bims-vitmet Biomed News
on Vitamin metabolism
Issue of 2025–06–29
ten papers selected by
Onurkan Karabulut, Berkeley City College
  1. Osteosarcopenic Adiposity and Vitamin D Status: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence.
  2. Breaking the Cycle: Can Vitamin D Bridge the Gap Between Gut Microbiota and Immune Dynamics in Multiple Sclerosis?
  3. Identification of Priority Nutrients in the US: Targeting Malnutrition to Address Diet-Related Disease Across the Lifespan.
  4. The Role of Vitamin D in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review.
  5. Vitamin C in Allergy Mechanisms and for Managing Allergic Diseases: A Narrative Review.
  6. Beyond Folate: The Emerging Role of Maternal Vitamin B12 in Neural Tube Development.
  7. High-dose vitamin C blocks HOCl production by Myeloperoxidase: A potential therapeutic strategy.
  8. Therapeutic Efficacy of Silymarin, Vitamin E, and Essential Phospholipid Combination Therapy on Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Metabolic Parameters in MASLD Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study.
  9. High-Dose β-Carotene Suppresses Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression in a Mouse Model.
  10. Vitamin B6 challenge as a tool for detecting ALPL mutations and diagnosing hypophosphatasia.
  1. Nutr Rev. 2025 Jun 26. pii: nuaf084. [Epub ahead of print]
    Osteosarcopenic Adiposity and Vitamin D Status: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence.
    Amanda Moreira Veloso Cutrim, Maísa Miranda Araújo, Patrícia Borges Botelho.
      The simultaneous manifestation of obesity, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis represents a condition known as osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA). While evidence suggests that vitamin D status may influence the development of OSA, the results are still divergent, and no clear understanding of how vitamin D, through serum concentrations or supplementation, impacts OSA and its metabolic implications. Although several studies have explored the association between vitamin D and various diseases, research specifically focused on OSA is limited, making it unfeasible to conduct a systematic review. Thus, this integrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between vitamin D (dietary intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels) and OSA. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Overall, 16 studies were included (cross-sectional studies, n = 7; a scoping review, n = 1; and integrative reviews, n = 8). Observational studies consistently support the association between low levels of vitamin D and OSA, especially in females and older adults. However, this review highlights the lack of standardized diagnostic methods for OSA and the absence of clinical trials assessing the effect of vitamin D supplementation on this syndrome. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to strengthen the findings. This is a promising area for research and could greatly improve the health and quality of life of people with OSA.
    Keywords:  obesity; osteoporosis; osteosarcopenic adiposity; sarcopenia; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaf084
  2. Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jun 07. pii: 5464. [Epub ahead of print]26(12):
    Breaking the Cycle: Can Vitamin D Bridge the Gap Between Gut Microbiota and Immune Dynamics in Multiple Sclerosis?
    Feray Gençer Bingöl, Emine Kocyigit, Elif Çelik, Duygu Ağagündüz, Ferenc Budán.
      Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with autoimmune and neurodegenerative features that affect the nervous system. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as vitamin D deficiency and dysbiosis activating a pro-inflammatory response, have a role in the etiology of the disease. In this context, the interactions of vitamin D with the gut microbiota and immune system have attracted attention in recent years. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) modulates the immune response by binding to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This pathway supports the functions of regulatory T cells by suppressing the activity of T helper cells 1 and 17 (Th1 and Th17). In MS patients, dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity, and an increase in pro-inflammatory species is observed when compared to healthy individuals. Vitamin D has protective effects on eubiosis via VDR in intestinal epithelial cells, also reducing intestinal permeability by regulating tight junction proteins. In this way, vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of systemic inflammation. Although the relationship between vitamin D and the immune system is well documented, studies that address the triad of vitamin D level, gut microbiota, and immune response in MS are still limited.
    Keywords:  dysbiosis; gut microbiota; immunity; multiple sclerosis; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125464
  3. Nutrients. 2025 Jun 09. pii: 1957. [Epub ahead of print]17(12):
    Identification of Priority Nutrients in the US: Targeting Malnutrition to Address Diet-Related Disease Across the Lifespan.
    Carlene S Starck, Tim Cassettari, Emma Beckett, Emily Duve, Flavia Fayet-Moore.
