Chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease and the link to vitamin B

The study referred to here investigated the association of vitamin B-6 status with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (Shen J, et al., 2010). The results showed a strong dose-response relation of vitamin B-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker. Increased levels of vitamin B-6 were significantly associated with lower CRP concentrations and lower oxidative stress. Vitamin B-6 levels were also significantly correlated with fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, a long term marker of glucose control. Metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes were also significantly associated with low vitamin B-6 levels. These are all factors influencing cardiovascular disease risk. As we learn more about the importance of not only B12 and folic acid, but also other B vitamins, taking a high quality B-complex makes a lot of sense. Click here, to read more about the benefits of B vitamins and what a good B-complex should contain.

Shen J, Lai CQ, Mattei J, Ordovas JM, Tucker KL. Association of vitamin B-6 status with inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions: the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Feb;91(2):337-42. Epub 2009 Dec 2.