UV protection, and epidermal cell regeneration via ultrasound, to provide a comprehensive understanding of skin function.

“A significant finding was that participants’ skin thickness levels showed a notable increase, indicating enhanced collagen production and epidermal cell regeneration, essentially reflecting skin regeneration,” stated Professor Vissers.

Scientists propose that boosting dietary vitamin C intake can enrich all regions of your skin.

“It’s crucial to maintain optimal plasma levels, and we know that healthy individuals can easily reach these levels with approximately 250mg of vitamin C daily,” commented Professor Vissers.

“Nonetheless, vitamins are not stored by the body. Therefore, a healthy habit is to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, including foods high in vitamin C.”

Refer to the study published on October 28, 2025, in the Journal of Research Dermatology.

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Juliet M. Puller et al. Dietary intake of kiwifruit, a high vitamin C food, improves vitamin C levels and skin function in human skin. Journal of Research Dermatology published online October 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587

Source: www.sci.news

Common Vitamin D Supplements May Actually Decrease Your Vitamin D3 Levels

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A recent study reveals that taking vitamin D2 supplements can actually lower vitamin D3 levels in the body, according to a research published in Nutrition Reviews.

This finding comes at a time when health experts advise individuals to start replenishing vitamin D, especially as the Northern Hemisphere transitions into autumn.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. The deficiency of this vitamin is prevalent globally; for instance, in the US, the rates are 31% among non-Hispanic Black adults.

Not all vitamin D is alike; it comes in two primary forms: Vitamin D2, which is derived from plants and mushrooms, and Vitamin D3, which is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight and can also be found in animal products like oily fish.

During summer months, individuals living in higher latitudes can typically produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sun exposure. However, as autumn and winter approach, the sun’s angle is often insufficient for this to occur.

“People often produce vitamin D on sunny days in October, November, and December,” said Professor Susan Lanham-New, the Director of Nutrition Science at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study. This was reported by BBC Science Focus. “But they aren’t actually doing anything.”

A simple rule of thumb: If your shadow is not shorter than your height, the sun is not strong enough for vitamin D3 production.

We analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of vitamin D2 supplementation, as noted by Emily Brown, a doctoral researcher in the Lanham-New group. Of these trials, 18 participants receiving vitamin D2 exhibited lower levels of vitamin D3 when compared to placebo or control groups.

In northern latitudes during winter, our bodies cannot produce vitamin D even on sunny days – Credit: Getty

“We don’t want people to think that vitamin D2 is somehow harmful. That’s not the case,” Brown commented to BBC Science Focus. “While vitamin D2 does elevate overall vitamin D levels, vitamin D3 should be prioritized.”

A prior study indicated that vitamin D3 is converted more efficiently into its active form compared to vitamin D2, making it a preferable option for supplementation, particularly during the darker months.

Brown is currently planning to explore the reverse effect, specifically what happens to D2 levels when individuals take D3.

The findings are especially pertinent for vegans who cannot obtain D3 from conventional dietary sources. While vegan-friendly D3 is derived from lichens, it is not as widely accessible as D2.

In 2022, scientists also developed a GMO tomato capable of producing D3, and the Lanham-New team is currently investigating whether this can effectively boost human vitamin D levels.

“I was genuinely surprised to find that when I administered D2, my D3 levels fell even when compared to placebo,” Lanham-New said.

“There is a lot we need to investigate now, as the long-term implications might hinder our ability to meet necessary vitamin D levels, potentially worsening the situation,” she added.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Vitamin D Supplements May Reduce Levels of Certain Vitamin D Forms

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Vitamin D supplements are advised in many countries for the darker months

Olga Pankova/Getty Images

Consuming one variety of vitamin D supplement may lower levels of other forms that your body utilizes better, potentially impacting your immune response.

Our skin generates vitamin D when sunlight’s ultraviolet rays convert a protein known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3. With diminishing sunlight in autumn and winter, nations like the UK recommend taking supplements.

There are two primary types of these supplements: Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, derived from lanolin—a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool—and vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, primarily sourced from mushrooms. It was previously believed that the choice between the two wasn’t critical.

