The Effect of a High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

A diet rich in B-group vitamins is essential for optimal body and brain function, and insufficient amounts of such vitamins have been associated with higher levels of neural inflammation and oxidative stress, as marked by increased blood plasma homocysteine. Neural biomarkers of oxidative stress quantified through proton magnetic spectroscopy (1H-MRS) are not well understood, and the relationship between such neural and blood biomarkers is seldom studied. The current study addresses this gap by investigating the direct effect of 6-month high-dose B-group vitamin supplementation on neural and blood biomarkers of metabolism. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 32 healthy adults (20 female, 12 male) aged 30–65 years underwent blood tests (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels) and 1H-MRS of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) before and after supplementation. Results confirmed the supplement was effective in increasing vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 levels and reducing homocysteine, whereas there was no change in folate levels. There were significant relationships between vitamin B6 and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, and creatine, as well as between vitamin B12 and creatine (ps < 0.05), whereas NAA in the PCC increased, albeit not significantly (p > 0.05). Together these data provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of high-dose B-group supplementation in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through increasing oxidative metabolism. It may also promote myelination, cellular metabolism, and energy storage.

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Osteopontin Expression and Axonal Myelination in the Developing Cerebellum of Lead-Exposed Rat Pups

“…Along with the positive effect of ascorbic acid on BDNF expression, ascorbic acid is vital for neuronal differentiation and development, and myelin formation [54]. As vitamin B has a similar effect, such as the promotion of myelination and reduction of oxidative stress, co-administration of ascorbic acid with vitamin B as a multi-vitamin will help to protect the developing brain from Pb-induced neurotoxicity [55]. Additionally, the fact that remyelination of the nervous system is the goal of both the researcher and clinician [56], the mechanism of direct or indirect involvement of OPN in myelination will provide critical clues for development, regeneration, and therapy to demyelinating diseases.…”

Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis

“…Prolonged periods (6 months) with high-doses (exceeding daily intake recommendations for adults) of B-group multivitamins was carried out within an RCT trial with 32 healthy adults and improved levels of total plasma homocysteine, as a marker of oxidative stress [ 289 ]. Homocysteine is associated with oxidative stress and is known to increase during B-vitamin deficiencies, especially folate and vitamin B 12 .…”

COVID-19 Outbreak: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Potentials for Future Management

“…It can be determined by a protein marker called homocysteine. In a short-term (6 month) randomized controlled trial (RCT), it had been shown that multivitamin therapy, predominantly with vitamin B complexes, can alleviate the increased level of plasma homocysteine (Ford et al, 2018). Similar results were observed in the long term RCT of 7 years.…”