B vitamins B: For the health of the heart and blood vessels

B vitamins B: For the health of the heart and blood vessels

B vitamins b They are a complex of water -soluble vitamins that play a key role in numerous metabolic processes of the body. Their influence on the cardiovascular system (CSC) is especially important, since they participate in the regulation of homocysteine levels, the energy metabolism of myocardial cells, the synthesis of neurotransmitters affecting the blood pressure and heart rate, as well as in maintaining the health of the vascular endothelium. The disadvantage of any of the vitamins of group B can have a negative effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases.

Review of group B vitamins and their roles in the health of the heart and blood vessels:

1. Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN):

   • Functions: Tiamin is a coherent in several key enzymatic reactions necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It plays a decisive role in the production of energy in cells, especially in myocardial cells, which need constant flow of energy to maintain its contractile function. Tiamin is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, which is important for the regulation of heart rhythm and blood pressure.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Energy exchange: Tiamin is necessary for the work of the pyruvat dehydrogenate complex (PDC), which converts pyruvate, a glycolysis product, into acetyl-koa, necessary for the Crebs cycle (citric acid cycle), the main way of energy production in the cells. The disadvantage of thiamine leads to a violation of the PDC, a decrease in the production of ATP (adenosinerifosfate), the main source of energy for cells, and, as a result, to the deterioration of the contractile function of the myocardium.
     • Vasodilation: Tiamin can contribute to the expansion of blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. This effect is probably associated with his participation in the synthesis of nitrogen oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator.
     • Antioxidant Protection: Tiamine has antioxidant properties and can protect the cells of the heart and blood vessels from damage to free radicals, which are formed as a result of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the factors contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Tiamine deficiency can lead to the development of Beri-Beri’s disease, which is characterized by damage to the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Beri-Bury’s heart form is manifested in the form of cardiomyopathy (an increase in the heart), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), shortness of breath, edema and heart failure. Tiamine deficiency treatment can significantly improve the condition of patients with cardiomyopathy associated with deficiency of this vitamin.

   • Tiamin sources: The rich sources of thiamine are whole cereals (especially uncleaned rice, oats, wheat), legumes (peas, beans, lentils), nuts, seeds, pork and fish.

   • Factors affecting the need for thiamine: The need for thiamine can be increased in people who abuse alcohol, in patients with diabetes mellitus, with hyperthyroid hyperthytox (increased thyroid function), as well as in patients taking diuretics (diuretics).

2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

   • Functions: Riboflavin is a component of the two main coofers: Flavmononucleotide (FMN) and Flavidenindininucleotide (FAD). These coofers are involved in numerous redox reactions necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as for the functioning of the antioxidant system.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Antioxidant Protection: FAD is a coherent of glutathionreductase, the enzyme necessary for the restoration of glutathione, an important antioxidant that protects the cell from damage to free radicals. Riboflavin also participates in other antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxidsmouth (SOD) and catalase.
     • Homocysteine metabolism: Riboflavin is necessary for the work of methylentetrahydrofolateredustase (MTHFR), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of folic acid and homocysteine. Riboflavin deficiency can lead to a decrease in the activity of MTHFR and increase the level of homocysteine in the blood.
     • Improving the function of the endothelium: Riboflavin can help improve the function of the vascular endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, which plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, adhesion of platelets and inflammation.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Riboflavin deficiency is rarely in isolation and is often combined with a deficiency of other vitamins of group B. The symptoms of deficiency include inflammation of the mucous membranes (stomatitis, glossitis, chelosis), dermatitis, photophobia and anemia. Indirectly, the deficiency of riboflavin, affecting the level of homocysteine, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Riboflavin sources: Rich sources of riboflavin are dairy products, meat (especially the liver), eggs, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables and enriched grain products.

   • Factors affecting the need for riboflavin: The need for riboflavin can be increased in pregnant women and nursing women, in athletes, as well as in people suffering from chronic diseases.

3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

   • Functions: Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is the predecessor of two important coofers: nicotinindinindininucleotide (above) and nicotinindinindinucleotidfosphate (NAS). These coofers are involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as for cellular respiration and DNA synthesis.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Lipid level decrease: Niacin is one of the most effective means for reducing the level of low -density lipoprotein levels (LDL), “poor” cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as to increase the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HPVP), “good” cholesterol. It reduces the synthesis of LDL and triglycerides in the liver and increases LDL clearance from the blood. An increase in the level of HDL is associated with the removal of cholesterol from arteries and a decrease in the risk of atherosclerosis.
     • Vasodilation: Niacin can cause expansion of blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. This effect is mediated by the release of prostaglandins, which have a vasodilative effect.
     • Antioxidant Protection: Niacin has antioxidant properties and can protect cells from damage to free radicals.
     • Improving the function of the endothelium: Niacin can help improve the function of the vascular endothelium.