      Background/Objectives: Poor diet is a leading modifiable cause of chronic disease in the US. In addition to targeting nutrients of concern (saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium), nutrients with both inadequate intakes and associations with major health outcomes require identification. We aimed to identify priority nutrients to address both malnutrition and diet-related disease in the US population. Methods: An established method for identifying priority nutrients across multiple demographic groups was adapted for the US population. This method evaluates and scores nutrients consumed at insufficient or excessive levels, with proposed revised requirements, and shows associations with established health priorities, based on the degree of deviation from recommendations and the number of linked health priorities. Priority nutrients were defined as those scoring in the top 25%. For each priority nutrient, a comparison of intake levels against the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) was conducted. Results: There were 21 of 24 nutrients with consumption below recommended levels in at least one demographic group. Certain nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamin D, and choline, exhibited particularly high inadequacy rates, exceeding 90% throughout different life stages. The highest priority nutrients included vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, folate, and potassium showing priority for specific demographic groups. Comparing current intake levels with those known to benefit health priorities indicated that higher intakes of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium could be beneficial. Conclusions: Ten essential nutrients play a role in the prevention of diet-related disease, yet are consumed inadequately across the US population, suggesting that the prioritization of these nutrients can help to address the burden of chronic disease. Priority nutrients should be considered in diet and nutrition policies and guidelines.
    Keywords:  chronic disease; diet-related disease prevention; inadequate nutrient intake; increased nutrient requirements; malnutrition; priority nutrients
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17121957
  4. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025 May 25. pii: 792. [Epub ahead of print]18(6):
    The Role of Vitamin D in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review.
    Andreea Roșian, Mihaela Zdrîncă, Luciana Dobjanschi, Laura Grațiela Vicaș, Mariana Eugenia Mureșan, Camelia Maria Dindelegan, Rita Ioana Platona, Eleonora Marian.
      Background/Objective: Depression is a widespread and complex disorder, constituting a major public health concern due to its significant impact on mental health. Because of the limitations of major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment, recent research on depression management has focused on identifying new therapeutic strategies. The effects of vitamin D on the brain, mediated through various mechanisms, suggest the potential implication of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of depression. In this systematic review, our objective was to evaluate the correlation between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and depression based on evidence from cross-sectional and cohort studies. Furthermore, we also assessed the effect of vitamin D supplementation in relation to depressive symptoms, using data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: To achieve the proposed objective, we have compiled a report that includes a selection of empirical evidence necessary to review the relationship between vitamin D and depression. In this regard, relevant articles were searched on platforms such as PubMed, MDPI, ResearchGate, Springer Link, Springer Open, and ScienceDirect. A total of 13,976 records, published between 2008 and 2024, were initially identified through database searches. After the study selection process, performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, 70 articles were included in the systematic review. Results: According to most cross-sectional and cohort studies, the results highlight an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the risk of depression, as well as the severity of depressive symptoms. An increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration is associated with an improvement in depression test scores, with vitamin D supplementation exerting a beneficial effect on both the incidence and the prognosis of depression. Conclusions: Based on current evidence which indicates the implications of vitamin D in the neurobiological mechanisms associated with depression, and the results obtained in most of the studies, which demonstrate an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms, vitamin D could represent an adjunctive therapy in the management of MDD. More rigorous studies, without methodological errors, are needed to correctly and definitively assess the impact of vitamin D in relation to depression.
    Keywords:  25-hydroxyvitamin D; depression; major depressive disorder; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060792
  5. Children (Basel). 2025 May 30. pii: 718. [Epub ahead of print]12(6):
    Vitamin C in Allergy Mechanisms and for Managing Allergic Diseases: A Narrative Review.
    Chiara Trincianti, Matteo Naso, Maria Angela Tosca, Giorgio Ciprandi.
      Allergic diseases share a type 2 immune reaction and elevated oxidative stress, contributing to disease pathogenesis and exacerbations. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a fundamental exogenous antioxidant, has been hypothesized to attenuate these pathological mechanisms. This narrative review critically examined the most recent evidence concerning the role of vitamin C in preventing and managing allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. This narrative review consisted of three steps: conducting the search, reviewing abstracts and full texts, and discussing results. For this reason, we consulted the PubMed database to detect the pertinence of studies according to the review's conduct. The final search ended in March 2025 and included English-language-based international articles, online reports, and electronic books. The keywords "vitamin C and allergic disease" and "vitamin C and immune system" were used. After the complete search, we read the abstracts to ensure that they concerned the topic of interest. Recent evidence suggests a protective role for vitamin C in asthma, with several studies reporting reduced oxidative stress markers, improved lung function, and decreased airway inflammation following regular intake or supplementation. Higher dietary vitamin C intake correlates with lower asthma prevalence and severity, particularly in pediatric populations. Conversely, the findings regarding allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are heterogeneous. While topical ascorbic acid derivatives show promise in atopic dermatitis models, oral vitamin C intake does not appear to affect allergic rhinitis or dermatitis risk significantly. Vitamin C demonstrates potential as an add-on therapy in asthma management by attenuating oxidative stress and type 2 respiratory inflammation. However, its role in allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis remains less clear. Further multicentric, well-designed clinical trials are necessary to establish definitive guidelines for vitamin C supplementation in allergic disease management.
