Bioavailability Of Vitamin Research Articles

Production of Gluten–Free Breakfast Cereals Based on Red Rice by Extrusion Process

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (RTE-BC) is either extruded product from flour (or) flaked corn, wheat (or) rice commonly used as breakfast in western countries. Cereal fortification helps to eliminate many nutritional deficiencies in various developed nations including United States. Recent techniques used to make bio-available vitamins and minerals in breakfast cereals to overcome the nutritional deficiencies such as iron, calcium etc. The main objective of this study was development of readt to eat foods from cereals for breakfast using extrusion. Trial no.6 because of its Good consistency and sensory properties. Among all other trials the red rice and quinoa 42% is found to be effective in nutritional facts and consistency. Typically, breakfast cereals include flaked, puffed, shredded, granula, extrude and baked product Oryzapunctata (red rice) and Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa seed), two gluten free food grains help to replace the wheat which contains gluten and used for the production of breakfast cereals. Quinoa is good example for the functional food that aims to lower the risk of various debilitating diseases and identify the presence of phyto-hormones of as several advantages for human nutrition over other plant foods. The Orzyapunctata (red rice) with high antioxidant content can be supplemented in the form of breakfast cereal so as to reduce the usage of artificial antioxidant BHT (butylated hydroxyl toluene).

A-044 Using ID-Vit Test Systems to Assess the Effect of Vitamin B Supplementation on Fatigue Symptoms in Professional Athletes

Abstract Background Training and competition stress may result in temporary decrements (muscle damage, impaired immune system) in physical performance and significant levels of fatigue in professional athletes. Evidence suggest a causal association between these prevalent fatigue symptoms, temporary decrements and low serum levels of B vitamins. Therefore, it is suggested that supplementing B vitamins has a positive effect on reducing fatigue symptoms. However existing studies failed to show the connection with the traditional methodology like HPLC or LC/MS where only one analyte is quantified. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin B complex supplementation on fatigue symptoms, in professional athletes by measuring bioavailable vitamins with ID-vit test systems, that quantifies the bioavailable B vitamins. Methods The serum samples of 57 professional athletes (12 female, 23.6 ± 6.9years) before and after 3 months of daily vitamin B complex supplementation (20 mg thiamine, 15 mg riboflavin, 30 mg niacin, 10 mg pantothenic acid, 15 mg pyridoxal-5-phosphate, 400 µg 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, 1000 µg methylcobalamine, 1000 µg biotin) were compared. CBC was determined by standard tests. Bioavailable vitamins B2, B6, folic acid, B12 in serum and B1 in whole blood were measured by the ID-Vit® test kits from Immundiagnostik AG. The test system is based on a microbiological method. The microorganisms used in this test system can metabolize various vitamers that are equally available in vivo. Thus, a functional system is simulated that quantifies the bioavailable B vitamins in comparison to other methods as e.g., HPLC or LC/MS, where only one analyte is quantified. The results of the methodology correlate very well with the observed symptoms and are therefore a promising tool for therapy monitoring. Using 5-point Likert scales, fatigue, sleep quality, muscle damage and impairment of immune system were assessed at the baseline and after 3 months intervention. Results Ultimately 29 professional athletes (10 female, 22.6 ± 7.9years) were completed the study. The bioavailable vitamin B levels were significantly higher after the 3 months supplementation period. (for vitamin B1 35.6 ± 9.4 µg/L and 48.1 ± 18.3 µg/L, for vitamin B2 99.9 ± 63.3 µg/L and 125.0 ± 66.4 µg/L, for vitamin B6 10.2 ± 13.8 µg/L and 30.7 ± 29.2 µg/L, for vitamin folic acid 9.3 ± 7.4 µg/L and 12.7 ± 9.1 µg/L, for vitamin B12 362.9 ± 335.2 µg/L and 445.2 ± 367.5 µg/L respectively). The level of feeling tired significantly lowered (6.0 ± 2.9 vs 1.9 ± 1.8, P < 0.001) after 3 months in parallel to higher serum bioavailable vitamin B levels. The professional athletes significantly less troubles with their sleep quality (34.5% vs 6.9%; P < 0.001), muscle damage (58.6% vs 6.9%; P = 0.033), and infection rate (44.8% vs 0.0%; P < 0.001). Performance fatigue was reported in 75.9% and mental fatigue was reported in 79.3% of the athletes before vitamin B complex supplementation and significantly decreased to 0.0% and 13.8% after 3 months of supplementation period (P < 0.001). Conclusion Low serum bioavailable vitamin B values found to be related to fatigue, sleep quality, muscle damage and impairment of immune system. The supplementation of B complex vitamins was effective on reducing fatigue symptoms, infection frequency, muscle damage and helped increasing sleep quality. The ID-vit tests system is an effective and easy to apply tool to quantify the bioavailable B vitamins in clinical settings to assess undersupply.

