Large Amounts Of Vitamin Research Articles

Effect of chronic consumption of ethanol and vitamin E on fatty acid composition and lipid peroxidation in rat heart tissue

Lipid peroxidation products and the fatty acid composition of phospholipids were studied in the hearts of rats chronically consuming ethanol supplemented with large amounts of vitamin E. Ethanol representing 36% of the total calories was ingested for 7 weeks in a modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet that contained vitamin E at 30 IU/L in the control or 172 IU/L in the supplemental dietary group. Ethanol and/or vitamin E did not change the absolute content (μg per mg of phospholipids) of the main fatty acids (C 18:0, C 18:2, and C 20:4) of heart phospholipids but increased the amount of the minor C 20–C 22 fatty acids. Cardiac phospholipid levels increased in rats chronically consuming excess vitamin E and/or alcohol. Chronic ethanol consumption caused elevations of the relative content (percent of total fatty acids) of tri-, tetra-, and hexaenoic acids and peroxidizability index (PI) of the cardiac phospholipids. Supplementation with vitamin E blocked this ethanol-induced shift in the fatty acid profile toward unsaturation and decreased the PI. Ethanol enhanced accumulation of vitamin E in heart tissue by 30% irrespective of the vitamin E content in the diet. Enrichment of the diet with vitamin E coincided with the low levels of fluorescent products in heart lipids. A positive correlation ( r = 0.36; p = 2%) was found between vitamin E and diene conjugates in the heart cells. Thus, vitamin E has a stabilizing effect on heart phospholipids by preventing changes in their fatty acid composition and peroxidative deterioration.

Metabolic and immune effects of enteral ascorbic acid after burn trauma

A burned guinea-pig model (30 per cent BSA) was used to study the effect of vitamin C on immune and metabolic responses following burn trauma. Thirty-six guinea-pigs received identical enteral diets (175 kcal/kg) except for the amount of vitamin C. Groups I, II, III and IV were given formulae delivering no vitamin C, (1 RDA) 15 mg/kg/day, 75 mg/kg/day or 375 mg/kg/day, respectively. Resistance to infection was evaluated by injecting each animal with 0.1 ml of 1 × 10 9 Staph. aureus 502A subcutaneously on day 10. On day 14, Staph. aureus abscesses were excised and the numbers of viable colonies were determined. Results showed no statistical differences between groups in the clearance of Staph. aureus. From days 2 to 12, animals in groups I, II and III had body weights of approximately 97 per cent of preburn body weight. Animals in group IV, however, had a body weight gain, 102 per cent of preburn body weight on day 12. Animals in group IV also had significantly lower metabolic rates on day 12 as compared to the animals in the other groups. These results suggest that large amounts of vitamin C have beneficial effects on the maintenance of body weight and metabolic rate following burn trauma.

Introduction to the Symposium

The demand by consumers for color in poultry carcasses remains strong. Around the turn of the Twentieth Century, this concern about color was more important than it is today. In yellow-skinned birds, which made up a major part of the meat birds then, skin color was a true indication of health. Most consumers wanted a yellow bird because this told them that the bird was reasonably free of coccidiosis.Although the consumer may not have known what coccidiosis was, she knew that birds with poor color were not as healthy as ones with good color. The consumer also knew that when the bird laid eggs with a bright yellow yolk, the hen had been on a high corn diet or had been able to get outside, and being outside was “good.” The consumer probably did not know that large amounts of vitamin A could cause egg yolks to be pale. .

The utilization of Antarctic krill for human food

Abstract Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is distributed south of 60 °S around the South Pole. The stock of krill is estimated at 360 to 1400 million tons. In 1980 the total amount harvested in the world was 500 thousand tons, mainly by the USSR, followed by Japan. Chemical composition of krill is as follows: moisture 77.9–83.1%, crude protein 11.9–15.4%, chitin and glucides 2%, and crude ash 3%. Nutritive value of krill protein is lower than whole‐egg protein but higher than milk protein. Krill contains large amounts of vitamins A and E. About 70% of krill lipid is unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, eico‐sapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Commercial products from krill in Japan are frozen raw krill, frozen boiled krill, peeled krill meat, and others. All of these products are processed on boats in the Antarctic Ocean. Krill products in Japan totaled 271,050 tons in 1986–1987.

Discrepancies between serum and erythrocyte concentrations of vitamin E in hemodialysis patients: role of HDL-bound fraction of vitamin E.

