Multivitamin Complex Research Articles

Effect of a multivitamin preparation supplemented with phytosterol on serum lipids and infarct size in rats fed with normal and high cholesterol diet

BackgroundAlthough complex multivitamin products are widely used as dietary supplements to maintain health or as special medical food in certain diseases, the effects of these products were not investigated in hyperlipidemia which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, here we investigated if a preparation developed for human use containing different vitamins, minerals and trace elements enriched with phytosterol (VMTP) affects the severity of experimental hyperlipidemia as well as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed a normal or cholesterol-enriched (2% cholesterol + 0.25% cholate) diet for 12 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia. From week 8, rats in both groups were fed with a VMTP preparation or placebo for 4 weeks. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were measured at week 0, 8 and 12. At week 12, hearts were isolated, perfused according to Langendorff and subjected to a 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 120 min reperfusion to measure infarct size.ResultsAt week 8, cholesterol-fed rats showed significantly higher serum cholesterol level as compared to normal animals, however, serum triglyceride level did not change. VMTP treatment significantly decreased serum cholesterol level in the hyperlipidemic group by week 12 without affecting triglyceride levels. However, VMTP did not show beneficial effect on infarct size. The inflammatory marker hs-CRP and the antioxidant uric acid were also not significantly different.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration that treatment of hyperlipidemic subjects with a VMTP preparation reduces serum cholesterol, the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, it does not provide cardioprotection.

Development of an Analytical Method for the Combined Determination of Water-Soluble Vitamins and Minerals Through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry Hyphenation

The capabilities of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for the determination of water-soluble vitamins after high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation have been evaluated for the first time in the present work. Thanks to the multielemental capability of ICP-AES, it has been possible to develop a method for the joint determination of several water-soluble vitamins and minerals. The vitamin chromatograms were obtained by plotting the carbon corrected emission intensity against time. Meanwhile, minerals were determined through the measurement of the emission intensity at their characteristic wavelengths. The established method was applied to the determination of thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, nicotinamide, ascorbic acid, Cr, Mo, Se, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, and K in multivitamin complexes. Good linearities were obtained, with correlation coefficients above 0.999 for all the vitamins and metals. The detection limits using ICP-AES for vitamins were lower than 10 mg L−1 except for biotin (18 mg L−1) and ascorbic acid (35 mg L−1). Moreover, the limits of detection for metals ranged from 0.3 mg L−1 for K and 0.02 mg L−1 for Mo. Even though the ICP is less sensitive than PDA and MS for vitamin determination, the HPLC-ICP-AES allows determination of vitamins and minerals in a period of time not much higher than that required for the simple determination of the minerals, and it is less sensitive to interferences in trace quantities.

Shoshin beriberi mimicking central line sepsis in a child with short bowel syndrome

Shoshin beriberi, cardiac failure secondary to a severe deficiency of the vitamin thiamine, can develop in patients following extensive intestinal resection or bypass; however, parenteral supplementation has largely eliminated this complication. Hemodynamic instability resulting from central line sepsis is a far more common complication in these parenteral nutrition-dependent patients. This case report details the diagnosis and treatment of shoshin beriberi in a patient with short bowel syndrome whose presentation mimicked central line sepsis. A retrospective chart review was performed. Appropriate laboratory data were included. The patient was treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics and supportive measures. Resolution of symptoms was achieved only after the empiric administration of thiamine and folate. This case highlights that life-threatening thiamine deficiency mimicking septic shock can develop in patients with short bowel syndrome, despite oral multivitamin administration. We recommend diligent monitoring of vitamin levels in any total parenteral alimentation dependent patient unable to receive the intravenous multivitamin complex, regardless of oral vitamin supplementation or clinical findings.

A Soccer Match’s Ability to Enhance Lymphocyte Capability to Produce ROS and Induce Oxidative Damage

Soccer-associated oxidative stress has barely been studied. The aims of this study were to establish the effect of a soccer training match and the effect of a diet supplementation with a multivitamin complex and coenzyme Q during 3 months of soccer training on the pro-oxidant and antioxidant status of lymphocytes. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 19 male preprofessional soccer players were treated with either an antioxidant nutrient cocktail or placebo for 90 days. After this period the athletes played a soccer match lasting 60 min. All determinations were made under basal conditions before and after the training period and after the match. Basal lymphocyte hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production did not change after the 3 months of training. Catalase activity decreased (about 50%) after the 3 months, whereas glutathione reductase increased its activity (150-200%) both with placebo and in the supplemented group. Basal ascorbate levels were maintained during the training period, whereas a-tocopherol and MDA decreased (about 40%) in both groups. The match increased H2O2 production (180%) in both groups when the lymphocytes were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, and it also increased MDA levels (150%). Antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant vitamin levels were maintained before and after the match. Regular soccer training modifies the lymphocyte strategy to eliminate ROS and increases protection against oxidative damage. A friendly soccer match raises lymphocyte capacity to produce ROS and oxidative damage, but it is not enough to induce a defensive response, thus leading to a situation of postexercise oxidative stress. Supplementation with low doses of antioxidant vitamins and coenzyme Q does not modify the endogenous antioxidant response to training.