Association of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Therapy and Vitamin E Supplementation with Vitamin K Deficiency-Induced Coagulopathy: A Case Report and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Vitamin K is a lipid-soluble vitamin that is normally maintained within appropriate levels by means of dietary intake and bacterial production in the intestinal microflora. It holds a central role in coagulation homeostasis, and thus its depletion leads to hypocoagulation and haemorrhagic diathesis. The association of antibiotic therapy and vitamin E supplementation with vitamin K deficiency was previously described in animal experiments, clinical studies, and case reports. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy potentially leads to intestinal microflora dysbiosis and restriction of vitamin K-producing bacterial populations, resulting in decreased vitamin K levels, whereas antibiotics of the cephalosporin class with 1-N-methyl-5-thiotetrazole (NMTT) or 2-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MTD) side groups inhibit vitamin K function. Vitamin E supplementation interferes with both the bioavailability and function of vitamin K, yet its mechanisms are not fully understood. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient, with a history of epilepsy and schizophrenia, catatonically incapacitated and immobilised, who was hospitalised in our centre for the investigation and management of aspiration pneumonia. He demonstrated a progressively worsening prolongation of international normalised ratio (INR), which was attributed to both broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and vitamin E supplementation and was reversed upon administration of vitamin K. We highlight the need for close monitoring of coagulation parameters in patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, especially those with underlying malnutritive or malabsorptive conditions, and we further recommend the avoidance of NMTT- or MTD-containing antibiotics or vitamin E supplementation, unless absolutely necessary, in those patients.

The Effect of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy on Free and Total Vitamin D Serum Levels in Mild to Severe Plaque Psoriasis.

Vitamin D plays an important role in skin inflammation in psoriasis. The beneficial effects of ultraviolet light B (UVB) phototherapy in psoriasis are partly attributed to UVB-induced increase of vitamin D levels. In clinical practice, total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are measured to assess sufficiency, but it might be more accurate to measure free 25(OH)D levels. The aim of this study was to measure free serum 25(OH)D levels in psoriasis patients before and after phototherapy and to investigate if free 25(OH)D correlates stronger to disease severity than total 25(OH)D. Twenty adults (>18 years) with psoriasis were included for treatment with narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy for 10-12 weeks. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess disease severity. Serum levels of total 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, and 1,25(OH)2D were measured before and after NB-UVB. Total 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and the percentage of free 25(OH)D increased after NB-UVB, and PASI and VAS improved. The increase in total and free 25(OH)D remained significant when stratifying for vitamin D confounders. No correlations between disease severity and vitamin D levels were found. Total and free 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated before and after NB-UVB. NB-UVB is an effective treatment for mild to severe plaque psoriasis and increases not only total but also free 25(OH)D levels, as well as the percentage of free 25(OH)D, suggesting an increased bioavailability of skin-produced vitamin D.

