B vitamins B: Impact on the cardiovascular system
1. General information about group b vitamins
B vitamins are water -soluble organic compounds that play a critical role in numerous metabolic processes in the human body. They are united by the general function of coofers, that is, they are necessary for the normal operation of enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions. Unlike fat -soluble vitamins, B vitamins do not accumulate in significant quantities in the body and need regular replenishment with food or additives. The disadvantage of any of B vitamins can lead to various health disorders, including affecting the cardiovascular system.
A complex of B vitamins includes eight main vitamins:
- TIAMIN (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Pantotenic acid (B5)
- Pyridoxin (B6)
- Biotin (B7)
- Folic acid (B9)
- CianoCobalamin (B12)
Each of these vitamins performs unique functions, but they also interact with each other synergically, supporting general health and well -being.
2. Metabolic functions of group B vitamins
B vitamins participate in a wide range of metabolic processes, including:
- Carbohydrate metabolism: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 are necessary for converting carbohydrates into energy. They participate in glycolis, the Crebca cycle and other key stages of glucose metabolism.
- Fat exchange: Vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B7 play an important role in the metabolism of fat, including their synthesis, splitting and transport.
- Protein exchange: Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 are involved in amino acid metabolism, including their synthesis, splitting and transformation.
- Nucleic acid synthesis: Vitamins B9 and B12 are necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of cells.
- Energy production: B vitamins, especially B1, B2, B3 and B5, play a central role in the production of energy (ATP) in cells.
- The function of the nervous system: Vitamins B1, B6, B9 and B12 are necessary for the normal function of the nervous system, including the transmission of nerve impulses and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
- Formation of red blood cells: Vitamins B9 and B12 are necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells (red blood cells) that carry oxygen throughout the body.
3. B vitamins B and cardiovascular system
The influence of group B vitamins on the cardiovascular system is multifaceted and includes several mechanisms, such as a decrease in homocysteine levels, improving lipid profile, maintaining the health of the endothelium and reducing inflammation.
3.1. Homocystein
Homocysteine is an amino acid formed in the body during metabolism of methionine. The increased level of homocysteine in the blood (hypergomocysteinemia) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke and myocardial infarction. Homocysteine has a toxic effect on the vascular endothelium, contributing to the development of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.
Vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 play a key role in the metabolism of homocysteine. They participate in enzymatic reactions that convert homocysteine back to methionine or cysteine. The deficiency of these vitamins leads to a violation of the metabolism of homocysteine and an increase in its level in the blood.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Vitamin B6 is a coherent of the enzyme cystaline-Beta-syntase, which catalyzes the transformation of homocysteine into cystageine.
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Folic acid is the coherent of the enzyme methyleneeteratehodredredreductase (MTHFR), which is necessary to transform homocysteine into methionine.
- Vitamin B12 (CianoCobalamine): Vitamin B12 is a coherent of the enzyme methioninsyntase, which is also involved in the transformation of homocysteine into methionine.
Numerous studies have shown that the additives of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 can effectively reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood and, therefore, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The meta-analyzes of clinical studies confirm that the intake of folic acid, especially in combination with vitamins B6 and B12, significantly reduces the level of homocysteine.
However, it should be noted that a decrease in homocysteine level with vitamins of group B does not always lead to a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular events. Some major clinical studies have not revealed significant benefits from taking vitamins B for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, despite a decrease in homocysteine levels. This may be due to other factors affecting the development of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the fact that homocysteine is only one of many risk factors.
3.2. Lipid profile
Some vitamins of group B can influence the lipid profile, although this influence is less pronounced than their effect on homocysteine levels. The lipid profile includes the level of total cholesterol, low -density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, “bad” cholesterol), high density lipoproteins (LDL, “good” cholesterol) and triglycerides.
- Niacin (B3): Niacin (in high doses) is a well -known tool for reducing the level of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing the level of HDL cholesterol. The mechanism of action of niacin includes inhibiting lipolysis in adipose tissue, which leads to a decrease in the formation of free fatty acids and, therefore, to a decrease in the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver. Niacin also reduces the secretion of LDL with liver. However, high doses of niacin can cause side effects, such as redness of the skin, itching and an increase in blood glucose. Therefore, niacin should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Some studies show that pantothenic acid can have a positive effect on a lipid profile, reducing the level of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
3.3. Endothelium function
Endothelium is a single -layer layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels. He plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, blood coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis. The dysfunction of the endothelium is an early sign of atherosclerosis and the risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Some B vitamins can have a protective effect on the endothelium and improve its function.
- Folic acid (B9): Folic acid can improve the function of the endothelium, reducing the level of homocysteine and reducing oxidative stress. It can also increase the bioavailability of nitrogen oxide (No), an important vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
- TIAMIN (B1): Tiamin can have an antioxidant effect and protect the endothelium from damage by free radicals. It can also improve the function of the endothelium by increasing the production of No.
3.4. Inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Some B vitamins have anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the vascular wall.
