• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.426-432
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• 2001

Vitamin B(sub)12(cobalamin) is an essential nutrient in human and it is particularly important during pregnancy. Nevertheless very few studies have reported, concerning vitamin B(sub)12 in relation with reproduction. This study was conducted to evaluate the vitamin B(sub)12 nutrition status of Korean pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin B(sub)12 levels of maternal-umbilical cord blood and pregnancy outcomes. Dietary vitamin B(sub)12 intakes of the pregnants were estimated by semiquantitative frequency questionnaire. Serum vitamin B(sub)12 levels in both maternal blood and umbilical cord blood of 30 pregnant women at delivery were measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean vitamin B(sub)12 intake was 3.3$\pm$1.4$\mu\textrm{g}$/d which was 125.8% of the Korean RDA(2.6$\mu\textrm{g}$) for vitamin B(sub)12 level of umbilical cord blood was 607.8$\pm$282.9pg/ml, more than two fold of maternal vitamin B(sub)12 level 268.6$\pm$97.8pg/ml. This finding indicates that fetal uptake of vitamin B(sub)12 in the fetus may be due to an active transport mchanism across the placenta. Umbilical cord blood vitamin B(sub)12 levels were highly correlated with maternal levels($r^2$=0.548, p<0.001), showing that fetal vitamin B(sub)12 level is affected by maternal status. However there was no significant correlation between the serum vitamin B(sub)12 levels in maternal-umbilical cord blood and the pregnancy outcomes except for the birth weight. Maternal-umbilical serum vitamin B(sub)12 levels were the highest in the group of birth weight 3.0-3.5kg, and the lowest in the group of birthweight below 3.0kg. (Korean J Nutrition 34(4) : 426~432, 2001)

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.39-53
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• 2017

Insufficient vitamin D intake is a major health problem around the world. Recently, many studies have suggested that vitamin D intake may influence insulin resistance. However, little is known about the association between vitamin D and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and diabetes mellitus in Korean adults. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 3,686 participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2013~2014 aged 19 years and higher. The results showed that the mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level in Korean adults was 16.77 ng/mL, and 74.2% of them had an insufficient serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level (below 20 ng/mL). In normal and pre-diabetic groups, the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level significantly increased with age (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference relative to age in the diabetic group. Low vitamin D levels (25-hydroxy vitamin D < 10 ng/mL) were associated with increased fasting blood glucose levels, compared with optimal vitamin D levels (25-hydroxy vitamin D > 30 ng/mL), after adjusting for variables that may affect fasting blood glucose, but this result was not significant. In conclusion, although no significant association was observed between diabetes prevalence and vitamin D levels in this study, further studies are needed because the effect of vitamin D on diabetes remains controversial. This nutrient plays a crucial role in the body, and levels are insufficient in the Korean population.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 1996

The study was designed to find out the effect of exam stress and vitamin B complex on hormones such as plasma ACTH, cortisol and prolactin. 21 medical students completed the whole period of the study. Global assessment of recent stress(GARS) scale and SCL-90-R were used to measure stress perception and psychopathology. Radioimmunoassay was used to assess plasma ACTH, cortisol and prolactin. Plasma ACTH level was significantly higher 2 weeks prior to examination and exam period, respectively, than 4 weeks prior to the exam. However, there were no significant differences in plasma cortisol and prolactin level among the three periods. No significant differences were also found in plasma ACTH, cortisol and prolactin level between vitamin and non-vitamin groups during each period. Scores of stress perception in economic area significantly had a positive correlation with plasma ACTH and prolactin level, respectively, 2 weeks prior to the exam. In psychopathology, scores of hostility subscale significantly had a Positive correlation with plasma ACTH level. There were no significant differences in change of each of the hormones over time as well as between vitamin and non-vitamin groups. In conclusion, it was found that ACTH was more sensitive to exam stress than cortisol or prolactin, and that vitamin B complex had no significant influence on ACTH, cortisol and prolactin level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.912-919
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• 2001