Recently, we have demonstrated that hemodialysis (HD) patients have higher serum and lower erythrocyte concentrations of vitamin E than controls. It is known that transfer of vitamin E from serum to erythrocyte is mostly due to high-density lipoproteins (HDL). For a better definition of the pattern of distribution of vitamin E in HD patients, we have dosed the amount of vitamin bound to serum HDL fraction. In 8 patients and in 8 healthy controls, we have determined the concentration of serum erythrocyte and HDL-bound vitamin E. The latest was obtained on an ultracentrifuged HDL fraction. HDL fractions from HD patients have been found to contain larger amounts of vitamin E than controls. The previously described higher serum and lower erythrocyte concentrations of vitamin E in HD patients have been confirmed in the study. The deficit of vitamin E in the membranes of erythrocytes from HD patients has been shown to be the result of increased consumption of the vitamin in the erythrocyte membranes, where it represents the major antioxidant agent. However, the finding of increased amounts of vitamin bound to HDL in HD patients suggests that the transfer of the vitamin to the erythrocyte membranes may also be defective.

Propionate catabolism in the housefly Musca domestica and the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis

The catabolism of propionate was examined in the housefly Musca domestica (which does not contain detectable amounts of vitamin B 12) and the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (which contains large amounts of vitamin B 12). The products from carbon-14 labeled propionate were separated by HPLC and radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation counting. In vivo studies as a function of time showed that, in both species, products of [2- 14C]propionate were acetate and 3-hydroxypropionate. [2- 14C]Propionate was not efficiently converted to methylmalonate or succinate, as would occur in mammals. Studies with sub-cellular fractions in both species showed that only the mitochondrial fraction efficiently converted propionate to acetate. Radioactivity from [1- 14C]propionate incubated with housefly mitochondria was recovered only in fractions corresponding to propionate and 3-hydroxypropionate. The data obtained are consistent with a metabolic pathway in which propionate is converted to 3-hydroxypropionate and then to acetate. The results presented here demonstrate this pathway in insects which have high vitamin B 12 levels and undetectable vitamin B 12 levels, suggesting that this may be a common pathway for propionate metabolism in insects.

SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE FROM CASHEW APPLE

Cashew apple juice contains sugar, protein, acid, large amounts of vitamin C and an astringent principle, polyphenolic in nature. Although one of the richest sources of vitamin C, the juice is not acceptable as a soft drink due to its high astringency. It is, however, suitable for alcoholic fermentation. Cashew wine contains about 4% alcohol but it is also astringent. Brandy, however, is not astringent but possesses the exotic flavour of cashew apple. It is suggested that the cashew apple, hitherto considered a waste, can be profitably utilized for alcoholic beverages.

Extremely high circulating levels of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 in the marmoset, a new world monkey

Compared to most mammals, the marmoset, a new world monkey, requires particularly large amounts of vitamin D to maintain normal growth. We compared serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in marmosets with rhesus monkeys and humans. The circulating levels of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1α,25(OH) 2D 3] in marmosets were 4 to 10 times higher than those in rhesus monkeys and humans. But none of the marmosets exhibited hypercalcemia. In two marmosets which had suffered bone fractures, the 1α,25-(OH) 2D 3 levels were particularly elevated. These results suggest that the marmoset has an end-organ resistance to 1α,25(OH) 2D 3.

Spirulina and Vitamin B12

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> A current health food fad involves tablets of<i>Spirulina</i>,¹a genus of blue-green algae belonging to the family Oscillatoriaceae of the division Cyanophyta,²represented in the health food literature to contain large amounts of vitamin B₁₂. We subjected three popular brands of 500-mg<i>Spirulina</i>tablets to both the<i>United States Pharmacopeia</i>microbiologic assay for vitamin B₁₂and the vitamin B12 radioassay method we recently applied to multivitamin pills.³ The results are given in the Table. Microbiologic assay would lead one to believe that 500-mg<i>Spirulina</i>tablets contain about 0.25 to 1 μg of vitamin B₁₂per tablet, but radioassays, using R binder to measure the total of (cobalamins plus cobalamin analogues) and intrinsic factor to measure cobalamins alone (ie, "true B₁₂"), suggest that more than 80% of what appears to be "vitamin B₁₂" by microbiologic assay is in fact

La distribuzione dell'acido l-ascorbico nelle foglie di piante officinali italiane. Aspetti quantitativi e tassonomici

Abstract Distribution of l-ascorbic acid in leaves of Italian officinal plants. Quantitative and taxonomic aspects.—Fresh samples of 119 Italian officinal plants belonging to 41 families of Angiosperme were assayed for l-ascorbic acid content. Estimation of data as reported by Seybold and Mehner indicates that relatively high contents are generally found among the Rosaceae, while low amounts are usual within Asteraceae. However, species with leaves rich in l-ascorbic acid may be found at widely different places of the taxonomic system. Since the vitamin C is widespread in the plant kingdom it has been recommended the indication of the exact amount of vitamin C when a plant is reported as antiscorbutic. Finally the knowledge of families whose species more frequently show large amounts of vitamin C may facilitate researches of edible wild plants with high content of vitamin C.

