Vitamin B12 Deficiency Across Three Generations Adversely Influences Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status and Cardiometabolic Markers in Rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is prevalent in the vegetarian population and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and cardiometabolic risk. The present study investigates the long-term effects of vitamin B12 deficiency/supplementation in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiometabolic profile and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels (LCPUFA) in the F3 generation offspring.

METHODS

Three generations of rats were fed the following diets: control; vitamin B12 deficient; vitamin B12 supplemented; vitamin B12 deficient + omega-3 fatty acid supplemented; vitamin B12 + omega-3 fatty acid supplemented. Animals were sacrificed at 3 months of age.

RESULTS

Vitamin B12 deficiency lowered (p <0.01 for both) plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), liver DHA (p <0.05), plasma/liver omega-3 fatty acids (p <0.05 for both), increased triglycerides (p <0.05) and systolic BP (p <0.01) and lowered cholesterol levels (p <0.05) as compared to control. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids improved plasma/liver EPA, DHA and omega-3 fatty acid profile and maintained cholesterol, triglyceride and BP levels. Vitamin B12 supplementation lowered liver DHA (p <0.05) and cholesterol (p <0.01), whereas BP was similar to control. Combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids improved omega-3 fatty acid profile, lowered cholesterol/triglyceride levels and maintained the BP similar to that of control.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin B12 deficiency across three generations adversely affects LCPUFA and cardiometabolic profile in the adult offspring. This study provides clues for a combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk for noncommunicable diseases.