Effect of nano-delivery systems on the bioavailability and tissue biodistribution of vitamin E tocotrienols

Vitamin E is one of the most important essential vitamins to support the regulation of oxidative stress in human body. Tocotrienols are part of the vitamin E family. The potentials of tocotrienols as nutraceutical ingredient are largely understated due to low oral bioavailability, which is a common problem associated with fat-soluble bioactive compounds. Nanoencapsulation technology offers innovative solutions to enhance the delivery mechanisms of these compounds. In this study, the effect of nanoencapsulation on the oral bioavailability and tissue distribution of tocotrienols were investigated using two types of formulations, i.e. nanovesicles (NV-T3) and solid lipid nanoparticles (NP-T3). At least 5-fold increment in maximum plasma concentrations, evident with dual-peak pharmacokinetic profiles, were observed after oral administration of nano-encapsulated tocotrienols. Plasma tocotrienol composition showed a shift from α-tocotrienol dominant in control group (Control-T3) to γ-tocotrienol dominant after nanoencapsulation. Tissue distribution of tocotrienols was found to be strongly influenced by the type of nanoformulation. Both nanovesicles (NV-T3) and nanoparticles (NP-T3) showed elevated accumulation in the kidneys and liver (5-fold) compared to control group while selectivity for α-tocotrienol was evident for NP-T3. In brain and liver of rats given NP-T3, α-tocotrienol emerged as the dominant congener (>80%). Acute oral administration of nanoencapsulated tocotrienols did not show signs of toxicity. The study concluded enhanced bioavailability and selective tissue accumulation of tocotrienol congeners when delivered via nanoencapsulation.

Role and functions of micro and macro-minerals in swine nutrition: a short review.

Livestock production depends on the utilization of nutrients, and when this is accomplished, there is accelerated momentum toward growth with a low cost-to-feed ratio. Public concern over the consumption of pork with antibiotic residues in animals fed antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has paved the way for using other natural additives to antibiotics, such as herbs and their products, probiotics, prebiotics, etc. Numerous feed additives are trending to achieve this goal, and a classic example is vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals represent a relatively small percentage of the diet, but they are critical to animal health, well-being, and performance; both play a well-defined role in metabolism, and their requirements can vary depending on the physiological stage of the animals. At the same time, the absence of these vitamins and minerals in animal feed can impair the growth and development of muscles and bones. Most commercial feeds contain vitamins and trace minerals that meet nutrient requirements recommended by National Research Council and animal feeding standards. However, the potential variability and bioavailability of vitamins and trace elements in animal feeds remain controversial because daily feed intake varies, and vitamins are degraded by transportation, storage, and processing. Accordingly, the requirement for vitamins and minerals may need to be adjusted to reflect increased production levels, yet the information presented on this topic is still limited. Therefore, this review focuses on the role and function of different sources of minerals, the mode of action, the general need for micro and macro minerals in non-ruminant diets, and how they improve animal performance.

Machine learning prediction of the degree of food processing

Despite the accumulating evidence that increased consumption of ultra-processed food has adverse health implications, it remains difficult to decide what constitutes processed food. Indeed, the current processing-based classification of food has limited coverage and does not differentiate between degrees of processing, hindering consumer choices and slowing research on the health implications of processed food. Here we introduce a machine learning algorithm that accurately predicts the degree of processing for any food, indicating that over 73% of the US food supply is ultra-processed. We show that the increased reliance of an individual’s diet on ultra-processed food correlates with higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, angina, elevated blood pressure and biological age, and reduces the bio-availability of vitamins. Finally, we find that replacing foods with less processed alternatives can significantly reduce the health implications of ultra-processed food, suggesting that access to information on the degree of processing, currently unavailable to consumers, could improve population health.

Effect of Fermentation on the Nutritional Quality of the Selected Vegetables and Legumes and Their Health Effects.

