Vitaminas y Minerales

Objectives: Deficiency of vitamin D has been involved in the pathogenesis of many auto-immune diseases, as diabetes mellitus type 1 and multiple sclerosis. Reduction of the intake of vitamin D has been associated with high susceptibility of the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and also with increased disease activity in patients with RA. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of vitamin D in patients with RA, assess the correlation between serum level of vitamin D and disease activity and its association to the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods: 60 female patients with RA, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels, Para-thyroid hormone levels, Creactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. Disease activity was evaluated by calculating the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). A control group (n=30), matched for age, was evaluated as well.

Results: There is a significant decrease in the mean vitamin D serum levels in RA patients compared to control group (F test, p 0.031). We did not find any correlation between DAS28 score and vitamin D levels in controls (p=0.871), low active RA patients (p=0.722) and high active RA patients (P=0.428).

Conclusion: No association was found between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the deficiency of vitamin D may have a negative impact on bone health in patients in the course of the disease. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed to prevent the osteoporosis and for the relief of pain in patients with RA.

The immune system is a complex and sophisticated network of specialized tissues, organs, cells, proteins, and chemicals which has evolved in order to protect the host from a range of dangerous agents such as bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites. There is a close relationship between nutritional status and immune function. Hence, immunocompetence can be regarded as a measure of adequate nutrition. Inter-individual variations in many immune functions exist within the normal healthy population and are due to age, genetics, gender, ethnic background, socio-economic situation, diet, stress, habitual levels of exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, etc. In addition, seasonal and temperature changes as well as being in crowded spaces (e.g., while commuting in public means of transportation, or working in open space offices) pose an additional burden on the immune system. Among the essential micronutrients required to support a normal immune function, vitamin C, vitamin D and the mineral zinc play a central role. Through their complementary and synergistic effects, they support components of both innate and adaptive immunity which comprise epithelial barriers, cellular defense and antibodies constituting the three main lines of immune defense. Furthermore, vitamin C, D and zinc are actively used by cells of the immune system engaged in fighting infections like upper respiratory tract infections and a state of micronutrient deficiency can arise during severe infections. Here we review the literature on the immune supportive properties of vitamins C, D and zinc and the impact of their supplementation in reducing the incidence or ameliorating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, which are among the most common infections in humans. Finally, we discuss their relevance in situations known to challenge the immune system such as exposure to temperature changes, to pollutants, or being in crowded spaces which serve as mixers where pathogens can stay suspended and transfer from host to host thereby increasing the risk of spreading infectious diseases because of close contact and long exposure.

Every day, the human body is exposed to physical and psychological challenges that upset its internal equilibrium. Strenuous activities, daily defense against pathogens or the response to infection, seasonal changes, and recurring natural biological processes (e.g., the menstrual cycle) can all disturb homeostasis. The body brings its internal environment back into balance by the constant interaction of its many regulatory processes, allowing it to adapt to the ever-changing environment. This ability to adapt and respond (referred to as ‘phenotypic flexibility) is fundamental to maintaining good health. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have key roles in numerous homeostatic processes, enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances that are essential for energy production, cell maintenance and repair, immune function and recovery from illness, blood formation, and maintenance of vital organs. Micronutrients are thus crucial to facilitate adequate responses to stressors that may challenge the body’s homeostasis. Micronutrients are generally not produced by the human body, necessitating an adequate daily intake at levels that have been recommended by various governing bodies. However, micronutrient requirements to optimally support homeostasis during daily demanding situations have not been clearly established. This review examines the roles of micronutrients during some of these demanding situations, to help determine whether there may be a rationale for increasing micronutrient intake during these periods to address any increased needs and potentially aid recovery.

Malnutrition is one of the major issues around the world. According to one estimation, it is stated that one of three children daily die from malnutrition in all over the world. Rickets is one of the most prevalent metabolic bone diseases in children. Proper diet and treatment can help in prevention of rickets. Rickets is a bone disorder due to deficiency of vitamin D. The level of vitamin D tells the severity of nutritional rickets as vitamin D is the major factor of this disease. There were no undesirable side effects observed in either group of children and both oral and injectable forms of treatment were well-tolerated. Cost of oral and injectable vitamin-D was almost same.

Bangladesh is rich in genetic diversity of crops specially rice. Thousands of rice cultivars including indigenous, locally popular, aromatic and modern HYVs are available in Bangladesh for many years. Rice is a potential source of micronutrient specially zinc, iron etc and bioavailability of these minerals exclusively depend on the content of Phytic acid (PA) and relative molar ratio of Phytate to minerals accordingly. We aimed to explore for such valuable information for popular rice varieties specially BRRI HYVs in Bangladesh. We profiled mineral composition for Zn, Fe, Ca, P and anti-nutrient components such as PA and molar ratio of PA to minerals for 68 HYVs including Aus, Aman and Boro seasons in Bangladesh. Our date reveals that BRRI dhan43 possess the highest Zn content of 38.4 ppm followed by Fe (17 ppm), Ca (68.1 ppm) and P (2.5 gKg-1) at clean rice condition. We also noticed that it’s molar ratio to Zn (PA/Zn); Fe (PA/Fe); Ca(PA/Ca) and P(PA/P) are lower among all selected high Zn enriched HYVs by 3.56, 6.93,1.24 and 25.69 respectively. Since there is no single HYV reported yet, BRRI dhan43 might be a potential micronutrient enriched BRRI HYV for Aus season and it could be used as parental source for zinc enriched rice (ZnER) breeding in Bangladesh.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant. Today we meet our requirements of vitamin C through consumption of fruits and vegetables or by supplementation. Homo sapiens cannot produce vitamin C like many other species that can convert glucose to vitamin C. The gene for enzyme production is dormant in humans. The gene, GULO, that we all carry converts glucose to Vitamin C. in other species but not in humans and primates. The open-label study showed Metadichol® raised levels of vitamin C by 3 fold, endogenously without supplementation of Vitamin C. Possible mechanisms for the increased Vitamin C levels through antioxidant pathways are presented. Metadichol® [1] is a nano-formulation of long chain alcohols derived from sugar cane. In addition to increased Vitamin C levels reduction in Potassium and uric acid, and decreased blood pressure and improvement in quality of life issues were also observed.