However, Emily Brown from the University of Surrey, UK, along with her team, carried out a meta-analysis encompassing 11 previously conducted randomized controlled trials involving vitamin D supplements, with 655 participants overall.

They discovered that taking vitamin D2 could diminish your body’s concentration of vitamin D3. The reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, as does whether vitamin D3 supplements might lower vitamin D2 levels.

Moreover, several studies revealed that individuals taking vitamin D2 had reduced levels of vitamin D3 when compared to those not supplementing. “This is an unprecedented finding,” states Brown.

A 2022 study indicates that D2 and D3 have overlapping functions but distinct roles in immune support. For instance, vitamin D3 is seen to activate the Type I interferon signaling pathway, which acts as an initial defense against pathogens.

Brown suggests that vitamin D3 supplements could be more advantageous for most individuals than vitamin D2, yet personal factors like ingredient preferences should be considered, especially for those avoiding animal products.

She also emphasizes that individuals shouldn’t discontinue vitamin D2. “If you’re taking vitamin D2 supplements, your overall vitamin D levels should be adequate, but they are less effective and may result in a reduction of their extra functions concerning immune support.”

Ouliana Ziouzenkova at Ohio State University is studying this in older adults. The conversion of vitamin D3 to its active form, calcitriol, can reduce its efficacy, indicating that D2 supplementation may be especially beneficial for this demographic.

“If no adverse effects are evident, a vegan individual with vitamin D deficiency would be wise to opt for a D2 supplement,” explains Bernadette Moore from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Fortunately, plant-based vitamin D3 is becoming more widely available. For instance, a recent development involves gene-edited tomatoes capable of producing vitamin D3, although examinations are still ongoing.

Team member Susan Ranham New from the University of Surrey hopes the findings will highlight the importance of vitamin D supplements. “Many individuals in the UK, especially in northern areas, suffer from mild osteomalacia during winter, a condition linked to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in lethargy, bone pain, muscle issues, and increased sensitivity to infections and fatigue.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

The True Cause Behind Our Loss of Vitamin C Production

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Humans require dietary Vitamin C

Chondros Eva Catalin/Getty Images

As per the textbook definition, we have lost the capability to synthesize vitamin C. However, studies on animals indicate that this loss may have actually provided a survival advantage by helping their ancestors combat parasitic infections.

Most animals produce vitamin C using an enzyme known as Gulo. Yet, in our primate ancestors, the Gulo gene underwent mutation approximately 60 to 70 million years ago, leading to the loss of this capability. Similar losses are observed in various other animal groups, including certain bats and rodents like guinea pigs.

The conventional theory posits that if an animal consumes adequate vitamin C in its diet, mutations affecting the Gulo enzyme do not pose a disadvantage, which is why natural selection hasn’t preserved the enzyme. This mutation is considered neutral.

Mikaris Agato Creos began contemplating this in 2017 after his team at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas discovered that Vitamin C plays a crucial role in blood-forming stem cells. He questioned why so many animals still retain functional enzymes if the loss of Gulo is indeed neutral.

It appears that there is an additional advantage. For animals with functional enzymes, blood levels of vitamin C stay stable, while in humans, these levels may drop significantly, especially if individuals go without food for several days.

If producing vitamin C carries benefits, why do some animals lose this ability? The common evolutionary explanation is that such losses could enhance protection against diseases and parasites.

A colleague of Agathocleous at UT Southwestern Medical Center later found that the parasite flatworm known as schistosoma produces more eggs when provided with extra vitamin C.

These freshwater parasites can penetrate the skin and develop within the host. Many symptoms associated with schistosomiasis stem from the immune response to the eggs laid by adult worms, causing the resulting disease.

To investigate whether vitamin C deficiency could bolster protection against parasites, Agathocleous and his colleagues deleted specific Gulo genes in mice.

When these mice were fed a low vitamin C diet, they did not exhibit the typical fecal symptoms or excrete feces after being infected with schistosoma. In contrast, mice with functional Gulo enzymes released numerous eggs, most of which did not survive.

