Iron and the folate-vitamin B12-methylation pathway in multiple sclerosis.

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dc.contributor.authorvan Rensburg S.J.
dc.contributor.authorKotze M.J.
dc.contributor.authorHon D.
dc.contributor.authorHaug P.
dc.contributor.authorKuyler J.
dc.contributor.authorHendricks M.
dc.contributor.authorBotha J.
dc.contributor.authorPotocnik F.C.
dc.contributor.authorMatsha T.
dc.contributor.authorErasmus R.T.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T16:17:23Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T16:17:23Z
dc.date.issued2006
dc.description.abstractSome subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with low blood iron parameters. Anecdotal reports and a single patient study suggest that iron supplementation may be beneficial in these subjects. Myelin is regenerated continually, but prerequisites for this process are iron and a functional folate-vitamin B12-methylation pathway. The aim of this study was to determine iron status, folate and homocysteine in MS subjects, and to evaluate the effect on MS symptoms if deficiencies were addressed. Results: In relapsing-remitting MS subjects, serum iron concentration correlated significantly with age at diagnosis (r=0.49; p=0.008). In Caucasian female MS subjects, serum iron and ferritin concentrations were significantly lower than in matched controls. In a 6-month pilot study, 12 subjects taking a regimen of nutritional supplements designed to promote myelin regeneration, improved significantly neurologically as measured by the Kurzke EDSS (Total Score means 3.50 to 2.45, 29.9%; p=0.021). These were significantly improved (p=0.002) compared to 6 control group patients taking multivitamins (Kurzke Score increased by 13.9% from 4.83 to 5.50). Both groups had significantly reduced homocysteine concentrations at 6 months, suggesting that methylation is necessary but not sufficient for myelin regeneration.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationMetabolic brain disease
dc.identifier.citation21
dc.identifier.citation2-3
dc.identifier.issn08857490
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/14192
dc.subjectantiinflammatory agent
dc.subjectcyanocobalamin
dc.subjectfolic acid
dc.subjecthomocysteine
dc.subjectinterferon
dc.subjectiron
dc.subjectprednisone
dc.subjectadult
dc.subjectarticle
dc.subjectblood
dc.subjectCaucasian
dc.subjectdiet supplementation
dc.subjectfat intake
dc.subjectfemale
dc.subjecthuman
dc.subjectmale
dc.subjectmetabolism
dc.subjectmethylation
dc.subjectmultiple sclerosis
dc.subjectNegro
dc.subjectnuclear magnetic resonance imaging
dc.subjectnutritional status
dc.subjectpatient compliance
dc.subjectpilot study
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectAfrican Continental Ancestry Group
dc.subjectAnti-Inflammatory Agents
dc.subjectDietary Fats
dc.subjectDietary Supplements
dc.subjectEuropean Continental Ancestry Group
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectFolic Acid
dc.subjectHomocysteine
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectInterferons
dc.subjectIron
dc.subjectMagnetic Resonance Imaging
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectMethylation
dc.subjectMultiple Sclerosis
dc.subjectNutritional Status
dc.subjectPatient Compliance
dc.subjectPilot Projects
dc.subjectPrednisone
dc.subjectVitamin B 12
dc.titleIron and the folate-vitamin B12-methylation pathway in multiple sclerosis.
dc.typeArticle
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