Vegetables are rich in many vitamins, mineral components, antioxidants, and macronutrients. However, they also contain high levels of anti-nutrients, which reduce the bioavailability of some nutritionally essential components such as zinc or iron. The processing of vegetables, including microbial fermentation, reduces or neutralizes tannins and phytates, which results in greater bioavailability of vitamins and minerals. Another effect of bacterial processing is an increased antioxidant potential, which has been linked to the release of polyphenols from complexes with anti-nutritional ingredients. Moreover, there were identified bioactive substances such as γ-aminobutyric acid or inhibitors of an angiotensin-converting enzyme in fermented vegetables. These substances may support the treatment of lifestyle diseases, such as depression or hypertension. However, there are still no data about these substances' bioavailability after the consumption of fermented vegetables. Additionally, fermented foods are rich in probiotic microorganisms, where the main group is lactic acid bacteria. The effect of fermentation on each vegetable is different. This should be a reason to expand our knowledge as more innovative and untested fermented products appear on the market.

Bioavailability of vitamin D biofortified pork meat: results of an acute human crossover study in healthy adults

Vitamin D intakes are concerningly low. Food-based strategies are urgently warranted to increase vitamin D intakes and subsequently improve 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. This acute randomised three-way crossover study investigated the efficacy of vitamin D biofortified pork derived from pigs exposed to UVB light to increase serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, compared to a dose-matched vitamin D3 supplement and control pork in adults (n = 14). Blood samples were obtained at baseline and then 1.5, 3, 6, 9 and 24 h postprandially. There was a significant effect of time (p < 0.01) and a significant treatment*time interaction (p < 0.05). UV pork and supplement significantly increased within-group serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations over timepoints (p < 0.05) (max. change 0.9 nmol/L (2.2%) UV pork, 1.5 nmol/L (3.5%) supplement, 0.7 nmol/L (1.9%) control). Vitamin D biofortified pork modestly increased 25(OH)D3 concentrations and produced a similar response pattern as a dose-matched vitamin D supplement, but biofortification protocols should be further optimised to ensure differentiation from standard pork.

Vitamin D metabolism in cancer: potential feasibility of vitamin D metabolism blocking therapy.

In this review, we discuss the possibility of the vitamin D metabolizing enzyme CYP24A1 being a therapeutic target for various tumors including breast, colorectal and prostate tumors. Given the pleiotropic cellular activity of vitamin D, its deficiency impairs its physiological function in target cells and results in various pathologies including cancer. In addition, accumulated data have shown that elevated expression of CYP24A1 promotes carcinogenesis in various cancer subtypes by decreasing the bioavailability of vitamin D metabolites. Thus, we propose the potential feasibility of vitamin D metabolism-blocking therapy in various types of human malignancies that express constitutive CYP24A1.

Effect of Cooking Procedure on B1, B2, and B6 Vitamins Content and Some Elements in the Main Rice Brands in the Iranian Market

Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the effect of different methods of cooking on B-group vitamins (B1, B2, and B6), As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and some essential elements (Cu, Co, and Mn) in the main local varieties of Iranian rice. Background: Different cooking procedures have been shown to have contradictory benefits in terms of nutritional value by affecting the bioavailability of vitamins and microminerals. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the effect of different methods of cooking on B-group vitamins (B1, B2 and B6), As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and some essential elements (Cu, Co, and Mn) in the main local varieties of Iranian rice. Method: The effectiveness of different cooking procedures, including direct cooking (Dampokht) and cooking by washing the rice with water and draining off the water (Abkesh), on B1, B2, and B6 vitamins contents and Cd, As, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Mn elements in the different local varieties of Iranian rice was evaluated. For the Dampokht method, the non-rinsed cooked samples were directly used for evaluation, but for the Abkesh method, the cooked rice samples were first rinsed and then evaluated. Results: Generally, our results showed decreased levels of vitamins and trace elements in cooking with the Abkesh method in comparison to that of Dampokht. Interestingly, the amount of B1 vitamin increased after the Dampokht method. Conclusion: The results indicate that the rice cooking procedure is very important in the maintenance of B vitamins and trace elements in the foodstuff, and the Abkesh method leads to the loss of a great deal of water-soluble vitamins and essential elements. However, it is good for decreasing poisonous heavy metals and should be recommended for populations that consume rice as the main staple food and who live in the areas with a high level of toxic heavy metals in drinking water.