The increased oxidative stress may play an important role on the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications, and the blood level of vitamin C and lipid peroxidation in NIDDM patients may be used as an indicator for oxidative stress. However there is only scanty evidence on the blood level of vitamin C in NIDDM patients with or without diabetic complications. The study population consisted of 90 NIDDM patients(diabetes without complication, 48, and diabetes with complications, 42) and 41 normal subjects. The 42 diabetic complications were divided into 3 groups : 15 diabetic nephropathy, 18 diabetic neuropathy, 9 diabetic retinopathy. The anthropometric data and blood biochemical data were studied. The dietary intake was determined by 24 hour recall methods and food frequency questionnaire. The plasma concentrations of MDA and vitamin C were determined by fluorophotometer and HPLC respectively. 1) In blood lipoprotein study, diabetes with complication had higher level of TG than diabetes without complications, while no significant differences in total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were shown. Diabetic neuropathy had the highest TG level among diabetic complication groups. 2) The intakes of vitamin B complexes(vitamin B$_2$, vitamin B$_{6}$, not vitamin B$_1$) and antioxidant vitamins(vitamin A and vitamin E, not vitamin C) and certain minerals such as iron and calcium in diabetes were not sufficient but the intakes of energy, protein, niacin, and phosphorus in diabetes were sufficient. The dietary intakes between diabetes with-and without complications were not significantly different. Among diabetic complications, the diabetic retinopathy had the lowest intake of vitamin B$_2$ and B$_{6}$(p < 0.05). the diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy consumed extremely low amount of vitamin A. 3) The MDA concentrations of NIDDM was significantly higher than that in controls(p < 0. 05) while no significant difference in the MDA concentration between with and without complications was shown. Although there were no statistical differences, the diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy showed the higher concentration of MDA than the diabetes without complications or diabetic retinopathy. 4) The plasma concentration of vitamin C in controls was higher than that in diabetes(p < 0.05) while the plasma vitamin C in diabetes with and without complications were similar. In diabetic complications, no differences in plasma vitamin C concentration of three groups were shown. This study showed that the oxidative stress in NIDDM patients was highly increased and the vitamin C reserve was significantly depleted, as compared with normals, although their intakes of vitamin C met korean RDA, which means that diabetes need more vitamin C intake to decrease oxidative stress in NIDDM patients.nts.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2001

Ginseng may have antioxidant and pharmacologic effects similar to those of vitamin E. The interactive effect of ginseng and vitamin E was studied with respect to cholesterol metabolism and the antioxidant status. A ginseng supplement (0.1%, wt/wt) with comparable levels of vitamin E was provided with a high-cholesterol (1%, wt/wt) diet to rats for 5 weeks. The amount of vitamin E included in the ginseng-free and ginseng diets was either a low (low-E) or a normal (normal-E) level. The ginseng supplements significantly (p<0.05) altered the concentrations of plasma triglycerides in both the low-vitamin E group and normal-vitamin E group compared to the each ginseng-free group. The hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol content were not significantly (p>0.05) different between groups regardless of the vitamin E level in the diet. The hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly (p<0.05) lowered by the ginseng supplement in both the low-vitamin E and the normal-vitamin E groups compared to the ginseng-free group. The HMG-CoA reductase activity was also significantly (p<0.05) lowered with in increase of the dietary vitamin E in the ginseng-free group. The excretion of fecal neutral sterol was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the normal-E ginseng group than th low-E ginseng-free group. Neither dietary ginseng nor vitamin E significantly changed the hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity. This data indicates that ginseng supplements lower the concentration of plasma triglyceride and hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity regardless of eh dietary vitamin E level. This information may contribute to understanding the interactive effect of ginseng and vitamin E on cholesterol biosynthesis in high cholesterol-fed rats.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1254-1262
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• 1998

