Effect of nutrient supplementation on serum homocysteine, iron and proteins in psychogeriatric patients.
In a longitudinal follow-up study the effect of pharmaceutical supplementation of nutrients (folate, vitamin B12, B6, B1, C, iron and proteins) was established in 25 psychogeriatric patients (subject group). A reference group of 30 apparently healthy elderly subjects was used for comparison and statistical evaluation. At the time of hospitalization percentages concerning the incidence of decreased serum concentrations reflecting an inappropriate nutrient state in the subject group amounted to 28% for vitamin B12, 20% for folate, 36% for iron, 12% for transferrin and 56% for albumin concentrations. Increased plasma concentrations of homocysteine combined with decreased folate concentrations were found in 16% of the psychogeriatric patients. If compared with the initial results at admission, after three weeks of nutrient supplementation the vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations were increased. Results for serum iron concentrations remained below the reference range interval in 5 of the 25 subjects reflecting iron deficiency. Initially decreased serum transferrin concentrations did not return to the reference range. Serum albumin levels still further decreased after admission to the hospital, resulting after three weeks in albumin concentrations below the reference range for 68% of the subjects. It is concluded that supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 lowered homocysteine plasma concentrations successfully. Supplementation of protein nutrients is not appropriate in order to restore disturbances of protein metabolism. Persisting low concentrations of proteins in serum are indicative of irreversible decreased synthesis.
Bartels
Piet C M
PC
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Haematology and Immunology, Medical Centre Alkmaar, Alkmaar, The Netherlands. p.bartels@mca.nl
Schoorl
Marianne
M
Peetoom
Jan J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012016:Reference Values; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D006710:Homocysteine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid; D007501:Iron; D001205:Ascorbic Acid