In vitro digestion properties of different chitin nanofibrils stabilized lipid emulsions

An in vitro simulated digestion model (saliva, gastric, and intestinal digestion) was applied to explore the effect of chitin nanofibrils on lipase activity, bile acid diffusion, and the formation and following digestion of lipid emulsions in the gastrointestinal tract. Three kinds of chitin nanofibrils were used: deacetylated chitin nanofibril (positive charge, longest), TEMPO oxidized chitin nanofibril (negative charge, the second longest) and combination treated chitin nanofibril (amphoteric, the shortest). All chitin nanofibrils showed no significant effects on inhibiting lipase activity and binding bile acids. While, they exhibited obvious difference during different digestion stages, which were caused by the different surface charge and size. In addition, all three nanofibrils can retard lipid digestion, and reduce the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins to some degree. The former is helpful in reducing fat while the latter is not conducive to the absorption of nutrition. This study revealed the gastrointestinal fate of different chitin nanofibril stabilized Pickering emulsions and the possible mechanism for the chitin nanofibrils as a potential functional food additive, but all their potential effects need to be carefully considered from a nutrition perspective.

Toksični efekti vitamina i dijetetskih suplemenata

Vitamins and minerals are the most commonly used dietary supplements in the population worldwide. They play a key role in many cellular processes, including energy metabolism. They are used in case of deficit or to maintain adequate intake. In the absence of an underlying disease, long-term fatigue and lack of energy can be caused precisely by micronutrient deficits. Therefore, it is important to assess subclinical vitamin status and inadequate nutrition as potential risk factors for the occurrence of some diseases in apparently healthy individuals. The consumption of highly processed food is associated with an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases, due to the lower nutritional quality of the food. In addition to greater safety, better taste, and longer shelf life, certain food processing methods lead to the loss of minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, the bioavailability of vitamins can be hindered by various nutrients and dietary components. The need for supplementation exists especially in risk groups such as women and file elderly population. Due to die effect on the modulation of the immune response, vitamin supplementation during file COVID-19 pandemic proved to be justified especially in more severe forms of file disease as the disease course depended on the inflammatory response. However, toxic effects of vitamins and minerals have been documented in professional and scientific literature, so caution is required when using them. By reviewing the literature, this paper provides insight into file toxic effects of vitamins and dietary supplements from a medical, legal and social perspective. As a significant result, data supporting that supplements are used more and more frequently without a reason, without a doctor's recommendation, in the absence of clinical manifestation of a deficit, and with scant knowledge of harmful effects, is highlighted. Based on this data, the paper presents proposals for measures to improve theory and practice.

Assessing the nutritional quality of lipid components in commercial meal replacement shakes using an in vitro digestion model

This study aimed to investigate the nutritional value of five commercial meal-replacement shakes, and mainly focused on the lipid digestion fates and fat-soluble vitamin bioavailability. Four out of five samples exhibited a low lipolysis level (37.33–61.42%), aligning with the intended objectives of these products. Although the remaining sample rich in diacylglycerol (DAG) had a higher lipolysis level (80.83%), the inherent low-calorie nature of DAG might compensate for this drawback. The release level of individual fatty acid was largely determined by the glycerolipid composition. Moreover, the strong positive correlation between lipid hydrolyzed products amounts and the fat-soluble vitamin bioavailability was observed. Surprisingly, one out of five samples can provide enough vitamin A and vitamin E for consumers as a total replacement of one or two regular meals. Consequently, the meal-replacement shakes hold the potential to emerge as healthy products for this fast-paced era if the composition and structure were carefully designed and calculated.

Development of Novel Lipid-Based Formulations for Water-Soluble Vitamin C versus Fat-Soluble Vitamin D3.

