Vitamin B6 and vitamin C status in elderly patients with infections during hospitalization.
We have evaluated whether vitamin B6 and C metabolism may be altered by infection in the elderly. Vitamin B6 and C biochemical status has been assessed for times over a period of 21 days (days 0, 7, 14, and 21) in 18 subjects > or = 75 years. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: group I (8 subjects with acute infection), group II (4 malnourished subjects), and group III (6 control subjects). Vitamin B6 status was determined by plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) and erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase activation coefficient (alpha-EAST), and vitamin C status by plasma ascorbic acid. During the 3 weeks, vitamins B6 and C values were significantly different between groups: at days 7 and 14, PLP values were significantly higher in group III than in both groups I and II, and alpha-EAST values were significantly higher in group I than in both groups II and III. Plasma ascorbate values were significantly lower in group I than in both groups II and III. These data suggest that an acute catabolic state like infection may influence vitamin B6 and C metabolism. Nevertheless, more work is needed to assert that vitamin B6 and C supplementation may be useful during infection.
Pfitzenmeyer
P
P
Service de Médecine Gériatrique, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Dijon, France.
Guilland
J C
JC
d'Athis
P
P
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D011736:Pyridoxine; D001205:Ascorbic Acid