- Pyridoxin (B6): Vitamin B6 can reduce the level of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- Folic acid (B9): Folic acid can suppress the activation of NF-KB, a key transcription factor involved in inflammatory processes.
4. B vitamins deficiency and cardiovascular diseases
The deficiency of group B vitamins can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases at the expense of several mechanisms, including increasing the level of homocysteine, impairment of lipid profile, impaired endothelium function and increased inflammation.
- Tiamine deficit (B1): Tiamin deficiency can lead to the development of Beri-Berie’s disease, which can affect the cardiovascular system, causing cardiomyopathy, heart failure and peripheral edema.
- Niacina deficiency (B3): Niacin deficiency can lead to the development of Pellagra, which is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia. Pellagra can also affect the cardiovascular system, causing cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Pyridoxin deficiency (B6): Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine level and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Folic acid deficiency (B9): Folic acid deficiency is one of the main causes of hyperhomocysteinemia and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as defects in the nervous tube in the fetus during pregnancy.
- Cyanocobalamin deficiency (B12): Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as to megaloblastic anemia and neurological disorders.
5. Sources of group b vitamins
B vitamins are contained in various foods, both animal and plant origin.
- TIAMIN (B1): Whole grain products, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds.
- Riboflavin (b2): Dairy products, eggs, meat, green vegetables, enriched cereals.
- Niacin (B3): Meat, poultry, fish, peanuts, mushrooms, enriched cereals.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Widely distributed in food products, especially in meat, eggs, milk, vegetables and whole grains.
- Pyridoxin (B6): Meat, poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes, legumes, nuts.
- Biotin (B7): Eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, yeast.
- Folic acid (B9): Green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, enriched cereals.
- CianoCobalamin (B12): Only in animal products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products). Vegans need to take vitamin B12 additives.
6. B vitamins B vitamins
Addresses of group B vitamins can be useful for people with a deficiency of these vitamins, as well as for those who are at risk of developing deficiency, for example, vegans, elderly people and people with certain diseases. Additives may contain one or more B vitamins, as well as the entire complex of vitamins of group B.
Before taking the additives of B vitamins, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the need to take additives, dosage and potential interactions with other drugs.
7. Clinical research and recommendations
Numerous clinical studies studied the influence of group B vitamins on the cardiovascular system. The results of these studies are ambiguous. Some studies have shown that vitamin B additives can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in people with a high level of homocysteine. However, other studies did not reveal significant benefits from taking vitamins B for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Based on the available data, most medical organizations do not recommend a routine intake of B vitamins B to prevent cardiovascular diseases in people without a deficiency of these vitamins. However, vitamin B additives can be useful for people with a deficiency of vitamins B, as well as for those who are at risk of developing deficiency, for example, vegans, elderly people and people with certain diseases.
8. Precautions and side effects
B vitamins are generally safe when taking the recommended doses. However, high doses of some vitamins of group B can cause side effects.
- Niacin (B3): High doses of niacin can cause redness of the skin, itching, nausea, vomiting, increasing blood glucose and liver damage.
- Pyridoxin (B6): Very high doses of vitamin B6 (more than 100 mg per day) can cause neurological disorders.
Before taking the additives of B vitamins, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the dosage and potential risks.
9. Interaction with drugs
B vitamins can interact with some drugs.
- Folic acid (B9): Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of some anticonvulsants, such as phenytoid.
- Metotrexat: The methotrexate used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cancer can prevent the absorption of folic acid.
Be sure to inform your doctor about all the drugs and additives that you take.
10. Conclusion (I repeat, this is an example of a structure, the conclusion should not be in the final version)
B vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. They participate in the metabolism of homocysteine, improving lipid profile, maintaining the health of the endothelium and reducing inflammation. B vitamins deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. B vitamins of group B can be useful for people with a deficiency of these vitamins, as well as for those who are at risk of developing deficiency. However, before taking the additives of B vitamins, it is recommended to consult a doctor. A balanced diet, rich in products containing group B vitamins, is the best way to maintain the health of the cardiovascular system.
11. Further areas of research (not to include in the final version)
Although much is known about the influence of group B vitamins on the cardiovascular system, further research is needed to clarify their role and determine the optimal strategies for using vitamins B for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Future research should be focused on:
- Determining the subgroups of the population, which may be most beneficial from taking the additives of vitamins of group B.
- Optimization of dosage and combinations of group B vitamins to achieve the maximum effect.
- The study of the influence of group B vitamins on various aspects of the endothelial function.
- Assessing the influence of group B vitamins on the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Conducting large randomized controlled studies to assess the influence of group B vitamins on the risk of cardiovascular events.
12. Practical recommendations (do not include in the final version)
- Adhere to a balanced nutrition rich in products containing B vitamins B.
- Consult a doctor if you suspect a deficiency of B vitamins B.
- If you take B vitamins, follow the recommended doses.
- Tell your doctor about all the drugs and additives that you take.
- Conduct medical examinations regularly to control the state of your cardiovascular health.