   • Clinical applications: Niacin is widely used to treat dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism) and to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be prescribed to patients with a high level of LDL cholesterol, low levels of HDL cholesterol and an increased level of triglycerides.

   • Side effects: High doses of niacin can cause side effects, such as redness of the skin (Flush), itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and increasing blood glucose. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as liver damage.

   • Sources of Niacin: The rich sources of Niacin are meat (especially the liver), fish (tuna, salmon), poultry, mushrooms, peanuts and enriched grain products. The body can also synthesize niacin from the amino acid of tryptophan.

   • Factors affecting the need for Niacin: The need for niacin can be increased in people who abuse alcohol in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as in people suffering from Hartnupe disease (violation of the absorption of tryptophan).

4. Vitamin B5 (pantotenic acid):

   • Functions: Pantotenic acid is a component of cooferment A (COA), which plays a central role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Coa is involved in acetylation reactions necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones and other important molecules.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Cholesterol synthesis: Pantotenic acid is necessary for cholesterol synthesis, which is an important component of cell membranes and the precursor of steroid hormones. However, its role in the regulation of cholesterol levels in the blood has not been fully studied.
     • Metabolism of fatty acids: Pantotenic acid is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, which are the main source of energy for myocardial cells.
     • Detoxification reactions: Pantotenic acid is involved in detoxification reactions, helping the body get rid of harmful substances.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Pantothenic acid deficiency is extremely rare, since this vitamin is widespread in food products. Symptoms of deficiency may include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irritability, abdominal pain and numbness of the limbs.

   • Sources of pantothenic acid: Rich sources of pantothenic acid are meat, eggs, dairy products, mushrooms, avocados, broccoli and whole cereals.

   • Factors affecting the need for pantothenic acid: The need for pantothenic acid can be increased in pregnant and nursing women, as well as in people undergoing severe stress.

5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin):

   • Functions: Vitamin B6 is a common name for a group of compounds, including pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. All these compounds can turn into an active form-pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), which is a coherent for more than 100 enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Homocysteine metabolism: Vitamin B6 is a cooferment of cystageine-β-syntase and cystageine-γ-liasis, two enzymes involved in the transformation of homocysteine into cysteine. Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood.
     • Synthesis neurotransmitted: Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate.
     • Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin B6 has antioxidant properties and can protect cells from damage to free radicals.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to various symptoms, including dermatitis, anemia, depression, cramps and peripheral neuropathy. An increased level of homocysteine associated with vitamin B6 deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Sources of vitamin B6: The rich sources of vitamin B6 are meat (especially the liver), fish (tuna, salmon), poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, avocados, bananas and enriched grain products.

   • Factors affecting the need for vitamin B6: The need for vitamin B6 can be increased in pregnant and nursing women, in people taking certain drugs (for example, isoniazid), as well as in people who abuse alcohol.

6. Vitamin B7 (Biotin):

   • Functions: Biotin is a cooferment of several carboxylase, enzymes involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates and amino acids.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC: The role of biotin in the health of the cardiovascular system is less studied than the role of other vitamins of group B. Nevertheless, it can play a certain role in the metabolism of fatty acids and glucose, which are important for the functioning of myocardial cells.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Biotin deficiency is extremely rare. Symptoms of deficiency may include dermatitis, hair loss, neurological disorders and impaired immune function.

   • Sources of biotin: Rich sources of biotin are liver, eggs, yeast, nuts, seeds and avocados.

   • Factors affecting the need for biotin: The need for biotin can be increased in people suffering from a deficiency of biotinidase, the enzyme necessary for the release of biotin from food.

7. Vitamin B9 (folic acid):

   • Functions: Folic acid is a common name for a group of compounds, including tetrahydrofolyic acid (TGFK), an active form of vitamin. TGFK is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions necessary for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and amino acids.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Homocysteine metabolism: Folic acid is a coherent for the enzyme dihydrofolateredustase (DHFR), which is necessary for the transformation of a dihydropulat into a tetrahydrofolat, which then participates in the transformation of homocysteine into methionine. Folic acid deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood.
     • DNA synthesis: Folic acid is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and cellular division, which is important for maintaining the health of rapidly dividing cells, such as blood cells and vascular endothelium cells.

