B vitamins for liver diseases

B vitamins for liver diseases: Complex review

I. The liver and its functions: the basis of understanding the role of B vitamins

Before delving into the specific role of group B vitamins in liver diseases, it is necessary to understand the fundamental role of this organ in metabolic processes. The liver is the largest gland in the human body, which performs hundreds of vital functions, including:

• Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins: The transformation of nutrients entering food, into forms that the body can use for energy, growth and recovery.
• Blood plasma protein synthesis: The production of albumin (maintaining oncotic pressure), blood coagulation factors (ensuring hemostasis), transport proteins (transfer of hormones, drugs and other substances).
• Detoxification: Neutralization and excretion of toxins, drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the body.
• Bile production: The synthesis of the bile necessary for digestion and assimilation of fats and fat -soluble vitamins.
• Storage: Deposit of glycogen (form of glucose storage), vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12) and minerals (iron, copper).
• Immune function: Blood filtering from bacteria and other pathogens.

Damage to the liver, regardless of the cause, violates the performance of these functions, which leads to many negative health consequences. Liver diseases can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (hepatitis a, b, C), liver disease, non -alcoholic fatty liver (NAZBP), autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and the effects of toxic substances.

II. B vitamins B: classification, functions and metabolism

B vitamins are water -soluble vitamins that play a critical role in energy metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of blood cells. They act as coofers, that is, they help enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions. Group B includes:

• B1 (TIAMIN): It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids with an extensive chain and fatty acids. Participates in the work of the nervous system and muscles.
• B2 (riboflavin): The component of the FAD and FMN coofers involved in the oxidation and restoration reactions necessary for energy metabolism, cellular growth and functioning.
• B3 (Niacin): The component of NAD and NADP coofers playing a key role in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis and DNA restoration.
• B5 (pantotenic acid): The component of the Coerment A (COA) necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as for the synthesis of cholesterol, hormones and neurotransmitters.
• B6 (Pyridoxin): Participates in amino acid metabolism, the synthesis of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, gamut), the formation of hemoglobin and maintaining the immune function.
• B7 (Biotin): It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Participates in the synthesis of glucose and fatty acids.
• B9 (folic acid): It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, cell division and growth, as well as for the formation of red blood cells.
• B12 (Cobalaamin): It is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids.

Most of group B vitamins do not accumulate in the body in significant quantities, and their excess is excreted in the urine. However, vitamin B12 is an exception, as it can be stored in the liver for several years.

The metabolism of group B vitamins is closely connected with the liver. The liver plays a role in the activation of some vitamins of group B (for example, the transformation of folic acid into its active form – tetrahydrofolat). Violation of the liver function can lead to a violation of the metabolism of these vitamins and, therefore, to deficiency.

III. The relationship between the deficiency of group B vitamins and liver diseases

Liver diseases often lead to a deficiency of group B vitamins for several reasons:

• Distribution of absorption: Damage to the liver can lead to a violation of the production of bile necessary for the absorption of fat -soluble vitamins, as well as indirectly influence the absorption of water -soluble vitamins, including group B vitamins, often accompanying liver diseases, also worsens absorption.
• Violation of metabolism: As mentioned above, the liver plays a key role in the metabolism of many vitamins of group B. In case of liver damage, the ability to activate and transform vitamins decreases.
• Reduced storage: The liver is the main storage of vitamin B12. In liver diseases, the ability to store this vitamin decreases, which leads to deficiency.
• Increased consumption: Metabolic stress caused by liver diseases increases the body’s need for vitamins of group B.
• Malnutrition: Patients with liver diseases often suffer from a decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms that lead to insufficient nutrient consumption, including group B vitamins. Alcoholic liver disease is especially often accompanied by malnutrition.
• Medicinal interactions: Some drugs used to treat liver diseases can interact with the metabolism of group B vitamins, enhancing their deficiency.

The deficiency of each group B vitamin can be manifested by various symptoms that can aggravate the course of liver diseases:

• Tiamine deficit (B1): It can lead to encephalopathy Wernick (neurological disorder, characterized by confusion, impaired coordination and eye movement) and Korsakov syndrome (mental disorder, characterized by memory loss and confabulations). Both of these conditions are often found in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Tiamin deficiency can also lead to heart failure (Beri Beri).
• Riboflavin deficiency (B2): It can cause angular stomatitis (cracks in the corners of the mouth), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), dermatitis and anemia.
• Niacina deficiency (B3): It can lead to Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia), which, although it is less common today, can be observed in patients with severe alcoholism and malnutrition.
• Pantothenic acid deficiency (B5): It is rare, but it can cause fatigue, headaches, insomnia and numbness of the limbs.
• Pyridoxin deficiency (B6): It can cause depression, convulsions, peripheral neuropathy, anemia and weakening of the immune system.
• Biotin deficiency (B7): It is rare, but can cause hair loss, dermatitis, neurological symptoms and immune disorders.
• Folic acid deficiency (B9): It can cause megaloblastic anemia (large, immature red blood cells), fatigue, weakness, irritability, ulcers in the mouth and an increased risk of congenital defects in the fetus.
• Cobalamin Deficit (B12): It can cause megaloblastic anemia, neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness, impaired coordination), depression and cognitive disorders.