A 31 year old woman with essential hypertension grade III and branch retinal vein occlusion with homozygous C677T MTHFR hyperhomocysteinemia and high Lp(a) levels

We report a 31-year old woman with essential hypertension grade III and history of branch retinal vein occlusion in the setting of hyperhomocysteinemia due to homozygous MTHFR gene mutation and elevated Lp(a). The patient was treated successfully with antihypertensive treatment, acetylsalicylic acid and multivitamin complex supplementation.

Single-injection calibration approach for high-performance liquid chromatography

A new calibration method for high-performance liquid chromatography was validated. The method was called single-injection calibration approach (SICA) because it allowed to obtain a complete calibration curve by means of a single injection of a standard solution containing several non-volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds at different concentration levels. The compounds studied included carboxylic acids, polyalcohols, carbohydrates and water-soluble vitamins. This method allowed a 1–7-fold reduction in the analysis time with regard to conventional calibration methods. The method was applied to three different chromatographic detection methods: refractive index (RI) detection, diode array detection (DAD) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission detection (ICP-AED). Good linearity was achieved ( r 2 > 0.999) for the three detection methods but signal correction was required for RI detection and DAD. This fact demonstrated that ICP-AES was the most universal because the signal obtained for non-volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds was not a function of the chemical nature of the compound and only depended on the mass content of carbon. The method was validated by analyzing a reference non-fat milk powder sample as well as several real food samples (three fruit juices, four wines, three candies and a multivitamin complex).

Clinicopathological studies on facial eczema outbreak in sheep in Southwest Turkey

After very hot summer, 22 sheep from 5 different flocks consisting of approximately 150-200 animals each were diagnosed with facial eczema in September 2005, in southwest Turkey. Photophobia, corneal opacity, severe ulcers of the facial skin, especially localized around the eyes and mouth, and 3% mortality were the most prominent clinical symptoms. GGT levels of the animals were very high and varying between 261- 328 U/l. While the activities of ALT and total bilirubin were elevated and AST was normal in affected sheep. Total bilirubin level was higher than normal. Seven of the 22 sheep were euthanatized and necropsy was performed on all of these animals. Severe icterus, hepatomegaly, enlarged gallbladder, congestion of mesenteric vessels were the common necropsy findings. Histopathological changes of the liver included necrosis of the hepatocytes, cholangiohepatitis characterized by mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate in the portal area and mild to severe fibrosis around bile ducts. A diagnosis of sporidesmin toxicosis was made based on the histopathology of the livers, the elevation in liver enzymes, and the development of cutaneous lesions consistent with photosensitization and high spore counts in the ruminal contents. Surviving sheep were treated with procaine penicillin + dihidrostreptomycin sulfate, multivitamin complexes and flunixin meglumine. Additionally, zinc sulphate was also given at a dose of 6 gr per 100 lt drinking water for 28 days. All treated sheep recovered. Pasture spore counts were between 96,300- 267,500 spores/g grass.

Antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E, multivitamin-mineral complex and flavonoids in a model of retinal oxidative stress: The ApoE-deficient mouse

The aim of the current study was to investigate the biochemical changes in the plasma and retina of apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE−/−) mice supplemented with various antioxidants. Ten wild type (WT-Con, C57BL/6) and 10 apoE−/− (AE-Con) mice received drinking water. Another 40 apoE−/− animals were divided into four groups of 10 mice each and received either chromocarbe diethylamine (AE-CD, 50mg/kg), cyaninosides chloride (AE-CC, 50mg/kg), multivitamin complex (AE-MC, 50mg/kg), or vitamins C and E (AE-CE, 100mg/kg and 200IU/kg). Cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) were measured in plasma, and TBARS and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration were determined in retinal homogenates. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the retinal ultrastructure. AE-Con mice had significantly (P<0.05) increased oxidative stress in the plasma and retina with augmented production of retinal NOx compared with WT-Con mice. Retinal TBARS decreased in the AE-MC and AE-CE animals compared with the AE-Con group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Only AE-CE treatment significantly (P<0.01) lowered retinal NOx. Morphologic retinal changes in the AE-Con group decreased in the AE-CE and AE-MC groups. There were no significant changes in the biochemical and structural parameters in the AE-CD and AE-CC groups. AE-Con mice had increased systemic and retinal oxidative stress compared with WT-Con animals. Vitamins C and E and the multivitamin-mineral complex reduced oxidative stress and ultrastructural retinal changes in this murine model of hypercholesterolemia.

