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Use of B Vitamins to Reduce Homocysteine in Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Author(s) -
Willcutts Kate,
Minasi John S.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/088453360001500403
Subject(s) - medicine , homocysteine , parenteral nutrition , hyperhomocysteinemia , vitamin , b vitamins , thrombosis , postprandial , gastroenterology , ischemia , enteral administration , surgery , abdominal pain , insulin
Recent research suggests that hyperhomo‐cysteinemia is a significant risk factor for thrombosis. The mechanism for this is not completely understood. However, studies have shown that high intakes of folic acid, vitamin B 12 , and vitamin B 6 can lower homocysteine levels. This case study describes a patient with a 7‐year history of postprandial pain who was diagnosed with mesenteric ischemia. She was found to have moderate hyperhomocysteinemia and was subsequently treated with B vitamins. Unable to tolerate enteral nutrition, the patient was maintained on‐ parenteral nutrition before surgery. After resection of ischemic, strictured gut, her parenteral nutrition was discontinued and she gained weight on an oral diet. Her serum homocysteine level dropped to low‐normal, therefore, vitamin B supplementation continues. Since surgery, the patient has been without symptoms of chronic ischemia.