   • Clinical applications: Folic acid is widely used to prevent defects in the nerve tube in the fetus during pregnancy. It can also be used to treat megaloblastic anemia associated with folic acid deficiency. In addition, folic acid additives are often prescribed to reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

   • Folic acid sources: Rich sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables (spinach, salad), legumes (lentils, beans), liver, yeast and enriched grain products.

   • Factors affecting the need for folic acid: The need for folic acid is significantly increased in pregnant women, since it is necessary for the normal development of the fetus. The need can also be increased in people suffering from alcoholism, celiac disease and other diseases that violate the absorption of nutrients.

8. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

   • Functions: Vitamin B12 is a common name for a group of cobalt -containing compounds, including cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. It is a coherent of two enzymes: methylcobalamin is involved in the transformation of homocysteine into methionine, and adenosylcobalamin-in the isomerization of methylmalonyl-cooa into succinyl-Coa.

   • Mechanisms of action in the CCC:

     • Homocysteine metabolism: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in turning homocysteine into methionine. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood.
     • Milin’s formation: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of the myelin membrane of the nerve fibers, which is important for the normal function of the nervous system and the regulation of the heart rhythm and blood pressure.
     • DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of DNA and cellular division.

   • Clinical manifestations of deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders (peripheral neuropathy, dementia), weakness and fatigue. An increased level of homocysteine associated with vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Sources of vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is contained only in animal products, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans should receive vitamin B12 from enriched products or food additives.

   • Factors affecting the need for vitamin B12: The need for vitamin B12 can be increased in older people, in people suffering from atrophic gastritis (decrease in gastric juice), in people who have undergone the resection of the stomach or intestines, as well as in vegetarians and vegan. For the absorption of vitamin B12, the internal factor of KALE, protein produced by the cells of the stomach is necessary.

Gomocystein and B vitamins B:

Homocysteine is an amino acid formed in the body during metabolism of methionine. An increased level of homocysteine in the blood (hypergomocysteinemia) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and coronary heart disease. Vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 play a key role in the metabolism of homocysteine, turning it into other, less harmful compounds. The deficiency of these vitamins can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood and an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Additives containing vitamins B6, B9 and B12 are often used to reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood and prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially in people with hyperhomocysteinemia.

The influence of group B vitamins on the function of the endothelium:

Endothelium is a thin layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels. It plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, platelet adhesion, inflammation and other processes affecting the health of the cardiovascular system. The dysfunction of the endothelium, characterized by a violation of its ability to produce vasodilative substances, such as nitrogen oxide (NO), and increased tendency to inflammation and thrombosis, is an early sign of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Some B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin and folic acid, can have a favorable effect on the function of the endothelium, contributing to improving vasodilation, reducing inflammation and a decrease in platelet adhesion.

B vitamins and blood pressure:

Some B vitamins can affect blood pressure. For example, thiamine can contribute to the expansion of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure. Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that regulate blood pressure. B vitamins deficiency can lead to a violation of the regulation of blood pressure and an increase in the risk of hypertension (increased blood pressure).

Recommendations for the consumption of group B vitamins to maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels:

• Balanced nutrition: Provide a diverse diet, rich in products containing group B vitamins, such as whole cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables and fruits.
• Enriched products: Use enriched products such as grain products enriched with folic acid and other vitamins of group B.
• Food additives: In case of deficiency of vitamins of group B or increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, consult your doctor about the advisability of taking food additives containing vitamins of group B.
• Alcohol restriction: Limit alcohol consumption, since alcohol abuse can lead to a deficiency of vitamins of group B.
• Medication: Do not stop taking drugs prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases without consulting a doctor. B vitamins can be a useful addition to treatment, but are not a replacement for drug therapy.

The interaction of group B vitamins with drugs:

B vitamins can interact with some drugs, affecting their effectiveness or causing side effects. For example, high doses of niacin can enhance the effect of statins, drugs used to reduce cholesterol. Vitamin B6 can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, the drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken and food supplements in order to avoid undesirable interactions.

Conclusion:

B vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. They participate in the regulation of homocysteine levels, the energy metabolism of myocardial cells, the synthesis of neurotransmitters affecting blood pressure and heart rate, as well as in maintaining the health of the vascular endothelium. The deficiency of any of the vitamins of group B can have a negative effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases. Providing sufficient consumption of group B vitamins using a balanced diet, enriched products or food additives can help maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels and a decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It is important to remember the need to consult a doctor before taking any nutritional supplements, especially in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system or taking drugs.