This study has done to investigate the relationship between the icreased lipid oncentration caused by smoking and plama levels of vitamin A and vitamin E, antiodative enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation , in 52 male smokers and 32 non-smokers, Dietary vitamin A and vitamin E intake was imilar in both smokers and non-smokers. Absolute plasma concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin E were not significantly different between two groups, whereas vitamin E/cholesterol ration in plasma was low or in smokers than in that of non-smokers(p<0.05). It was considered that this lowered effect was due to the elevated plasma lipid concentration rather than oxidant stress derived from smoking, in view of the fact that smokers had higher cholesterol (15.2%) adn LDL-C(26.6%) levels than non-smokers. In non-smokers, plasma thiobarbiturin acid reactive substances(TBARS) conrrelated positively with total cholesterol(r=0.63466, p<0.001), LDL-C level(r=0.57166, p<0.01) , and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio(r=0.45926, p<0.05) . Activities of glutathione perosidase(GSH-Px) , superoside dismutase(SOD), and catalse made no difference in both groups. However, it was observed in non-smokers that GSH-Px activity had negative correlations with total cholesterol(r=-0.67293, p<0.001), LDL-C level(r=-0.62878, p<0.001), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (r=-0.58824, p<0.01), indicating that there was a dependent relationship between lipid perosidation and plasma lipid level. The smokers also showed negative correlations for GSH-Px activity with total cholesterol (r=-0.29946, p<0.05) and LDL-c level (r=0.45914, p<0.001), and LDL-C/HDL-c ratio(r=-0.35438, p<0.05). It seemed that the lipid that the lipid level elevated by sustaines smoking resulted in reducing vitamin E/cholesterol ratio and proportion of antioxidant to oxidant load, and then GSH-Px activity, with insufficient removal of free radicals(TBARS 2.43$\pm$0.51 and 1.81$\pm$0.15nmol/ml in smokers and non-smokers, respectively). These findings suggest that higher plasma lipid levels may play a more important role in perturbing the antioxidant defense system including vitamin E status and GSH-Px activity, at least in circumstances that increase lipid concentration . In addition, in exposure to free radicals like those in cigarette smoke. In those cases the ratio of vitamin E/lipid in plasma can be a more indicator of vitamin E status than plasma levels of vitamin E alone.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1180-1187
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• 1997

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis and has been reported to contain an abundance of free radical species which could be expected to deplete antioxidants such as vitamin C . The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between smoking, plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentration, and plasma vitamin C level. Fifty-five healthy male smokers and 32 non-smokers were investigated in the study. Mean age, body weight , BMI and blood pressure made no differences in both smokers and non-smokers. Significantly, smokers has higher plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C , and lower HDL-C /LDL-C ratio compared with non-smokers. Plasma level of thiobartiturin acid reactive substances(TBARS), indicator of lipid peroxidation and increased susceptibility of LDL towards lipid perosidation, were elevated in smokers(p<0.001), while the plasma vitamin C level of smokers was significantly lower than that of non-smokers(p<0.05), indicating that elevated lipid peroxidation are associated with decreased plasma vitamin C content. In non-smokers a significantly positive correlation was observed between dietary vitamin C intake and plasma levels, but no such association observed in smokers. Lack of such a relationship and the decreased plasma vitamin C level in the smokers suggest that smoking may cause increased turnover of the plasma antioxidant. Consuquently, the sustained free radical load derived from smoking causes an imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant status and it could be expected that cigarette smoking renders plasma LDL more susceptible to oxidative modification . In the present study the possible explanations for that cigarette smokers have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease include the changes of blood lipid and lipoprotein concentration, and plasma vitamin C status which might have protective functions against free radicals -medaited lipid peroxidation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.46-61
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• 1998

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin D nutritional status on bone mineral density of adults (21-49 years). To attain the aim, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the subjects at distal radius by single-photon absorptiometry (SPA). Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-(OH)D) , known to be the best indicator of indicator of vitamin D status in humans was analyzed . The factors affecting this vitamin D level were also investigated in autumn in 122 young adults. Serum level of 25-(OH)D was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography(HPLC) and biochemical variables, general health status, time spent outdoors, and dietary intakes of the subjects. BMD of the male subjects was significantly greater than that of female subjects. Weight, activity and total energy expediture (TEE) showed a positive correlation with distal BMD. The mean level of serum 25-(OH)D was 24.4$\pm$11.0 ng./ml and by sex, 26.0$\pm$6.8ng/ml for males and 23.3$\pm$12.3ng/ml for females , the level was significantly higher in male (p<0.01). there was significant correlation between BMD at distal-radius and s-25(OH)D levels (p<0.001). The serum level fo parathyroid hormone (PTH) showed a negative correlation with BMD(p<0.05), with the more obvious correlation in females. Vitamin D intake was estimated to be 3.75$\pm$2.19ug/day in average. Among the nutrients studied, protein ,fat, calcium , and vitamin D intake were positively correlated with distal BMD. When food frequencies were concerned , milk and dairy products showed a significant positive correlation with the BMD level, and driedfoods, eggs , fats and oils, and cereals also showed a positive correlation. Time spent outdoors was estimated to be about 70 minutes in average and positively correlated with the distal BMD level(p<0.01). During the day, the specific time between 12 :00pm and 2:00pm showed the most significant correlation with BMD (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis with the variables showed that distal BMD could be fit 31.9% by the time spent outdoors a day, intake of Ca and vitamin D, and TEE. The standardized estimates were 0.344 for vitamin D intake, 0.284 for Ca intake 0.179 for the time spent outdoors a day and 0.273 for TEE. For males, s-25*OH)D level, TEE and time spent outdoors during a day showed a significant correlation. For females, intake of Ca and vitamin D could fit about 27.1% of the distal BMD.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.337-344
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• 2017