Thrombophlebitis Associated With Vitamin E Therapy

I have encountered 50 patients with clinical thrombophlebitis involving the lower extremites, with or without associated edema and pulmonary embolism, in whom longstanding self-medication with large amounts of vitamin E appeared to be a significant factor. The majority improved following cessation of vitamin E. In view of the epidemic nature of thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis in the United States, the presumed innocuousness of vitamin E therapy requires reevaluation. Other clinical side effects also have been noted in patients receiving large doses of vitamin E. They include breast tenderness, elevation of blood pressure, a fatigue syndrome, myopathy, intestinal cramps, urticaria, and the possible aggravation of diabetes mellitus. The influence of concomitant metabolic, endocrine, and cardiovascular disorders on the thrombogenic potential of vitamin E is raised, and several possible mechanisms conducive to thrombophlebitis are reviewed.

Role of thyroid gland in oxygen toxicity.

The effects of hyperoxia at ambient pressure on thyroid function and thyroid hormone metabolism have been assessed. Thyroidal activity was depressed in mice and rats by exposure to hyperoxia, due at least in part to a decrease in the rate of secretion of pituitary thyrotropin. The effects of hyperoxia on the peripheral deiodination of thyroxine (T4) were dependent on the concentration of oxygen employed and/or the duration of exposure; exposure to 40--80% oxygen for 96 h resulted in decreases in the rate of deiodination and in the deiodinative clearance of [125I]T4. Hyperoxia also resulted in a marked fall in the serum concentration of endogenous T4 and a decrease in T4-binding activity in serum. Many of these effects of hyperoxia were prevented by the concomitanat administration of large amounts of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate). These decreases in thyroid function and T4 metabolism were associated with a decrease in the rate of whole body oxygen consumption. Thus, the deleterious effects of oxygen in the rat were not due, even in part, to an oxygen-induced hyperthyroid state in the peripheral tissues.

Vitamin C, the common cold, and iron absorption

A sizable segment of the population was found to be taking large quantities of vitamin C to reduce the number or severity of upper respiratory infections. To determine the affect of this supplementation on iron balance, multiple radioiron absorption tests were performed in 63 male subjects. The increase in iron absorption from a semisynthetic meal was directly proportional to the amount of ascorbic acid added over a range of 25 to 1,000 mg. The ratio of iron absorption with/without ascorbic acid at these two extremes was 1.65 and 9.57, respectively. The relative increase was substantially less when the test meal contained meat. A large dose of vitamin C taken with breakfast did not effect iron absorption from the noon or evening meal. A telephone survey of 100 individuals revealed that 67 were taking supplemental ascorbic acid in doses ranging as high as 2 g daily. The average intake of supplemental ascrobic acid in this population was 280 mg daily. If taken only with breakfast, this level of supplementation would produce a nearly 2-fold increase in the amount of iron absorbed daily. If taken in divided doses with each mean, the increase in iron absorption would be more than 3-fold.

Vitamin D metabolism in experimental uraemia: effects on intestinal transport 45 Ca and on formation of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in rat.

INTESTINAL malabsorption of calcium occurs regularly in patients with advanced renal failure and is commonly associated with rickets or osteomalacia, which closely resemble the osteodystrophy of vitamin D deficiency1. Large amounts of vitamin D are required to correct this defect in calcium absorption and to promote healing of the bone lesions but the nature of the relative insensitivity to the biological effects of the vitamin is uncertain1,2. The suggestion3 that vitamin D resistance in uraemia is due to an effective deficiency of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has been refuted2,4. The demonstration of the role of the kidney in producing a second biologically potent metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol5,6, makes it likely that the abnormalities in uraemic patients are due to loss of renal tissue (see preceding communication7).

Diphosphonates inhibit formation of calcium phosphate crystals in vitro and pathological calcification in vivo.

