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.
Keywords: Blood pressure; Cardiometabolic; Fatty acids; LCPUFA; Lipid profile; Vitamin B(12).
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