“What we demonstrated provides evidence of a potential benefit,” Agato Creos states. Although it remains unproven that the loss of Gulo in our ancestors was a conscious evolutionary choice to fend off disease, these findings suggest that such a scenario is plausible.

“Many textbooks illustrate this as a ‘use or lose it’ case concerning a gene. Many scientists, including myself, contend that there is enough evidence to affirm this evolutionary advantage related to gene loss.” Deborah Good at Virginia Tech, who did not participate in the study, remarked, “Parasite protection could indeed be a factor in this.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research Links Low Vitamin D Levels to Higher Risk of Covid-19 Hospitalization

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A recent analysis utilizing data from the UK Biobank revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, though there is only a weak association with the risk of infection.

Monroy-Iglesias et al. The nested case-control study was based on individuals with serum vitamin D level measurements in Baseline (2006-2010) within the Biobank Cohort, documenting COVID-19 PCR results and prior cancer diagnoses.

The widespread impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services has sparked considerable research interest aimed at understanding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease.

At the onset of the pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to examine various risk factors influencing rates of COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality.

Factors that have consistently emerged include age, male sex, smoking status, obesity, specific ethnic backgrounds, and immune system compromise, which all contribute to severe disease and a heightened likelihood of mortality.

Vitamin D is essential for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and is considered a risk factor for the development of severe, persistent inflammation, which may precede acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Consequently, several investigations have focused on the correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic.

Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and both the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease.

“Our goal was to utilize UK Biobank data to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risks of both COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” stated Dr. Maria Monroy Iglesias of King’s College London.

“We also assessed these associations across the general population, a subset of cancer patients, and examined potential differences related to ethnicity.”

The authors analyzed data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank to ascertain whether the risk of COVID-19 was elevated among those with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L in blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L).

Additionally, they compared hospitalization risks due to COVID-19 across these three groups.

“These findings can help identify at-risk individuals and inform future public health guidance,” noted Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a researcher with the University of South Australia.

“Given vitamin D’s important role in immune regulation, it is possible that low levels may influence responses to infections like COVID-19.”

“Our study indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had a higher likelihood of being hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels; however, they were not necessarily more prone to contracting the virus in the first place.”

The research team also explored the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients across different ethnic backgrounds.

It was found that individuals of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent had a marginally increased risk of infection at lower vitamin D levels, while the link between vitamin D and severe illness was predominantly observed in individuals of white backgrounds.

Although no significant correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes among individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, researchers cautioned that this may stem from smaller sample sizes.

“While the overall risk of COVID-19 has diminished over time, the virus continues to pose a public health challenge,” Dr. Beckmann remarked.

“COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it continues to impact individuals’ well-being.”

“Understanding which populations are most vulnerable enables those individuals to take necessary precautions, such as keeping track of their vitamin D levels.”

“Individuals already in poor health may naturally have lower levels of vitamin D.”

“As such, it’s still unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can mitigate the severity of COVID-19.

“This remains a topic worthy of further investigation, especially as we adapt to living with the virus.”

Survey results will be published online in the journal PLOS 1.

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MJ Monroy-Iglesias et al. 2025. The effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 risks and hospitalizations in the UK Biobank. PLOS 1 20(7): E0328232; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328232

Source: www.sci.news

Studies Suggest Common Vitamin Supplements May Help Slow Aging

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Recent studies indicate that daily vitamin D intake can assist in managing the effects of aging.

Research has shown that supplementing with vitamin D for four years could potentially offset the aging process by about three years.

Prior studies have suggested that vitamin D supplements may help mitigate some prominent aging signs linked to various age-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers from Mass General Brigham and Georgia Medical University examined the findings of previous trials. In this experiment, over 55 women and more than 50 men participated, taking either Vitamin D, Omega 3, or a placebo daily for five years.

The recent study assessed telomere length, concentrating on 1,054 participants who underwent specific tests at the beginning of the trial, as well as in their second and fourth years.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that protect chromosomes. Professor Morten Schiebye-Knudsen from the University of Copenhagen, who was not involved in the study, noted in BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Telomeres safeguard chromosome ends and prevent fusion or degradation – Credit: Getty Images/Knopprit

“Consider them like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent chromosomes from fraying and sticking to each other, which helps maintain genetic stability during cell division,” he explained.

