The Deficiency Of A Single B Vitamin Can Lead To Poor Health As Reported In A Recent Paper Published By Riordan Clinic Researchers

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Researchers Mikirova N, Taylor P, Feldcamp C. and Casciari J  under the supervision of Hugh D. Riordan, M.D., at the Riordan Clinic in Wichita, Kansas, published "The Effects of a Primary Nutritional Deficiency (Vitamin B Study)" in Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 3, 1238-1244 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=22300).  Rats were deprived of a single B vitamin to determine the side effects of such deficiencies.  B vitamins play major roles in support of carbohydrate metabolism, immune system function, and cell growth.

In fact all B vitamin deficient groups showed impaired weight gain compared to controls.  B1 (thiamine) deficient rats ceased growth after two weeks and had little physical activity.  In addition, fur became thin and brittle with up to 50% hair loss.  Return of B1 to the diet restored normal growth rate and restored hair growth and alleviated other side effects. 

B6 (pyridoxine) deficient rats grew at half the rate of the controls and developed painful inflammation of the nose, ears, feet, and tail; hair loss; weakness; and reduced appetite.    

B5 (pantothenic acid) deficient rats had severe graying of fur and reduced weight gain but no other obvious signs of side effects other than appearing ill.  However, extensive pathology was noted in organs after the study was completed. 

B9 (folic acid), choline, and B12 (cobalamin) deficiency generated significant pathology including precancerous lesions of the liver in some animals. 

In this study only single nutrient deficiency was examined, however, in many cases where malnutrition is involved, self-induced (through poor dietary choices) or lack of sufficient nutritious food, multiple nutrients deficiencies would be expected and the health and survival of animals and humans reduced further.  The subsequent pathologies associated with multiple deficiencies would be expected to be greater. 

Riordan Clinic (http://riordanclinic.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 1975 in Wichita, Kansas.  It is comprised of a CLIA Certified laboratory, Bio-Center Laboratory; an orthomolecular clinic specializing in the treatment of chronic disease; a library registered with the National Libraries of Medicine; and a research division specializing in the study of nutritional remedies, degenerative and chronic disease, and analytical method development.  For more information call Paul R. Taylor, B.A. B.S. 316-927-4794 or email: [email protected].

SOURCE Riordan Clinic