Effect of Vitamin B12 and n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Plasma Homocysteine

Vitamin B12and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease blood homocysteine (Hcy) concentration. 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 B12 in combination of n-3 PUFA on plasma Hcy, ferritin, and other biochemical markers. In a randomized controlled trial, thirty eligible subjects were randomly divided into three groups, and assigned to receive 1000 μg of vitamin B12, 2g fish oil, or 1000 μg vitamin B12 and 2g fish oil respectively for 8 weeks. Plasma phospholipid (PL) fatty acids and biochemical markers were determined. we hypothesize that combination of vitamin B12 and fish oil have synergistic effect on lowering plasma concentrations of Hcy and ferritin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• reliability, regular eating habits, normal weight, nondrinking, and nonsmoking status

Exclusion Criteria:

• None of the selected subjects used any vitamins or dietary supplements and was taking no medication for at least 8 weeks before the start of and during the entire experimental period