With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly. If they become too short, the cell loses its ability to divide, leading to cell dysfunction.

The study found that participants taking vitamin D exhibited significantly reduced telomere shortening, effectively preventing nearly three years of aging.

This finding could offer valuable insights into promoting longer health spans, as telomere shortening is linked to various age-related diseases.

“I often refer to these cells as angry old men. They lose functionality, become inactive, and worsen over time, negatively impacting their environment,” Schiebye-Knudsen remarked.

“Telomere shortening may lead to older, more dysfunctional cells, resulting in increased inflammation in our bodies, particularly in rapidly dividing cells, like those in bone marrow, skin, and hair.”

About our experts

Morten Schiebye-Knudsen serves as an associate professor at the Faculty of Cellular Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

RFK Jr. supports Vitamin A treatment for select measles patients

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West Texas doctors are seeing measles patients whose illness is complicated by alternative therapy approved by vaccine skeptics, including health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Parents in Gaines County, Texas, are at the heart of the outbreak of turbulent measles, many of which have become increasingly repurposed and unproven treatments to protect children who have not been vaccinated against the virus.

One of those supplements is Vitamin A, which Kennedy advertises as a miraculous treatment for measles. Doctors at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, say they have treated a small number of children who were given so much vitamin A, which has signs of liver damage.

Dr. Summer Davis, who cares for children with acute illnesses at the hospital, said some of them had been receiving unsafe supplements for weeks to prevent measles infection.

“We were sick for just a few days, five days, five days, and five days, but we had been taking it for about three weeks,” Dr. Davis said.

Doctors may manage severe measles by administering high doses of vitamin A in hospitals, but experts do not recommend taking it without supervision from a doctor. Vitamin A is not an effective way to prevent measles. However, two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are about 97% effective.

At high doses, vitamin A can cause liver damage. Dry skin peeled skin. Hair loss; and in rare cases, seizures and com sleep. So far, doctors at a hospital in West Texas have said they have seen patients with high yellow skin and liver enzymes in both blood tests for both liver signs.

Many of these patients were in hospital due to severe measles infection. The doctor only discovered liver damage after regular lab work.

As of Tuesday, the outbreak that began in January had spread to more than 320 cases in Texas. Forty patients were hospitalized and one child died.

Nearby New Mexico County, the virus has suffered 43 illnesses and two hospitalised. Seven confirmed cases in Oklahoma are also linked to outbreaks.

Local doctors and health officials are increasingly concerned about the growing popularity of unproven treatments to prevent and treat measles. They fear that people will delay serious treatment and refuse vaccination, the only proven way to prevent measles infection.

Alternative medicine has always been popular in Gaines County. Many of the large Mennonite communities in areas where most cases are clustered are avoiding interaction with the healthcare system and adhere to a long tradition of natural therapy.

Health officials said the popularity of Vitamin A’s recent use of measles could go back to a Fox News interview with Kennedy.

in Opinion essay In the Washington Post Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Griffith, who was the communications director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until last week, wrote that he had resigned to handle Kennedy’s outbreak.

“In my last few weeks at the CDC, I saw a career infectious disease expert being tasked with spending valuable time wasting data searches to support Kennedy’s preferred treatment,” writes Griffith.

A few weeks after the interview with Fox News, Drugstore In West Texas, I had a hard time maintaining vitamin A and cod liver oil supplements on my shelf. “I didn’t hear anything about Vitamin A until he said that on TV,” said Katherine Wells, director of public health at Lubbock.

One local doctor, appointed as one of the doctors that Kennedy said in an interview with Fox News, opened a makeshift clinic in Gaines County, and began eliminating a variety of treatments, including vitamin A supplements, to treat active incorrect cases and prevent infection.

Dr. Davis said he suspected that the majority of the children she treated had taken vitamins at home.

Experts say Vitamin A can play an important role in the “advocacy care” provided by doctors to patients with severe measles infection.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, works by replenishing physical reservoirs that have been depleted by viruses that strengthen the immune system.

