OBJECTIVE: To probe a better method for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods One hundred and four cases of trigeminal neuralgia were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=57) and a control group (n=47). The treatment group were treated witb acupoint injection of 2000 microg of VitB12, with Xiaguan (ST 7) selected as main point, and the control group witb oral administration of Carbamazepine. The therapeutic effect were analyzed after 3 tberapeutic courses. RESULTS: Tbe cured and markedly effective rate and the effective rate were 82.5% and 98.2% in the treatment group, and 57.4% and 8O.9% in the control group, with a very significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). After treatment, there was a very significant difference in the cumulative score of pain between the two groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupoint injection of VitB12 has a better therapeutic effect than that of oral administration of Carbamazepine.

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient that is often inadequate in a plant-based (vegan) diet, thus the inclusion of a reliable vitamin B12 source in a vegan diet is recommended as essential. Unfortunately, many natural sources of vitamin B12 have been proven to contain biologically inactive vitamin B12 analogues, inadequate for human supplementation. The aim of this non-randomized open trial was to determine whether supplementation with a natural Klamath algae-based product ("AFA-B12", Aphanizomenon flos-aquae algae plus a proprietary mix of enzymes) could favorably affect the vitamin B12 status of a group of 15 vegan subjects. By assessing blood concentration of vitamin B12, folate, and more importantly homocysteine (Hcy, a reliable marker in vegans of their B12 absorption), the vitamin B12 status of the participants at the end of the 3-month intervention period, while receiving the Klamath-algae supplement (T2), was compared with their vitamin B12 status at the end of the 3-month control period (T1), when they were not receiving any supplement, having stopped taking their usual vitamin B12 supplement at the beginning of the study (T0). Compared to the control period, in the intervention period participants improved their vitamin B12 status, significantly reducing Hcy blood concentration (p=0.003). In conclusion, the Klamath algae product AFA-B12 appears to be, in a preliminary study, an adequate and reliable source of vitamin B12 in humans.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:Multiple drug resistant super bugs of Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are becoming challenge for healthcare professionals. In this study, vitamins were evaluated for synergistic activity with the antibiotics.

METHODS:Synergistic effect between antibiotic and stock solutions of vitamins is evaluated by using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Distilled water and propylene glycol were used as solvent for water soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins respectively. The final concentration of 10mg/ml of each water-soluble vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine) B12 (Methylcobalamin), C (Ascorbic acid) and 0.1mg/ml of each fat soluble vitamin A (retinol), D (cholecalciferol) E (αTocopherol) K (Menadione) were used with the antibiotics.

RESULTS:The results depicted that vitamin K and E have better synergistic activity with piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem and doripenem antibiotics against A. baumannii. While vitamin B1, B2 and B12 showed remarkable synergistic activity with linezolid against MRSA. Vitamin B1 was further tested to have better synergism with antibiotics oxacillin, tetracycline, rifampicin and linezolid against MRSA. The fat-soluble vitamins E and K were good in synergism against Gram negative A. baumannii while water soluble vitamins as B1, B2 and B12 were effective against MRSA but not against A. baumannii.

CONCLUSIONS:This synergistic action of vitamins with the antibiotics can be used as a tool to treat multiple drug resistant super bugs with further evaluation at molecular level.

Nutritional supplementation may provide a viable treatment alternative in patients with psoriasis. Randomized, controlled trials have shown the effectiveness of topical vitamin A and D derivatives, intravenousω-3 fatty acids, oral inositol, and various combined therapies. Dual therapies of ultraviolet B phototherapy and fish oil, retinoids and thiazolidinediones, and cyclosporine and a low-calorie diet were effective in the treatment of psoriasis in randomized, controlled trials. This contribution also reviews the potential negative effect of alcohol and the potential positive effects of vitamin B(12), selenium, retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agents, and a gluten-free diet in the treatment of psoriasis.

Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B, B, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health.