Two diphosphonates containing the P-C-P bond, CH(3)C(OH)(PO(3)HNa)(2) and H(2)C(PO(3)HNa)(2), inhibit the crystallization of calcium phosphate in vitro and prevent aortic calcification of rats given large amounts of vitamin D(3). The diphosphonates therefore have effects similar to those described for compounds containing the P-O-P bond but are active when administered orally.

Renal function and histology after long-term vitamin D therapy of vitamin D refractory rickets

Since large amounts of vitamin D are potentially nephrotoxic, renal function and histology were studied in 14 patients with vitamin D refractory rickets treated with high dosages of vitamin D for long periods. One had previously had severe and protracted hypercalcemia; this patient showed altered renal function and histology. Renal function was normal in the other patients, but one had small amounts of microscopic medullary calcification. It is concluded that vitamin D therapy is relatively safe if strictly controlled to avoid hypercalcemia. Significant permanent lesions causing impaired renal function occurred only after severe and prolonged hypercalcemia.

Vitamin K in Medical Practice: Adults

Publisher Summary A deficiency of the vitamin K-dependent clotting factors may be caused by a deficient intake, absorption, and utilization of vitamin K and in consequence of the action of vitamin K antagonists. Deficiency may be caused by a nutritional deject. The human requirement of vitamin K is not known exactly, but it is suggested to be 1 μg/kg intravenously (i.v.) or 5 μg of methylriaphthoquinone disuccinate per kilogram orally. The usual food in various countries contains enough vitamin K 1 , especially in green vegetables, to prevent the development of a deficiency. Meat and milk are poor in vitamin K. A large amount of vitamin K is produced by the normal intestinal bacteria. This should be sufficient to cover the human requirement of vitamin K. However, most of the bacterial vitamin K is produced in the colon and, therefore, it is questionable whether it can be absorbed at all.

The treatment of renal osteodystrophy.

Editorials1 November 1966The Treatment of Renal OsteodystrophyS. W. STANBURY, M.D., F.R.C.P.S. W. STANBURY, M.D., F.R.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-65-5-1133 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThe pathogenesis of azotemic osteodystrophy is still uncertain. The demonstration of impaired intestinal absorption of calcium (1, 2), the occurrence of rickets and osteomalacia (3, 4), and their cure by large amounts of vitamin D are all compatible with an acquired insensitivity to the biological effects of vitamin D (1-5). Hypocalcemia when present is associated with reduced osseous responsiveness to the calcemic action of exogenous parathyroid hormone (6), a functional abnormality also found in simple vitamin D deficiency (7). A degree of secondary hyperparathyroidism is to be expected with vitamin D deficiency, but the osseous manifestations of parathyroid activity are...

Evaluation of the Development of Athero-Arteriosclerosis in Autogenous Venous Grafts Inserted into the Peripheral Arterial System

Athero-arteriosclerosis was produced in dogs by performing a total thyroidectomy and supplementing the diet with a high-cholesterol intake and large amounts of vitamin D. Segments of the femoral and carotid arteries were excised and replaced with autogenous venous grafts. Well-marked athero-arteriosclerotic lesions developed in the arterial system, but none developed in the venous grafts, which showed a marked tendency to develop mural thrombi. These results indicate that autogenous venous grafts, when inserted into the arterial system, are relatively resistant to the development of athero-arteriosclerosis.

VITAMIN A AND ISOPRENOID SYNTHESIS IN THE RAT.

1. Vitamin A-deficient rats were compared with similar animals given small amounts of vitamin A sufficient for adequate growth and with animals given large amounts of vitamin A. The effects of pair-feeding and feeding ad libitum were compared. 2. Ubiquinone and cholesterol concentrations in liver were measured at various stages of the deficiency, and the uptake of radioactive mevalonate and acetate into isoprenoid compounds was studied. 3. Ubiquinone concentrations in liver increased markedly in deficient rats compared with adequate controls, and heavy vitamin A supplementation had a further effect in depressing ubiquinone concentrations. These effects were unrelated to food intake or to the size of the organs. 4. Radioactive uptake into ubiquinone was often greater in deficient livers, especially during the early stages of the experiments, but the effect was not consistent. 5. Cholesterol concentrations were usually higher in deficient livers and these were more affected by the feeding regimen. 6. No consistent effect of vitamin A deficiency or of vitamin A dosage on the incorporation of mevalonate into cholesterol or squalene was found. 7. No evidence has been found for a specific effect of vitamin A on isoprenoid synthesis at the metabolic level.