Richard A. Ahrens

Effect of vitamin K1 supplementation on vitamin K status in cystic fibrosis patients.

BACKGROUND Patients with cystic fibrosis are at risk for impaired vitamin K status due to fat malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency. This study was designed to assess vitamin K status and measure the effect of vitamin K1 supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients. METHODS Eighteen outpatients participated in a crossover study to determine the effect of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) supplementation. After obtaining initial data, each subject was randomly assigned to either a 4-week study treatment of 5 mg oral vitamin K1 supplementation per week, or no supplementation and then crossed over to the other treatment for a second 4 week period. Plasma, serum and urine samples were collected and analyzed pre-study and at the end of each study period. RESULTS The mean concentration of plasma vitamin K1 for the supplemented group was significantly higher than the unsupplemented group, [0.34 nmol/L and 0.21 nmol/L, respectively (p < 0.05)]. The percent of undercarboxylated osteocalcin increased on supplementation from 17% to 31%, (p < 0.005). Prothrombin induced in vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) increased on supplementation from 5 ng/mL to 22 ng/mL, (p < 0.005). The ratio of urinary gamma-carboxyglutamic acid/creatinine was similar for both study periods. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to other studies in cystic fibrosis, this study demonstrated a need for vitamin K1 supplementation. The carboxylation state of osteocalcin and PIVKA-II were the most sensitive indices of changes in vitamin K1 status. Although the 5 mg vitamin K1/week dose improved these vitamin K parameters, normal levels were not achieved.

Nutrition Instruction and Lunch Surveys with Second Graders.

Summary Nutrition education given to a second grade class improved their nutrition knowledge compared with controls as evidenced through testing. The parent survey revealed that perhaps some improvements in eating habits were occurring at home that were not apparent at school. There was, however, a trend to try more milk during lunch time at school. From the home lunch surveys, the poor quality of lunches sent from home was apparent. Improving childrens eat- ing habits cannot easily be accomplished, especially if they are not offered well- balanced meals in the first place. Children may also need to have a more relaxed lunch period so they can take their time eating. Nutrition education in the schools is vitally needed as a first step toward improving the food habits of children, but the home, as the major influence over younger children, should be included in the program.

The Effects of Various Physical Activity Levels and Dietary Carbohydrate Source on Rat Cholesterol Levels

Summary Three levels of forced swimming (2%, 4%, and 6% of body weight attached to the tail) were compared to the sedentary state (immersion) in young adult male rats fed a high-fat diet containing 12% of the calories as either cornstarch or a mixture of carbohydrates similar to that found in U.S. “market basket” diets. The more strenuous levels of exercise gave the greatest reduction of serum cholesterol in the rats fed the carbohydrate mixture. However, the most moderate level of exercise (2% loading) led to the lowest body weight, the lowest rate of increase in tissue cholesterol as the rats gained in weight, and the lowest accumulation of material in the aortic tissue that responded to lipophilic staining. Although the dietary carbohydrate source did have an effect on the rate of tissue cholesterol accumulation, this was true only in the sedentary rats.

Carbohydrate tolerance in humans as influenced by sex, age, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity

Abstract Glycemic response using an oral load of fructose, glucose, and sucrose was measured in men and in premenopausal and postmenopausal women after being grouped by differences in erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Blood was drawn at 0, 1 2 , 1, 2, and 3 hr postload. Indices of copper status, carbohydrate tolerance, lactate, and uric acid levels were determined. Premenopausal women had lower plasma lactate, glucose, and fructose levels at 1 2 hour after the carbohydrate loads compared to postmenopausal women and men. Men had higher plasma uric acid responses to the carbohydrate loads than women. The fructose load produced higher plasma lactate and uric acid levels compared to sucrose and glucose. Postmenopausal women had higher plasma lipids, ceruloplasmin, and plasma copper levels than premenopausal women and men. SOD was used to divide the three subject groups into those with low (