New ionophores for vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 potentiometric sensors for multivitaminic control

The construction, evaluation and analytical application of potentiometric sensors sensitive to vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 are reported. The solid contact electrodes were produced using β-cyclodextrins as ionophores in a carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) support matrix. Near Nernstian slopes (mV/decade) of 51.7 ± 0.8, 60.6 ± 0.6 and 61.1 ± 1.4, within the intervals (M) of 1.0 × 10 −4 to 1.0 × 10 −1, 5.8 × 10 −5 to 1.0 × 10 −1 and 4.3 × 10 −5 to 1.0 × 10 −1 were obtained, for thiamine and pyridoxine I and II prepared membranes, respectively. A pH operational range of 6.5–8.5 for thiamine and 2–4.5 for pyridoxine electrodes was found. Assessment of selectivity coefficients toward a large number of inorganic cations and organic cations usually present in multivitamin formulations revealed good performance. Analysis of vitamins B1 and B6 in complex multivitamin drugs was achieved with recoveries within the intervals of 95.1–99.6% for thiamine and 95.1–102% for pyridoxine. Furthermore, the results enabled by the proposed procedure revealed good agreement with those provided by HPLC.

Observations and immunohistochemical detection of Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis in neonatal diarrhoea in lambs and kids

In this study, clinical, parasitological, macroscopical, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on 19 kids and 11 lambs (30 animals) with neonatal diarrhoea to detect the presence of Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis. Clinically, severe dehydration, yellowish-green to brown coloured diarrhoea and death were observed. Mortality rates were 10-30% in the examined flocks. The most common agent was C. parvum diagnosed in 20 animals as a single causative agent, whereas G. intestinalis was found in 5 of 30 animals. These two protozoa were detected together in 4 animals upon faeces examination. Fifteen of 24 cases of C. parvum and 3 of 11 cases of G. intestinalis were also confirmed histopathologically. Following immunohistochemical examination, all cryptosporidiosis cases were confirmed by positive immunostaining of intestinal sections. Two additional Giardiosis cases with negative results upon parasitological and histopathological examinations were diagnosed by means of immunohistochemical examination. Coronavirus was detected immunohistochemically in one kid with neonatal enteritis. Following diagnosis, herds were treated with Trimethoprim + Sulfodoxine and multivitamin complexes. Intravenous and intramuscular administrations of these drugs were effective for both treatment and prevention of neonatal diarrhoea in lambs and kids.

Pyostomatitis vegetans. Report of two cases and review of the literature

Pyostomatitis vegetans (PV) is a rare benign chronic mucocutaneous pustular disorder of unknown etiology, though it is usually associated with chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel—particularly ulcerative colitis. At the oral level PV manifests as an exophytic lesion with an erythematous perimeter and a creamy-yellow surface presenting a friable covering membrane which easily disintegrates, giving rise to the development of small ulcers or superficial erosions. The histology shows epithelial acanthosis and superficial ulceration. The underlying connective tissue exhibits neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration, with miliary abscesses in some cases. The present study describes 2 cases of PV associated with ulcerative colitis. The differential diagnosis should be established with Neumann type pemphigus vegetans, since in both cases the lesions are clinically similar and the histology reveals an important eosinophil response, acanthosis, and the formation of intraepithelial miliary microabscesses. The treatment of PV focuses on control of the disease. In the event the orofacial lesions persist, topical oral drugs such as corticoids, with additional antibiotherapy, multivitamin complexes, and nutritional supplements, can be provided.