    Keywords:  allergy; immune modulation; oxidative stress; type 2 inflammation; vitamin C
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/children12060718
  6. Nutrients. 2025 Jun 19. pii: 2040. [Epub ahead of print]17(12):
    Beyond Folate: The Emerging Role of Maternal Vitamin B12 in Neural Tube Development.
    Lirong Nie, Xinru Liu, Xiaoxue Li, Ziyang Ren, Xiao Cheng, Yuwei Wu, Zhiwen Li, Jufen Liu.
      Background/Objectives: Folic acid (FA) supplementation can effectively reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Vitamin B12 is involved in folate metabolism; however, studies have not reached a definitive conclusion on the association between vitamin B12 and NTDs independent of folate levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to summarize existing research and investigate the effect of vitamin B12 on NTDs. Methods: Studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane, published before 1 March 2024. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to assess the association between maternal vitamin B12 in blood and NTDs. Results: A total of 38 studies were included, with a total of 2316 NTDs and 4298 controls, covering 14 countries worldwide. Compared with the non-NTD group, the NTD group exhibited a lower vitamin B12 level [SMD = -0.23, 95% CI (-0.32, -0.14), p < 0.001, I2 = 58.3%] with a statistically significant difference. Additionally, there was a significant association between maternal vitamin B12 concentration and NTDs when there was no significant difference in folate between the NTD and control groups [SMD: -0.19, 95% CI (-0.28, -0.10)]. Conclusions: Vitamin B12 supplement is also essential for the prevention of NTDs besides folic acid. Monitoring vitamin B12 concentration among pregnant women and considering appropriate supplementation with a combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid could be explored.
    Keywords:  folic acid; meta-analysis; neural tube defects; vitamin B12
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122040
  7. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2025 Jun 18. pii: S0006-291X(25)00928-3. [Epub ahead of print]776 152213
    High-dose vitamin C blocks HOCl production by Myeloperoxidase: A potential therapeutic strategy.
    Alexander V Peskin, Nicholas J Magon, Stephanie M Bozonet.
      High-dose vitamin C therapy for cancer, originally advocated by Linus Pauling (Proc Natl Acad Sci, 1976, 73, 3685-3689), remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this study, we investigate why only pharmacological doses are effective and explore the reasons behind inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. Our data suggest that the bona fide cause of toxicity was oxidized vitamin C rather than hydrogen peroxide. We found that vitamin C at millimolar concentrations, directly inhibits hypochlorous acid generation by myeloperoxidase, through competition with chloride rather than by scavenging the hypochlorous acid that is formed. Products of vitamin C oxidation reacted with the thiols of peroxiredoxin 2 and GAPDH, but failed to react with the cysteine of p16INK4a. The growth and viability of Jurkat cells were affected by oxidized vitamin C. These experiments were conducted in the presence of catalase, demonstrating that the biological effects were due to the products of vitamin C oxidation and not hydrogen peroxide. These findings may have practical implications for the treatment of cancer and diseases in which the deleterious effects of neutrophil activation are observed. For intravenous administration of pharmacological vitamin C to have a beneficial effect, its concentration in the blood must be maintained at millimolar levels and this can only be achieved via maintenance infusion. As a proof-of-concept, our data suggest that to enhance anticancer therapy interventions, it is crucial to implement treatments that facilitate the oxidation of vitamin C in the bloodstream.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Hydrogen peroxide; Inflammation; Myeloperoxidase; Redox regulation; Thiol; Vitamin C; p16(INK4a)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.152213
  8. Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jun 06. pii: 5427. [Epub ahead of print]26(12):
    Therapeutic Efficacy of Silymarin, Vitamin E, and Essential Phospholipid Combination Therapy on Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Metabolic Parameters in MASLD Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study.
    Dan-Ionuț Gheonea, Cristina Tocia, Victor-Mihai Sacerdoțianu, Alexandra-Georgiana Bocioagă, Irina-Paula Doica, Nicolae Cătălin Manea, Adina Turcu-Știolică, Carmen-Nicoleta Oancea, Eugen Dumitru.
      Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, and current estimates indicate an increase in incidence and prevalence in the general population. The design of the prospective study was to evaluate the response of patients with MASLD to an original formula consisting of silymarin, vitamin E, and essential phospholipids. In total, 200 patients were initially enrolled in the study and a total of 190 who participated in all four visits were included in our analysis. During the visits, liver function tests, lipid profiles, blood glucose level, fibrosis, and steatosis values and grades were assessed. From baseline, visit 0, to month 6th, visit III, a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.0001) was observed in the reduction in ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, TG, total cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. There was a significant decrease in the fibrosis value from the first visit to the last visit (p = 0.002). Even though administered separately, silymarin, essential phospholipids, and vitamin E have established their efficacy in MASLD, this study demonstrates that their combination produces an indubitable effect on liver steatosis, even in a short cure of 6 months, and it can be proposed due to it having no adverse effects on patients with MASLD.
    Keywords:  MASLD; VCTE; silymarin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125427
  9. J Food Sci. 2025 Jun;90(6): e70363
    High-Dose β-Carotene Suppresses Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression in a Mouse Model.
    Sachina Suzuki, Keizo Umegaki, Tsuyoshi Chiba.
      Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a globally recognized liver disease. Anti-oxidative vitamins, such as vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE), are used to treat NASH in humans. In addition, some carotenoids (e.g., astaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, lycopene, and zeaxanthin) could suppress the progression of NASH in a mouse model. However, it is unclear whether β-carotene is effective against NASH. Therefore, we examined the effects of β-carotene on diet-induced NASH in mice. C57BL/6J male mice (10 weeks of age) were fed a control diet or NASH diet containing various amounts of β-carotene (0.0005%-0.5% [w/w]). A 12-week feeding NASH diet induced NASH in a mouse model. This model presented increased liver weight, plasma levels of hepatic marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase; AST, alanine transaminase; ALT), hepatic triglycerides (TG) content, and NAFLD activity score. The physiological dose (0.0005%-0.005%) of β-carotene failed to suppress the progression of NASH. However, high-dose (0.5%) of β-carotene suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and NASH progression, especially lobular inflammation, in the NAFLD activity score. In conclusion, a high-dose of β-carotene intake prevented hepatic lipid accumulation and the progression of NASH in a mouse model. In contrast, the physiological dose of β-carotene did not show any beneficial effects on NASH. However, β-carotene's presence in food is valuable and could be expanded to reflect real-world implications. Further studies, especially observational studies, are needed to clarify whether β-carotene can prevent the progression of NASH in humans. Practical Application: The physiological dose of β-carotene did not show any beneficial effects on NASH. However, a high-dose of β-carotene suppressed the progression of NASH, especially steatosis and lobular inflammation, in a mouse model. Further studies are needed to clarify whether β-carotene can prevent the progression of NASH in humans. β-Carotene is known to have various biological functions in addition to its role as provitamin A. So, active consumption of β-carotene via regular foods, but not dietary supplements, is recommended, even if the effect on NASH in humans is unclear.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.70363
  10. Osteoporos Int. 2025 Jun 28.
    Vitamin B6 challenge as a tool for detecting ALPL mutations and diagnosing hypophosphatasia.
    Sofía Alvarez, Amelia Ocampo, Patricia C Caso, Alvaro Del Real, Nuria Puente, Ana I Vega, Leyre Riancho-Zarrabeitia, María T García-Unzueta, José A Riancho.
      Low serum alkaline phosphatase is the biochemical hallmark of hypophosphatasia. However, it is a non-specific finding. Here we show that a 2-day vitamin B6 challenge is useful to identify carriers of ALPL gene mutations among patients with low serum alkaline phosphatase, with specificity and sensitivity over 90%.
    PURPOSE: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a disorder characterized by deficient activity of the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme, due to pathogenic variants of the ALPL gene. The biochemical hallmark of HPP is the reduced ALP activity in serum. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the major circulating form of vitamin B6, is a substrate of ALP. Thus, high PLP levels are commonly used as a diagnostic marker of HPP. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of vitamin B6 supplementation for identifying patients with ALPL variants.
    PATIENTS AND METHODS: We measured PLP in control subjects and patients with low serum ALP, with or without ALPL mutations, at baseline and after a 2-day or 6-day vitamin B6 supplementation (20 mg per day of pyridoxine hydrochloride).
    RESULTS: Although mutation carriers tended to have higher PLP values, up to 33% had baseline levels within the normal range. The vitamin B6 challenge, particularly with the 2-day protocol, improved the diagnostic performance. After 2-day supplementation, all carriers had levels above 500 nmol/l (sensitivity 100%; CI 95-100), whereas only 1 non-carrier surpassed that threshold (specificity 96%; CI 85-100).
    CONCLUSION: A 2-day vitamin B6 supplementation test may be useful for identifying carriers of ALPL mutations among individuals with unexplained low serum ALP.
    Keywords:  Alkaline phosphatase; Diagnosis; Hypophosphatasia; Pyridoxal phosphate; Vitamin B6
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-025-07595-x
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