Lead belongs to the heavy metal group and is considered as an environmental contaminant. Acute or chronic contact to lead can change the physiological function of human organs. One of the most important disorders following the lead exposure is neurotoxicity. Lead neurotoxicity consists of the neurobehavioral disturbances like cognitive impairment. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the possible protective effect of vitamin C (Vit C), vitamin B12 (Vit B12), omega 3 (ω-3), or their combination on the lead-induced memory disorder. Adult wistar rats were orally administered Vit C (120 mg/kg/day) or Vit B12 (1 mg/kg/day) or ω-3 (1000 mg/kg/day) or their combination for 3 weeks in groups of 7 animals each. Then lead acetate (15 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally for one week to all pretreated animals. The control group received normal saline as a vehicle while the positive control for cognitive impairment received just lead acetate. At the end of treatments animal memories were evaluated in Object Recognition Task. The results showed, although 15 mg/kg lead acetate significantly declines the memory-evaluating parameters, pretreatment with Vit C, Vit B12, ω-3, or their combination considerably inverted the lead induced reduction in discrimination (d2) index (P<0.001) and recognition (R) index (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). Our findings indicate while lead acetate impairs spatial memory in rat, administration of Vit C, Vit B12,ω-3, or their combination prior to the lead exposure inhibits the lead induced cognitive loss. There was no remarkable difference in this effect between the used supplements.

A tremendous amount of data from research was published over the past decades concerning the roles of different vitamins in various gastrointestinal diseases. For instance, most vitamins showed an inverse relationship with the risk of colorectal carcinoma as well as other malignancies like gastric and esophageal cancer in observational trials, however interventional trials failed to prove a clear beneficial preventive role. On the other hand, more solid evidence was obtained from high quality studies for a role of certain vitamins in specific entities. Examples for this include the therapeutic role of vitamin E in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, the additive role of vitamins B12 and D to the standard therapy of chronic hepatitis C virus, the role of vitamin C in reducing the risk of gallstones, the positive outcome with vitamin B12 in patients with aphthous stomatitis, and the beneficial effect of vitamin D and B1 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Other potential uses are yet to be elaborated, like those on celiac disease, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, cholestasis and other potential fields. Data from several ongoing interventional trials are expected to add to the current knowledge over the coming few years. Given that vitamin supplementation is psychologically accepted by patients as a natural compound with relative safety and low cost, their use should be encouraged in the fields where positive data are available.

Weight loss and reduction of motor skills resulted in paediatric evaluation of a 10-month-old girl and a 12-month-old boy. Both children suffered form anaemia and delayed development due to vitamin B12 deficiency caused by strict maternal vegan diet during pregnancy and nursing. Therapy with cyanocobalamin was instituted with remission of symptoms. Since infants risk irreversible neurologic damage following severe vitamin B12 deficiency, early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. Vegan and vegetarian women should take vitamin B12 supplementation during the pregnancy and nursing period.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into a better therapy for diabetic neurogenic bladder. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day; the treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day, and acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35), once every day. The residual urine were compared before and after treatment in the two groups; the effective rate for improvement of symptoms were compared between the two groups. The mental and healthy nursing were conducted for the patients. RESULTS: After treatment, the improving rate for the urgency of urination, frequency of micturition, dribbling urination, urinary incontinence and dysuria in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group, but with no significant difference between the two groups in prolongation of urination time. After treatment, the residual urine in the bladder significantly improved in the two groups with more significantly improved in the treatment group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Methycobal plus acupuncture has a better result than the simple Methyeobal for treatment of diabetic neurogenic bladder, and strengthening nursing care in the treatment can significantly enhance life quality of the patient.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into a better therapy for diabetic neurogenic bladder. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day; the treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day, and acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35), once every day. The residual urine were compared before and after treatment in the two groups; the effective rate for improvement of symptoms were compared between the two groups. The mental and healthy nursing were conducted for the patients. RESULTS: After treatment, the improving rate for the urgency of urination, frequency of micturition, dribbling urination, urinary incontinence and dysuria in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group, but with no significant difference between the two groups in prolongation of urination time. After treatment, the residual urine in the bladder significantly improved in the two groups with more significantly improved in the treatment group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Methycobal plus acupuncture has a better result than the simple Methyeobal for treatment of diabetic neurogenic bladder, and strengthening nursing care in the treatment can significantly enhance life quality of the patient.

