A new study found higher blood levels of Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12 were associated with lower risks of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in young American adults.
Data from over 4,400 adults was analyzed. This data was collected over a 30 year period and used dietary intakes by using validated diet histories at study onset and at years 7 and 20 to determine serum blood levels of these B Vitamins. A subset of over 1,400 participants also provided blood samples which allowed for measurement of serum concentrations of Vitamins B12 and B6 and Folate. These measurements were taken at the study onset and at years 7 and 15.
Researchers found over 1,200 cases of Metabolic Syndrome during the 30 years of the study. When comparing the lowest average intake of B vitamins to the highest average intakes, researchers found that Folate was associated with a 61% reduction in the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, Vitamin B12 was associated with a 26% reduction in the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and Vitamin B6 was associated with a 39% reduction in the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome. Greater numbers were seen when researchers looked at the serum data from the subset of over 1,400 participants.
Researchers concluded that the evidence suggests that Folate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6 are essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and for facilitating energy.
Metabolic Syndrome is collection of abnormal health conditions which includes high cholesterol, impaired fasting blood glucose levels, hypertension and obesity. Metabolic Syndrome affects about 33% of all adults in the United States and is also associated with a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and strokes in addition to other very serious health consequences.
Further studies are needed.
Now here is a little basic information about B Vitamins:
Collectively, all B-Vitamins are called B-Complex. The Vitamins B-1, B-2 and B-6 should be taken in equal strengths, as should Choline and Inositol. B-Complex Vitamins are active providing the body with energy, basically by converting carbohydrates into glucose which the body then burns to produce energy. B Complex Vitamins are also vital in the metabolism of protein and fat. The B Vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the central nervous system and may be the single most important factor for the health of nerves. During times of stress the nervous system can become depleted of B Vitamins. Stressful situations include physical or emotional overwork, infection or injury, fad or poor dieting, excessive alcohol or drug use and intense sports and workout. Other B- Vitamin functions include muscle tone maintenance in the gastrointestinal tract as well as skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver health. A B- Vitamin deficiency can cause fatigue or low energy levels, affect the inability to handle stress, nervousness and result in poor hair and skin condition.
B-Vitamins are water soluble which means they are not stored but remain within cells and in the bloodstream for just a few hours. What is not used in this short period of time is excreted from the body as waste. Most people take a controlled released form of water soluble supplements to insure the most absorption. Controlled release is a process used in manufacturing water soluble supplements that provide a prolonged dispersion of these water soluble vitamins throughout the day (Up to 12 hours). Controlled release allows the water soluble nutrients to be released into the bloodstream more slowly, over a prolonged period of time, at a rate that allows tissues to efficiently absorb and utilize them.
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