B vitamins are an important class of nutrients that perform a variety of important physiological functions in the body. They are involved in a variety of biochemical reactions in the body, such as energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and fat metabolism.

In the human body, B vitamins are mainly found in foods such as meat, eggs, legumes, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Since B vitamins cannot be synthesized in the body on their own, they must be consumed through food to meet the body's needs.

For people who need to supplement with B vitamins, doctors will give corresponding recommendations on a case-by-case basis. In general, with a sensible diet and proper supplements, the body's need for B vitamins can be met.

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What causes atherosclerosis?

Dyslipidemia – Dyslipidemia such as high cholesterol and high triglycerides are important risk factors for atherosclerosis. These lipids are deposited in the lining of blood vessels, forming plaques, which in turn lead to narrowing and hardening of blood vessels.

Smoking – Smoking is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage the endothelium of blood vessels, making it easier for lipids to be deposited in the walls of blood vessels, accelerating the process of atherosclerosis.

Diabetes – People with diabetes often have insulin resistance, which leads to abnormal blood lipid metabolism and increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

High blood pressure – Long-term high blood pressure can lead to increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels, damaging the endothelium of blood vessels, making lipid deposits easier and accelerating the formation of atherosclerosis.

Genetic factors – People with a family history of atherosclerosis are at relatively high risk. This may be related to the regulation of blood lipid metabolism and vascular health by genes.

For the first time, Chinese scientists have discovered that this common B vitamin may prevent and treat atherosclerosis

The team of Professor Hu Qinghua of China Pharmaceutical University published an important research result in the European Journal of Cardiology. For the first time, they found that the purine receptor P2Y6R plays an important role in macrophage foaming in the early stages of atherosclerosis. More importantly, they found that thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a vitamin B1 supplement commonly used in clinical practice, had excellent P2Y6R inhibitory activity, and supraphysiological doses of TPP could effectively reduce atherosclerosis in mice, providing a new strategy for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.

The study's first authors include Yehong Li and Mengze Zhou from China Pharmaceutical University, Global Li from Soochow University, and Chen Dai from Nanjing Agricultural University. They delved into the role of macrophages in the initiation and development stages of atherosclerosis and found that macrophages are an important component of atherosclerotic plaques. The lesion hallmark of these plaques is foam cells formed by macrophages taking up oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) through scavenger receptors. These cholesterol-filled foam cells accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis.

Purine receptors are widely expressed throughout the cardiovascular system and play an important role in physiological functions such as cardiac function, vascular tone, angiogenesis, and inflammation regulation. Therefore, researchers speculate that purine receptors may be an important entry point for intervention in atherosclerosis. By analyzing existing databases and clinical plaque samples, the investigators found that P2Y6R, a member of the purine receptor family, was highly expressed in plaques and peripheral blood of atherosclerosis patients compared with healthy people. Further analysis of 15 cell subsets in the plaque showed that the elevated P2Y6R was mainly due to macrophages.

The investigators used macrophage P2Y6R-conditioned knockout mice (P2Y6Rfl/flLysMcre) with LDLR-/- background to construct an atherosclerosis model, and P2Y6Rfl/fl was used as a control to evaluate the condition of atherosclerotic plaques after 12 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. It was found that there was a significant reduction in aortic plaque in mice knocked out by macrophage P2Y6R compared to control mice. This discovery provides a new idea and method for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Do you understand the symptoms of B vitamin deficiency in the body?

First, a lack of B1 (thiamine) can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, indigestion, and mood problems. A deficiency of B2 (riboflavin) can lead to mouth and genital ulcers, skin inflammation, and eye strain. Deficiency of B3 (niacin) can lead to dermatitis, diarrhea and headaches. A deficiency of B5 (pantothenic acid) can lead to thinning hair, skin problems, and decreased energy levels. Deficiency of B6 (pyridoxine) can lead to anemia, skin problems, and nervous system dysfunction.

In addition, a deficiency of B7 (biotin) may lead to dry skin, thinning hair, and problems with fat metabolism. Deficiency of B9 (folic acid) can lead to anemia, fatigue and mood problems. Deficiency of B12 (adenosylcobalamin) can lead to anemia, neurological problems, and fatigue.

The appearance of these symptoms usually indicates that the body needs more B vitamins to maintain normal physiological functions. To improve these symptoms, it is recommended to increase the intake of foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and meat. In addition, taking the right amount of B vitamins through oral supplements is also an effective method.

By adjusting your diet and supplementing with B vitamins appropriately

First and foremost, adjusting your diet is key. We should focus on a balanced diet with adequate intake of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. For B vitamins in particular, food sources include meat, fish, legumes, nuts, leafy greens, and whole grains. By increasing our intake of these foods, we can ensure that our body is getting enough B vitamins.

However, there are times when our diet may not meet our body's need for B vitamins. In such cases, appropriate supplementation of B vitamins is necessary. There are a variety of B vitamin supplements available on the market, including tablets, capsules, and liquid forms. When choosing a supplement, we should pay attention to the quality, ingredients, and dosage of the product. It's best to choose a certified supplement from a reliable brand and determine the dosage based on individual needs and doctor's recommendations.

It is important to note that excessive intake of B vitamins may also cause negative effects on the body. Therefore, it is best to consult the advice of a doctor or dietitian before supplementing with B vitamins. They can tailor personalized nutrition recommendations to you based on your physical condition, diet, and needs.

In conclusion, by adjusting our diet and supplementing with B vitamins properly, we can promote the overall health of our body. But along the way, it's crucial to ensure a balanced diet, choose the right products, and follow the guidance of your doctor or dietitian.