Effect of vitamin B-12 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma homocysteine, ferritin, C-reaction protein, and other cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin B-12 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease blood homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. However, the combined effect of these nutrients on Hcy and ferritin, and C-reactive protein is limited and inconclusive. The objective was to examine the synergistic effect of vitamin B-12 in combination of n-3 PUFA on plasma Hcy, ferritin, and other biochemical markers.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, thirty eligible subjects were randomly divided into three groups, and assigned to receive 1000 μg of vitamin B-12, 2 g fish oil, or 1000 μg vitamin B-12 and 2 g fish oil, respectively, for 8 weeks. Plasma phospholipids (PL) fatty acids and biochemical markers were determined. This study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01762072.

RESULTS

Plasma PL 20:5n-3, 22:6n-3 and n-3 PUFA was increased after 4 and 8 week supplementation of fish oil, and vitamin B-12+fish oil. Plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were significantly decreased after 4 and 8 week supplementation of fish oil, and vitamin B-12+fish oil. In all groups, significant changes in plasma Hcy were observed during the study period. Vitamin B-12, fish oil, and vitamin B-12+fish oil supplementation lowered plasma Hcy concentrations by 22%, 19%, and 39%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of vitamin B-12 and fish oil has a synergistic effect on lowering plasma concentrations of Hcy.