Background/objectives: Low vitamin B12 and folate levels in community-dwelling older people are usually corrected with supplements. However, the effect of this supplementation on haematological parameters in older persons is not known. Therefore, we executed a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs).
Subjects/methods: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane and CENTRAL for RCTs published between January 1950 and April 2016, where community-dwelling elderly (60+ years) who were treated with vitamin B12 or folic acid or placebo. The presence of anaemia was not required. We analysed the data on haematological parameters with a two-stage IPD meta-analysis.
Results: We found 494 full papers covering 14 studies. Data were shared by the authors of four RCTs comparing vitamin B12 with placebo (n = 343) and of three RCTs comparing folic acid with placebo (n = 929). We found no effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on haemoglobin (change 0.00 g/dL, 95% CI: -0.19;0.18), and no effect of folic acid supplementation (change -0.09 g/dL, 95% CI: -0.19;0.01). The effects of supplementation on other haematological parameters were similar. The effects did not differ by sex or by age group. Also, no effect was found in a subgroup of patients with anaemia and a subgroup of patients who were treated >4 weeks.
Conclusions: Evidence on the effects of supplementation of low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate on haematological parameters in community-dwelling older people is inconclusive. Further research is needed before firm recommendations can be made concerning the supplementation of vitamin B12 and folate.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0118-x | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Potential effects of liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Exp Ther Med
February 2025
Department of Hematology, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara 06170, Turkey.
Whilst severe liver dysfunction is rarely encountered at the time of diagnosis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mild elevations aminotransferase (<5 times the upper limit of normal) may be more frequently seen. Liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis of AML is a parameter that requires investigation and can assist the clinicians in predicting prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis using the assoicated parameters in patients with AML.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSevere Symptomatic Anemia as a Rare Initial Manifestation of Type 3 Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome: A Case Report.
Cureus
December 2024
Division of Internal Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde de Braga, Braga, PRT.
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3 (APS-3) is an uncommon condition marked by autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) linked with other autoimmune issues, excluding Addison's disease. We report a case of a 41-year-old man who was hospitalized due to exhaustion and macrocytic anemia, later diagnosed with APS-3, which included Hashimoto's thyroiditis, pernicious anemia resulting from autoimmune gastritis, and pre-existing vitiligo. Diagnostic results indicated positive intrinsic factor antibodies, a gastric biopsy compatible with gastritis, elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and significant findings from a thyroid ultrasound.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIncrease of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders - a German multicenter experience.
Neurol Res Pract
January 2025
Department of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Background: Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is widely recognized for its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and is frequently used in medical contexts. However, its misuse can lead to significant neurological complications, which are often under-recognized in clinical practice. Recent data on such cases in Germany are rare.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccelerating the diagnosis of Chinese cblC type MMA patients by multiplex PCR sequencing method.
Pediatr Res
January 2025
Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.
Background: CblC type methylmalonic aciduria (cblC disease) is the most common inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism and due to mutations in the MMACHC gene. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. Therefore, convenient and inexpensive detection method is needed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDifferential diagnosis in immune checkpoint inhibitors neurotoxicity.
J Neurol
January 2025
Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Background: Neurologic symptoms seen in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may not be entirely caused by immunotoxicity. We aim to highlight these confounding conditions through clinical cases to encourage early recognition and management.
Methods: We describe a series of seven cases from our institution that were treated with ICI and presented with Neurologic symptoms and were diagnosed with superimposed conditions beyond immunotoxicity.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!