Folic Acid Fortification Ameliorates Hyperhomocysteinemia Caused by a Vitamin B₆-Deficient Diet Supplemented with L-Methionine

Abstract

Vitamin B₆ (B₆) deficiency affects homocysteine metabolism, and this leads to hyperhomocysteinemia. In this study, we examined i) the effects of B₆-deficiency and graduated levels of dietary methionine on homocysteine metabolism, and ii) the effects of fortified folate on homocysteine metabolism. In experiment 1, Wistar male rats were fed a control or a B₆-deficient diet supplemented with L-methionine at a level of 3, 6, or 9 g/kg of diet for 5 weeks. The resulting plasma homocysteine levels in the B₆-deficient groups increased in relation to the increase in dietary methionine level. Next, in experiment 2, rats were fed a control, B₆-deficient, or folate enriched (10 mg pteroylmonoglutamic acid/kg) B₆-deficient diet containing L-methionine at 9 g/kg for 5 weeks. Although the B₆-deficient diet induced hyperhomocysteinemia, folate fortification ameliorated the plasma homocysteine concentration. Overall, our results indicate that folate fortification ameliorates the hyperhomocysteinemia induced by B₆ deficiency and supplemental methionine intake.