The aim of this study was to develop a facile and novel lipid-based formulation of vitamin C and vitamin D3. Liposomes loaded with vitamin C and D3 were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential measurements for evaluating morphology, particle size and physical stability. HPLC was employed to quantify the content of vitamin C and vitamin D3 in their liposomal forms. The UHPLC analysis of the lipid-based vitamin formulation is an easy and rapid method for the characterization as well as the quantification of all components. In addition, encapsulation efficiency, vitamin loading and stability analysis were performed by the UHPLC method, in order to evaluate the reliability of the optimized lipid-based formulation. The TEM results provided key support for the core type of liposome structure in the formulations, whereas the HPLC results indicated that the liposomal vitamin C and D3 systems were homogeneous, and did not undergo phase separation. Taken together, the results demonstrate that liposomal encapsulated vitamins (vitamin C and D3) possess a unilamellar vesicle morphology with uniform particle size, despite differences in the hydrophile-lipophile profiles of the vitamins. The highly efficient encapsulation properties of such liposomal constructs are proposed to contribute to enhanced vitamin bioavailability.

Influence of food matrix delivery system on the bioavailability of vitamin D3: A randomized crossover trial in postmenopausal women

ObjectivesVitamin D insufficiency (blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L) is a global health problem. Vitamin D food fortification might be a solution, but knowledge is sparse on which food matrices yield the highest bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different food matrices including complex formations with whey proteins on the human bioavailability of vitamin D. MethodsIn this randomized, multiple crossover trial, we enrolled 30 postmenopausal women 60 to 80 y of age with vitamin D insufficiency. We measured changes in serum concentrations of vitamin D3 (D3) postprandially for 24 h in response to the intake of 500 mL of different food matrices with 200 µg D3 added compared with a control (500 mL of water). Foods included apple juice with whey protein isolate (WPI), apple juice, semi-skim milk, and water (with D3). The food matrices were provided in a randomized order with ≥10-d washout period between them. On each intervention day, blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h. ResultsD3 with WPI in juice did not enhance area under the curve (AUC) of serum D3 compared with juice without WPI (370 nmol × 24 h/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 321–419 versus 357 nmol × 24 h/L; 95% CI, 308–406 nmol × 24 h/L; P = 0.65). However, compared with juice, the AUC was significantly higher in response to the intake of D3 in milk (452 nmol × 24 h/L; 95% CI, 402–502 nmol × 24 h/L) and water with D3 (479 nmol × 24 h/L; 95% CI, 430–527 nmol × 24 h/L; P < 0.05). No difference was observed between milk and water (P = 0.34). ConclusionsThe bioavailability of D3 was superior in milk and water compared with juice, regardless of whether WPI was added.

Vitamin D and Swimming Exercise Prevent Obesity in Rats under a High-Fat Diet via Targeting FATP4 and TLR4 in the Liver and Adipose Tissue.

The prevalence of obesity has risen in the last decades, and it has caused massive health burdens on people's health, especially metabolic and cardiovascular issues. The risk of vitamin D insufficiency is increased by obesity, because adipose tissue alters both the requirements for and bioavailability of vitamin D. Exercise training is acknowledged as having a significant and long-term influence on body weight control; the favorable impact of exercise on obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities has been demonstrated via various mechanisms. The current work illustrated the effects of vitamin D supplementation and exercise on obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and hepatic steatosis in rats and explored how fatty acid transport protein-4 (FATP4) and Toll-like receptor-4 antibodies (TLR4) might be contributing factors to obesity and related hepatic steatosis. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 was fed a normal-fat diet, group 2 was fed an HFD, group 3 was fed an HFD and given vitamin D supplementation, group 4 was fed an HFD and kept on exercise, and group 5 was fed an HFD, given vitamin D, and kept on exercise. The serum lipid profile adipokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed, and the pathological changes in adipose and liver tissues were examined. In addition, the messenger-ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of FATP4 and immunohistochemical expression of TLR4 in adipose and liver tissues were evaluated. Vitamin D supplementation and exercise improved HFD-induced weight gain and attenuated hepatic steatosis, along with improving the serum lipid profile, degree of inflammation, and serum adipokine levels. The expression of FATP4 and TLR4 in both adipose tissue and the liver was downregulated; it was noteworthy that the group that received vitamin D and was kept on exercise showed also improvement in the histopathological picture of this group. According to the findings of this research, the protective effect of vitamin D and exercise against obesity and HFD-induced hepatic steatosis is associated with the downregulation of FATP4 and TLR4, as well as a reduction in inflammation.