In hospitals, doctors only give measles children two vitamins, usually over two days, and “adjusting very carefully” the amount according to their age and weight, he said.

Dr. Schaffner emphasized that it is not a miraculous treatment of the virus, and that measles does not have antiviral drugs. Also, there is no reliable evidence that vitamin A can help prevent infection in children in the US, with extremely rare vitamin A defects.

In fact, giving children high doses of repeated vitamins is dangerous. Unlike other vitamins that are washed away from the body via urine, excess vitamin A accumulates in adipose tissue and is more likely to reach dangerous levels over time.

“I think this type of preventative use is particularly concerning,” said Dr. Lara Johnson, another doctor at Lubbock Hospital.

“When you’ve been taking it on your kids for weeks or weeks, you can have a cumulative toxicity impact.,” she added.

Dr. Johnson added that local doctors don’t always accurately reflect the amount of vitamins the label contains and are particularly concerned about parents’ dependence on over-the-counter supplements that can accept dosage recommendations from unverified sources.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Kashmir Funk: The Scientist Behind the Term “Vitamin”

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Kashmir Funk in the Laboratory, 1954

Associated Press/Alamy

Casimir Funk, the Polish biochemist who coined the term “vitamin” to describe a group of important molecules that help keep us alive, is the subject of today’s Google Doodle.

There have been theories for thousands of years about how food affects health. In ancient Greece and Rome, early physicians invented the “humoral” theory. This theory states that food must have the right balance of wetness, dryness, hotness, and coldness to keep the four essential humors of the body in check (fire, earth, blood, and phlegm). Much later, doctors made clearer connections, such as the observation that consuming citrus fruits like lemons helped prevent scurvy in sailors during long voyages.

In the late 19th century, scientists were trying to understand the cause of beriberi. Beriberi can affect a person’s nervous and cardiovascular systems and is now known as vitamin B1 deficiency. In 1897, Christian Eikman published a study based on experiments with chickens, proposing that a diet containing brown rice was more effective in preventing beriberi than a diet consisting only of white rice.

Casimir Funk read Aikman’s paper and set himself the challenge of finding a compound that confers protective properties on brown rice. In 1912, Funk was able to isolate the chemical believed to be responsible, and discovered that it contained characteristic nitrogen compounds called amines, which he identified as important amines, or vitamins. I named it. Eventually, scientists realized that vitamins don’t necessarily have to contain an amine group, so they dropped the final “e.”

Funk suggests that similar compounds may be present in many other “deficiencies,” as he calls them, “talking about the beriberi and scurvy vitamins. It means a substance that prevents disease.” Funk also correctly suggested that there are vitamins that prevent pellagra and rickets.

The compound Funk isolated and named “anti-beriberi factor,” now called vitamin B3, or niacin, does not actually prevent beriberi. Two years ago, Japanese scientist Umetaro Suzuki isolated vitamin B1 from brown rice and pinpointed its role in preventing beriberi. However, his research was published in a Japanese magazine, and the first Western translation, written in German, did not describe it as a new discovery.

Thirty-five years after Funk’s initial discovery, scientists have discovered a total of 13 remaining vitamins, including eight B vitamins and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Funk continued his research into vitamins and continued his research into pharmaceuticals. For the rest of his career, he remained with the company. He produced the first widely used vitamin concentrate in the United States called his OSCODAL, which contained liquid vitamins A and D.

Although vitamins are recognized to help prevent certain diseases, the use of vitamins as supplements is still debated among scientists. A recent meta-analysis found that there is not enough evidence that supplements and vitamins prevent cancer or heart disease for most people.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakdown products of Vitamin B3 in excess may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

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Despite intensive efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), substantial residual CVD risk remains, even in people who receive all guideline-recommended interventions. Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential micronutrient fortified in staple foods, but its role in CVD is poorly understood. Excessive amounts of niacin's breakdown products may be associated with an increased risk of death, heart attack, and stroke, according to a new study.

Niacin is an essential micronutrient that is fortified in staple foods beyond dietary requirements. Image credit: Ferrell other., doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02793-8.

Although CVD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, only a portion of the attributable risk is explained by established risk factors.