HPLC determination of lipoic acid and vitamins A and E in multivitamin compositions

Lipoic acid is an important participant of the process of biological oxidation in both lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, produces a lipotropic effect by reducing the blood cholesterol level, and exhibits a pronounced antidote action in cases of poisoning with mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Lipoic acid is administered for the treatment of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, liver disorders, and various intoxicated states. This compound enters both into monopreparations (tabletized or capsulated) and in complex mixtures with vitamins and trace elements (e.g., in complevit, tivit, and saltivit additives). Analysis of lipoic acid encounters certain difficulties because this compound is susceptible to various transformations, primarily via oxidation and polymerization. The use of conventional methods such as spectrophotometry or polarography for the determination of lipoic acid in medicinal preparations shows low precision because of low extinction (in spectrophotometry) and high sensitivity to impurities with close redox potentials (in polarography), these factors hindering the correct analysis. HPLC is widely used and proved to be a universal method for the determination of lipoic acid and vitamins (A, E, etc.) in multivitamin complexes, making possible simultaneous analysis for these components in the same sample. We have checked this possibility both on lipoic acid monopreparations (tablets) and on new multivitamin complexes (tivit, saltivit) containing water- and fat-soluble vitamins, lipoic and succinic acid, and trace elements. An important advantage of the proposed HPLC technique is the simple sample preparation procedure, which significantly reduces the total duration of analysis and ensures simultaneous determination of the content of lipoic acid and vitamins A and E in these drugs.

Complex Multivitamin Supplementation Improves Homocysteine and Resistance to LDL-C Oxidation

Objective: We previously reported in an open-label pilot trial that a 24-ingredient multivitamin formula favorably influenced homocysteine concentration and LDL-C oxidation indices following 24 weeks of supplementation. Our current aim was to more thoroughly examine this same formula in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical study.Methods: We examined 182 participants for selected plasma vitamin concentrations and clinically relevant variables including homocysteine, lipids and LDL-C oxidation indices at baseline and six months.Results: We found no significant differences between groups for any parameter at baseline. Following six months of vitamin supplementation, we observed elevations in plasma concentrations of vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5′-phosphate; PLP), vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and β-carotene (p < 0.0001), all of which were significantly greater than respective placebo group changes (p < 0.0001). Homocysteine decreased in the treatment (8.38 ± 2.9 vs. 6.93 ± 2.5 μmol/L; p < 0.0001) and placebo group (8.17 ± 3.0 vs. 7.42 ± 2.2 μmol/L; p < 0.0001) from baseline to six months, respectively, with reductions in the treatment group being greater than placebo (p < 0.008). LDL-C oxidation indices were also improved as LDL-C oxidation rate was decreased (−0.39 μmol/min/g protein; p < 0.0003) and LDL-C lag time increased (11.3 min; p < 0.003) in supplemented participants. Further analysis also showed that LDL-C oxidation rate was lower (p < 0.0007) and LDL-C lag time longer (p < 0.0001) for the vitamin group than placebo treatment after six months.Conclusion: We conclude that a multi-ingredient vitamin formula with antioxidant properties has measurable effects on homocysteine and LDL-C oxidation indices.

Efficacy of a complex multivitamin supplement

Objectives: Multivitamin supplements are often sold to consumers with the claim that supplements modify risk factors associated with disease. Because few products are validated scientifically, we examined the effects of a 24-ingredient multivitamin formula in an open-label pilot investigation. Methods: We examined 150 subjects for specific endpoints including blood concentrations of selected vitamins, homocysteine, lipids, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation indices at baseline and at 12 and 24 wk. Results: One hundred forty-one subjects were successfully assayed for and showed significant time effects for homocysteine and vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5′-phosphate), B12, and folic acid concentrations during treatment ( P < 0.0001). Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid concentrations were significantly elevated at weeks 12 and 24 ( P < 0.05). Homocysteine concentration decreased significantly during the same periods (7.9 ± 2.4 versus 6.7 ± 1.7 versus 6.7 ± 1.9 mM/mL; P < 0.05). There were correlations relating homocysteine to vitamins B6 ( P = 0.001, r 2 = 0.03), B12 ( P < 0.001, r 2 = 0.09), and folic acid ( P = 0.001, r 2 = 0.10). Significant time effects were noted for 121 subjects successfully assayed for vitamin C, E, β-carotene, LDL oxidation rate, and LDL lag time ( P < 0.0001). Post hoc assessment showed elevations in vitamin C, E, and β-carotene concentrations at 12 and 24 wk ( P < 0.05). LDL oxidation lag time at baseline (57.5 ± 13.9 min) increased by 12 wk (63.5 ± 19.0 min; P < 0.05) and 24 wk (63.8 ± 16.3 min; P < 0.05). LDL oxidation rate at baseline (9.7 ± 3.0 μM · min −1 · g −1) was reduced at 12 wk (7.1 ± 2.5 μM · min −1 · g −1; P < 0.05) and 24 wk (6.0 ± 2.0 μM · min −1 · g −1; P < 0.05). Only vitamin C was significantly correlated with LDL oxidation rate ( P = 0.05, r 2 = 0.003). Conclusions: A multi-ingredient vitamin formula with antioxidant properties has measurable effects on homocysteine and LDL oxidation indices.