To date, no clear threshold that has been established for defining an adequate store of vitamin D for bone health. Therefore, this study aims to determine the required level of vitamin D to maintain a healthy skeleton based on bone remodelling process among healthy adult population. This was a cross sectional study, involving a healthy adult population in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, aged 18~50 years. We measured serum 25(OH)D (vitamin D), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), and Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal (P1NP) in 120 healthy adults selected via multi stage sampling (64 males, 56 females) from 6 subdistricts in Kota Bharu. The mean level of 25(OH)D was 23.50 (${\pm}8.74$) nmol/L. There was a significant difference of the vitamin D level between genders ($26.81{\pm}8.3nmol/L$ vs $19.72{\pm}7.68nmol/L$ in males and females respectively) (p value<0.001). More than 50% of female subjects had 25(OH)D less than 20 nmol/L, while only 20.3% of male subjects had 25(OH)D below 20 nmol/L. Based on the LOESS plot, the bone turnover markers showed a plateauing result, at the 25(OH)D level of 35 nmol/L for CTX and 20 nmol/L for P1NP. Contrastingly, PTH showed a step rise in the 25(OH)D level of 20 nmol/L. Based on the LOESS plot for CTX, P1NP and PTH versus 25(OH)D, level of vitamin D between 20 to 35 nmol/L is recommended to maintain healthy skeleton.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7337-7341
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• 2014

Background: The physiological role of vitamin D extends beyond bone health and calcium-phosphate homeostasis to effects on cancer risk, mainly for colorectal cancer. Vitamin D may have an anticancer effect in colorectal cancer mediated by binding of the active form $1,25(OH)_2D$ to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The Taq1 VDR gene polymorphism, a C-to-T base substitution (rs731236) in exon 9 may influence its expression and function. The aim of this study wass to determine the 25(OH)D vitamin D level and to investigate the association between circulating vitamin D level and Taq1VDR gene polymorphism among Jordanian colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This case control study enrolled ninety-three patients and one hundred and two healthy Jordanian volunteers from AL-Basheer Hospital/Amman (2012-2013). Ethical approval and signed consent forms were obtained from all participants before sample collection. 25(OH)D levels were determined by competitive immunoassay Elecsys (Roche Diagnostic, France). DNA was extracted (Promega, USA) and amplified by PCR followed by VDR Taq1 restriction enzyme digestion. The genotype distribution was evaluated by paired t-test and chi-square. Comparison between vitamin D levels among CRC and control were assessed by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: The vitamin D serum level was significantly lower among colorectal cancer patients (8.34 ng/ml) compared to the healthy control group (21.02ng/ml). Patients deficient in vitamin D (less than 10.0 ng/ml) had increased colorectal cancer risk 19.2 fold compared to control. Only 2.2% of CRC patients had optimal vitamin D compared to 23.5% among healthy control. TT, Tt and tt Taq1 genotype frequencies among CRC cases was 35.5%, 50.5% and 14% compared to 43.1%, 41.2% and 15.7% among healthy control; respectively. CRC patients had lower mean vitamin D level among TT ($8.91{\pm}4.31$) and Tt ($9.15{\pm}5.25$) genotypes compared to control ($21.3{\pm}8.31$) and ($19.3{\pm}7.68$); respectively. Conclusions: There is significant association between low 25(OH)D serum level and colorectal cancer risk. The VDRTaq1 polymorphism was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk among patient with VDRTaq1 TT and Tt genotypes. Understanding the functional mechanism of VDRTaq1 TT and Tt may provide a strategy for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.