Despite significant advances in treatment, the risk of residual cardiovascular disease remains high, and it has been suggested that additional, as yet unrecognized factors contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Research has previously shown that niacin (vitamin B3) reduces levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

However, this vitamin does not seem to have the expected effect in reducing CVD risk, the so-called “niacin paradox”.

“Our study shows that niacin breakdown products can promote vascular inflammation, providing a potential explanation for this discrepancy,” said Cleveland Clinic researcher Stanley Hazen, Ph.D. said.

In the study, the authors analyzed plasma samples from 4,325 people in three patient cohorts, including men and women from the United States and Europe.

They found that two breakdown products of niacin, the metabolites N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2PY) and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4PY), are associated with increased CVD risk. I discovered that

In subsequent human genetic studies and mouse studies, the research team found that this increased risk is due to these breakdown products increasing the abundance of the pro-inflammatory protein VCAM-1 within the endothelial cells lining the blood. showed that it may be mediated by the ability of one of the (4PY). ship.

“Further studies are needed in large-scale studies to investigate the association between niacin and its degradation products and CVD,” the researchers said.

their findings It was published in the magazine natural medicine.

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M. Ferrell other. 2024. End metabolites of niacin promote vascular inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Nat Med 30, 424-434; doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02793-8

Source: www.sci.news

Niacin, Vitamin B3 Supplements Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

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Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a popular supplement

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People with high levels of niacin (also known as vitamin B3) in their blood may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with low levels of niacin. Consuming too much of this vitamin, which is routinely added to fortified foods and can also be taken as a supplement, can cause inflammation in blood vessels.

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Although researchers have made great strides over the past few decades in discovering risk factors for these conditions, they have not identified them all.

“If treated [high] cholesterol and [high] You can still have a heart attack even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other pre-existing risk factors. ”Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “There's something we're missing.”

To fill these gaps, Hazen and his colleagues collected blood samples from 2,331 U.S. adults and 832 European adults who chose to undergo cardiovascular testing. The researchers analyzed the samples for substances called metabolites, which are byproducts of metabolic processes such as digestion. The researchers then tracked participants' occurrence of cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, over a three-year period.

The researchers found that people with high levels of a metabolite called 4PY were, on average, about 60 percent more likely to experience such an event than those with lower levels. This compound only occurs when the body breaks down excess niacin.

Further experiments revealed that 4PY inflamed blood vessels in rodents. We know that inflammation is a major contributor to the development of heart disease, Hazen said.

It's not uncommon for people to have high niacin levels, he says. This is partly because certain foods, such as cereals and flour, are routinely fortified with vitamins in countries including the UK and US.

Niacin supplements are also becoming more popular Evidence suggests it has anti-aging effects says Hazen. Additionally, doctors stopped prescribing high doses of niacin to people at risk for cardiovascular disease because it was initially thought that the vitamin protected people from the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. It happened recently.

“I think this study really shows that when it comes to vitamins, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing,” he says. Jenny Jia at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

However, this study was primarily conducted on people of European descent. So it's unclear whether similar results would occur in people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, Zia said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and multiple sclerosis

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A groundbreaking study focused on astrocytes in the brain has uncovered a new molecular link between vitamin B12 and multiple sclerosis (MS). This study demonstrates that his FDA-approved MS treatment drug, fingolimod, can modulate the B12 transmission pathway, highlighting the potential of B12 supplementation in MS treatment. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Study results identify molecular signaling pathways that have the potential to enhance current MS treatments.

Scientists have noted interesting similarities between vitamin B deficiency and B vitamins for decades.12 – Essential nutrients that support the healthy development and function of the central nervous system (CNS) – and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the CNS, causing neurodegeneration.

Both are vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) deficiency and multiple sclerosis cause similar neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, loss of vision, difficulty walking or talking normally, and cognitive impairment such as memory loss .

New research reveals molecular connections

In a new study published online on December 8, 2023, cell reportSanford Burnham Prebys researchers are working with other collaborators to describe a new molecular relationship between B vitamins.12 The other is MS, which occurs in astrocytes, which are important non-neuroglial cells in the brain.