IV. The role of group B vitamins in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases: research data

Although additional studies are needed, a number of studies indicate the potential benefits of group B vitamins in the prevention and treatment of certain liver diseases:

• Alcoholic liver disease (ABP): Tiamine plays a decisive role in the prevention and treatment of encephalopathy of Wernick and Corsakov Syndrome, complications of ABP. High doses of thiamine (intravenously) are often used to treat these conditions. Several studies also have shown that Niacin’s additive can improve fat metabolism in liver in patients with ABP. Complex support for group B vitamins, along with the refusal of alcohol and adequate nutrition, is the cornerstone of the treatment of ABP.
• Non -alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAZBP) and non -alcohol steatogepatitis (NASG): NAZBP and NASG are characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver. Some studies have shown that vitamin B12 can improve liver function and reduce the level of liver enzymes in patients with NABP. Preliminary data also indicate the potential benefits of choline (which is closely related to group B vitamins) in improving the metabolism of fat in the liver. However, more large -scale studies are necessary to confirm these results and determine the optimal doses and treatment regimen.
• Viral hepatitis: B vitamins are not the main method of treating viral hepatitis, but can help support the general health and liver function. Some studies have shown that vitamin B12 can improve the response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In addition, group B vitamins can help cope with side effects of antiviral therapy, such as fatigue and depression.
• Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis is the late stage of many liver diseases characterized by scarring and impaired liver function. In patients with cirrhosis, a deficiency of B vitamins is often observed, which can aggravate the course of the disease. B vitamins adds can help improve the overall health and liver function in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is important to consult a doctor in order to determine the most suitable vitamin administration scheme.
• Other liver diseases: B vitamins can play a role in maintaining the liver function in other diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSH). However, additional studies are needed to determine specific indications and doses.

V. Recommendations for taking group B vitamins for liver diseases: dose, way of introduction and warnings

The dosage and method of introducing group B vitamins in liver diseases should be determined by an individual doctor based on the assessment of the patient’s condition, the degree of deficiency of vitamins and the presence of concomitant diseases. Recommended daily doses (RSD) of group B vitamins, indicated on the packaging of vitamins, are often insufficient for patients with liver diseases.

• Introduction Ways: Depending on the severity of the patient’s deficiency and the ability of absorption, B vitamins can be administered orally (tablets, capsules, liquids) or parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous injections). In cases of severe deficiency or violation of absorption, the parenteral path of administration is preferable.
• TIAMIN (B1): With encephalopathy, Wernicknik is usually prescribed high doses of thiamine (200-500 mg intravenously three times a day) for several days, and then switch to the oral reception.
• Vitamin B12: With severe vitamin B12 deficiency, the administration of intramuscular injections of cobalamine (1000 μg per week for a month, and then monthly) may be required.
• Group B vitamins complexes: Often used complexes of group B vitamins containing a balanced amount of all vitamins of group B. Dosage of group B vitamins should also be determined by a doctor.

Cautions:

• Overdose: Although group B vitamins are water -soluble and are usually considered safe, taking excessively high doses can lead to side effects. For example, high doses of niacin can cause redness of the skin, itching and liver damage. High doses of pyridoxine (B6) can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Interactions with drugs: B vitamins can interact with some drugs used to treat liver diseases. It is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken and additives.
• Individual sensitivity: Some people may have individual sensitivity to group B vitamins, manifested by allergic reactions.
• Masks of other diseases: B vitamins should not be used to mask the symptoms of other liver diseases. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and nursing women should consult a doctor before taking the additives of vitamins of group B.

VI. Dietary sources of group B vitamins

A balanced diet rich in various products is the best way to provide the body with a sufficient amount of B vitamins of group B.

• TIAMIN (B1): Whole grain products (brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread), pork, legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Riboflavin (b2): Dairy products, meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli), mushrooms and enriched cereals.
• Niacin (B3): Meat (especially poultry and fish), peanuts, mushrooms, enriched cereals.
• Pantotenic acid (B5): Widely distributed in food products, especially in meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and whole grains.
• Pyridoxin (B6): Meat, fish, poultry, bananas, avocados, potatoes, chickpeas and enriched cereals.
• Biotin (B7): Eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, salmon and avocados.
• Folic acid (B9): Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, Romen), legumes, oranges, avocados and enriched cereals.
• Kobalamin (B12): It is found only in animal products: meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans need to receive vitamin B12 from enriched products or additives.

Patients with liver diseases should consult with a nutritionist in order to develop an individual nutrition plan that provides sufficient consumption of group B vitamins and other nutrients. It is recommended to eat easily digestible food in small portions during the day to reduce the load on the liver. The use of alcohol, treated foods, fatty foods and foods with a high sugar content should be avoided.

VII. Conclusion: The importance of group B vitamins for liver health

B vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the liver and can have a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of certain liver diseases. B vitamins deficiency are often found in patients with liver diseases and can aggravate the course of the disease. B vitamins of group B should be prescribed by a doctor based on an individual assessment of the patient’s condition. A balanced diet rich in various products is the best way to provide the body with a sufficient amount of B vitamins B. However, in some cases, additives may be required to eliminate the deficiency and improve the liver function. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of group B vitamins in the treatment of various liver diseases and determine the optimal doses and treatment regimens. An integrative approach, including adequate nutrition, additives of group B vitamins (if necessary) and other treatment methods, can help improve liver health and the quality of life of patients with liver diseases.