Effects of short-term supplementation with ascorbate, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12 on inflammatory factors and estrogen levels in obese postmenopausal women

Abstract

Little is known about the effects of commonly used vitamins on serum inflammatory markers and the hormonal balance in obese postmenopausal women. We studied the effects of an 8-week open-label supplementation with vitamins C (500 mg), B6 (25 mg), B12 (1 mg), and folate (5 mg) on C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and estradiol levels in 20 obese (body mass index > or = 30) postmenopausal women. Outcomes were assessed in a blinded fashion. Folate and vitamin B12 levels rose significantly, suggesting that the supplement was well absorbed and that participants adhered to the protocol. Weight, blood pressure, and serum lipids remained stable. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and leptin levels remained unchanged. Estradiol levels rose from a median of 22.0 pg/mL (IQR = 15.9-25.8) at baseline to a median of 27.8 pg/mL (IQR = 23.1-33.9) at follow-up (p = 0.003). Increments in serum estradiol caused by vitamin supplementation in postmenopausal women have not been previously described and probably merit further investigation.