The findings of the study’s senior authors Jerrold Chun, MD, PhD, professor and senior vice president for neuroscience drug discovery, and Yasuyuki Kihara, PhD, associate research professor and co-corresponding author, and their colleagues, open new ways to conduct research. It suggests. Improving MS treatment through CNS-B12 Replenishment.

“Covalent molecular bonds of vitamin B in the brain”12 A carrier protein known as transcobalamin 2 or TCN2 and the FDA-approved MS drug fingolimod provide a mechanistic link between B and B.12 “Signal transduction and MS lead to reduced neuroinflammation and possibly neurodegeneration,” Chun said.

“Strengthen Brain B”12 When used in combination with fingolimod or potentially related molecules, it could potentially enhance both current and future MS treatments. ”

Study details and impact

In their paper, the Sanford Burnham Prebys team, along with collaborators from the University of Southern California, Japan’s Juntendo University, Tokyo University of Pharmacy, and the State University of New York, focused on the molecular function of FTY720, or fingolimod (Gilenya®). . ), a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that suppresses the distribution of T and B immune cells that mistakenly attack the brains of MS patients.

Using animal models of MS and postmortem human brains, researchers found that fingolimod suppresses neuroinflammation by functionally and physically modulating group B.12 Enhance communication channels, especially B12 A receptor called CD320 must take up and use the necessary B12 If bound to TCN2 distributing B12 throughout the body, including the CNS. This known process was newly identified through interaction with fingolimod within astrocytes. Importantly, this relationship was also observed in human MS brains.

Of particular note, the researchers reported lower levels of CD320 or dietary B;12 The restriction worsened the disease course and reduced the therapeutic efficacy of fingolimod in animal models of MS.This occurred through a hitchhiking mechanism in which fingolimod binds to TCN2-B.12 This complex allows delivery to all astrocytes via interaction with CD320, and loss of the component disrupts the process and exacerbates the disease.

These new findings further support the use of B .12 It turns out that supplements, particularly fingolimod, can correct astrocyte B disorders in terms of delivering vitamins to astrocytes in the brain.12 Pathways for MS patients.

Scientists say other commercially available S1P receptor modulators, such as Mayzent®, Zeposia® and Ponvory®, may be able to access at least part of this CNS mechanism.This study supports B12 Supplementation with S1P receptor modulators aimed at improving the efficacy of this class of drugs.

This study also opens new avenues for how B functions.12The -TCN2-CD320 pathway is regulated by sphingolipids, specifically sphingosine, an endogenous structural analog of naturally occurring fingolimod, for future improvements in MS treatment, Chun said.

“We support the creation of B that targets the brain.”12 formulation. In the future, this mechanism may be extended to new treatments for other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. ”

Reference: “FTY720 requires astrocyte vitamin B12-TCN2-CD320 signaling to reduce disease in animal models of multiple sclerosis” (Deepa Jonnalagadda, Yasuyuki Kihara, Aran Groves, Manisha Ray, Arjun Saha, Clayton Ellington, Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada), Tomomi Furuhata, Takehiko Yokomizo, Edward V. Quadros, Richard Rivera, Jerrold Chun, December 7, 2023. cell report.
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113545

Additional authors of the study include Sanford Burnham Prebys, Alan Groves, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Deepa Johnnalagadda, Manisha Ray, Clayton Ellington, and Richard Rivera of the University of California, San Diego . Arjun Saha, University of Southern California. Juntendo University, Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada and Takehiko Yokomizo. Tomomi Furuhata (Tokyo University of Pharmacy) Edward V. Quadros, Downtown Medical Center, New York.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. National Institutes of Health (R01NS103940), Novartis, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/JSPS KAKENHI (18H02627, 19KK0199, 21H04798, 18K16246 and 21K08565). Additional support was provided by the Uehara Memorial Foundation, Kanae Medical Foundation, Mochida Memorial Medical and Pharmaceutical Research Foundation, Human Frontier Science Program, and the University of California, San Diego Medical Scientist Training Program and Pharmacology Training Grant (T32GM007752). . ).

Source: scitechdaily.com