BACKGROUND:Autism spectrum disorder is associated with significant social and financial burden and no definite treatment for this entity has been identified, yet. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the use of dietary interventions as a complementary therapeutic option for these patients.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this systematic review is to provide high evidence level literature data about the effect of dietary supplements on clinical aspects of children with autism.

METHODS:A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Pubmed as the medical database source. Randomized controlled trials conducted in pediatric populations and including measures of clinical outcomes were considered.

RESULTS:A total of 17 eligible prospective studies were selected. Types of dietary supplements evaluated in these studies included amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins/minerals. N-acetylcysteine was shown to exert a beneficial effect on symptoms of irritability. On the other hand, literature data about the efficacy of d-cycloserine and pyridoxine-magnesium supplements was controversial. No significant effect was identified for fatty acids, N,N-dimethylglycine and inositol. Literature data about ascorbic acid and methyl B12 was few, although some encouraging results were found. No serious adverse events were reported in the vast majority of the studies, while the prevalence of adverse reactions was similar between treatment and placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS:The use of dietary supplements in children with autism seems to be a safe practice with encouraging data about their clinical efficacy. More studies are needed to further investigate this issue.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Energy production and the rebuilding and repair of muscle tissue by physical activity require folate and vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Thus, this study investigated the effects of regular moderate exercise training and durations of acute aerobic exercise on plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in moderate exercise trained rats.

MATERIALS/METHODS:Fifty rats underwent non-exercise training (NT, n = 25) and regular exercise training (ET, n = 25) for 5 weeks. The ET group performed moderate exercise on a treadmill for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. At the end of week 5, each group was subdivided into 4 groups: non-exercise and 3 exercise groups. The non-exercise group (E0) was sacrificed without exercising and the 3 exercise groups were sacrificed immediately after exercising on a treadmill for 0.5 h (E0.5), 1 h (E1), and 2 h (E2). Blood samples were collected and plasma folate and vitamin B12 were analyzed.

RESULTS:After exercise training, plasma folate level was significantly lower and vitamin B12 concentration was significantly higher in the ET group compared with the NT group (P<0.05). No significant associations were observed between plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations. In both the NT and ET groups, plasma folate and vitamin B12 were not significantly changed by increasing duration of aerobic exercise. Plasma folate concentration of E0.5 was significantly lower in the ET group compared with that in the NT group. Significantly higher vitamin B12 concentrations were observed in the E0 and E0.5 groups of the ET group compared to those of the NT group.

CONCLUSION:Regular moderate exercise training decreased plasma folate and increased plasma vitamin B12 levels. However, no significant changes in plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were observed by increasing duration of acute aerobic exercise.

To correct disbolism of vitamins C, B3, B6 and B12 due to viral hepatitis A (VHA), the patients received daily doses of the vitamins: 300 and 400 mg of ascorbic acid, 300 and 600 mg of calcium pantothenate or 90 and 180 mg of pantetin per os. 100 and 200 micrograms of cyanocobalamin alternating with 50 and 100 mg of pyridoxin was given intramuscularly every other day. The course lasted 3-4 weeks. The vitamin treatment promoted a positive trend in clinico-biochemical parameters, normalization of immunocompetent cell and serum immunoglobulins levels, of phagocytic reaction of peripheral blood neutrophils.

Prevalence of mild hyperhomocysteinemia in vegetarians and vegans is a consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Clinical study of homocysteine reduction by vitamin B12 consisted of subjective healthy adults on alternative nutrition (n = 9) with vitamin B12 deficiency and with mild hyperhomocysteinemia. Vitamin B12 treatment was implemented by 5 intramuscular cyanocobalamin injections of a total content of 2200 micrograms during two weeks. Homocysteine level was significantly reduced (from 22 mumol/l to 11.7 mumol/l; individual reduction 29-55%). Vitamin B12 concentration in blood was significantly increased (from 152 pmol/l to 277 pmol/l; individual % of increase 63-150). The results show a high effect of vitamin B12 treatment in homocysteine value reduction of subjects on alternative nutrition.