An Observational Study of Serum Vitamin D Status in Critically Ill Children Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introduction Vitamin D is a pleiotropic hormone involved in the functioning of organ systems including those central to critical illness pathophysiology. We evaluated the longitudinal vitamin D status in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and its relevance to patient outcomes. Material and methods Thirty-six PICU-admitted patients, and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled. Serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were analyzed on PICU days 1, 5, and 10 in the patient group, and once in the control group. Patients were divided into sufficient (&gt;30 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and deficient (&lt;20 ng/mL) subgroups. Outcome measures between the subgroups and alterations in 25(OH)D levels were examined. Results The mean 25(OH)D levels of PICU patients initially and control cases were not different (25.4±6.0 and 25.9±5.8 ng/mL, respectively). Although all patients with vitamin D deficiency were hospitalized for infectious diseases, the mean 25(OH)D level of patients hospitalized for infections was not different from other patients. There was no difference between vitamin D subgroups in demographic variables, admission season, illness severity, respiratory/inotropic support, duration of stay, and mortality. Vitamin D deficient patients had lower albumin concentrations (p˂0.05). On days 5 and 10, the mean 25(OH)D levels of the patients were 24.5±5.7 and 23.6±5.8 ng/mL, respectively, both different from the admission level (p˂0.001). Conclusions Hypovitaminosis D, which is common in healthy children, is also common in PICU admission and tends to be more profound during the stay. Further studies are required to evaluate the bioavailability of vitamin D in critical illness.

Evaluation of 14-day Concentration-time Curves of Vitamin D3 and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Healthy Adults With Varying Body Mass Index.

To analyze the concentration-time curves of single-dose oral 25(OH)D3 in comparison with vitamin D3 in healthy adults. The pharmacokinetics observed over two weeks after orally administering single 900 μg doses of vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 to six otherwise healthy vitamin D insufficient/deficient adults participating in a broader randomized, double-blind, crossover, single center trial was analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board (H-37167). Individual concentration-time curves revealed that vitamin D3 took longer than 25(OH)D3 to reach its maximal concentration after ingestion in five participants. After 25(OH)D3 ingestion, 25(OH)D3 reached its maximal concentration, dropped rapidly, and plateaued before starting to decrease slowly. There were observable inter-individual variations in the bioavailability of vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 and the pattern of changes in 25(OH)D3 concentration after their ingestion. Pharmacokinetics of 25(OH)D3 in comparison with vitamin D3 was illustrated and described in this study.

Spore exines increase vitamin D clinical bioavailability by mucoadhesion and bile triggered release.

Sporopollenin exine capsules (SpECs) are microcapsules derived from the outer shells (exines) of plant spore and pollen grains. This work reports the first clinical study on healthy volunteers to show enhanced bioavailability of vitamin D encapsulated in SpECs from Lycopodium clavatum L. spore grains vs vitamin D alone, and the first evidence (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) of mechanisms to account for the enhancement and release of the active in the small intestine. Evidence for mucoadhesion of the SpECs contributing to the mechanism of the enhancement is based on: (i) release profile over time of vitamin D in a double blind cross-over human study showing significant release in the small intestine; (ii) in vivo particle counting data in rat showing preferred retention of SpECs vs synthetic beads; (iii) ex vivo99mTc labelling and counting data using rat small intestine sections showing preferred retention of SpECs vs synthetic beads; (iv) in vitro mucoadhesion data. Triggered release by bile in the small intestine was shown in vitro using solid state NMR and HPLC.