Visible light-induced photooxidation of glucose sensitized by riboflavin

We conducted this study to evaluate the oxidation of glucose induced by visible light in the presence of sensitizers such as methylene blue and flavins (i.e., flavin mononucleotide and riboflavin). The concentration of the sensitizers was similar to that of flavin in parenteral nutrients. The photooxidation of glucose sensitized by flavin mononucleotide or riboflavin was greater than that which was observed in the presence of methylene blue, whereas the isotopic effect of deuterium oxide (D 2O) was enhanced more substantially in the presence of methylene blue than in the presence of flavins. These results show that methylene blue exerts its action through singlet oxygen and that at a high substrate concentration (as was used in this work) flavin mononucleotide and riboflavin act preferentially as type I sensitizers. In the flavin photosensitized processes, the presence of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical was demonstrated. The photooxidation of glucose is favored by an increase in pH, and it also depends on the energy absorbed by the system. By using a specific reagent for glucose (i.e., o-toluidine), it was possible to quantify the photoconversion of glucose. The results obtained in this work should be considered in the management of glucose-containing parenteral nutrients that are exposed to visible light in the presence of a multivitamin complex containing flavin mononucleotide.

Kinetic-thermometric determination of manganese(II) based on its catalytic action on the oxidation of sulphanilic acid by periodate

A direct-injection kinetic-thermometric method for the determination of microgram levels of manganese, based on its catalytic effect on the oxidation of sulphanilic acid by sodium periodate in a weakly acidic medium, is described. The calibration graph is linear within the range 0.16–2.40 mg l–1, with a relative standard deviation of 0.8% for eight independent determinations of 1.20 mg l–1 of manganese. A systematic study of potential interferences demonstrated the good selectivity of the method, which was applied to the determination of manganese in a multi-vitamin complex.

Spectrophotometric determination of cobalt in multivitaminic preparations with dipyridylglyoxal mono (2-pyridyl) hydrazone

A brief review on the determination of cobalt in pharmaceutical preparations as well as the spectrophotometric determination of cobalt in Hidropolivit Mineral — a complex multivitamin preparation — with the use of dipyridylglyoxal mono(2-pyridyl)hydrazone are reported in this paper. A procedure in which preliminary ashing is eliminated is followed in the sample preparation. Preliminary experiments were carried out in order to check that the presence of various vitamins and hormones had no adverse effects on the recovery of cobalt. Comparison of the variance and mean values obtained for cobalt in Hidropolivit Mineral by the proposed method ( x ± S.D. = 0.029 ± 0.003 mg of cobalt per tablet) and the biacetyl mono(2-pyridyl)hydrazone method for cobalt ( x ± S.D.=0.026 ± 0.002 mg of cobalt per tablet) using the variance ratio test and Student's t-test showed no significant differences between the two methods.

Application of differential pulse polarography to the assay of vitamins.

The determination of low concentrations of the vitamins B2, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, ascorbic acid, K1 and K3 in pure solutions by use of differential pulse polarography has been studied. The approximate limits of detection achieved for the different vitamins varied from 0·01 to 1 p.p.m., which is 10 to 100 times better than for d.c. polarography. A comparative determination of vitamin B2 and nicotinamide in three complex multivitamin preparations showed that differential pulse polarography is more selective than d.c. polarography. With the former method the nicotinamide can be determined directly, i.e., without prior separation of interfering substances.

The effect of shelf life on the potency of complex multivitamin preparations

Samples of different lots of ten complex multivitamin products, formulated as capsules, tablets, and liquids, were purchased on the retail market in Canada and analyzed for their vitamin content. The potencies of vitamin A, vitamin B12, thiamine, and pantothenic acid were markedly affected by shelf life and storage conditions particularly in certain types of products. Riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, and ascorbic acid contents were less influenced by these factors. Over one‐third of the products purchased at random were more than one year old and a significant loss of potency in several products was evident at eight to twelve months after manufacture. This situation indicated a serious lack of adequate control of the potency and marketing of such products and a need for closer cooperation between manufacturer, wholesaler, and pharmacist. The use of an expiration date based on actual stability was suggested as an aid in ensuring that the consumer obtain full labeled potency. It would also be mutually helpful to both the conscientious manufacturer and pharmacist.