A combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids across two generations improves cardiometabolic variables in rats

Abstract

Our earlier studies indicate that micronutrients (vitamin B₁₂, folic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are interlinked in one carbon cycle. The present study examines the effects of a sustained vitamin B₁₂ deficiency/supplementation in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids across two generations on the pregnancy outcome and cardiometabolic profile [blood pressure, plasma lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), plasma/liver fatty acid profile and hepatic lipid metabolism] in the second generation adult Wistar rat offspring. Two generations of animals were fed the following diets: control; vitamin B₁₂ deficient; vitamin B₁₂ supplemented; vitamin B₁₂ deficient diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin B₁₂ and omega-3 fatty acid supplemented diets. Male offspring were sacrificed at 3 months of age. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency lowered the weight gain (p < 0.01) during pregnancy, increased systolic (p < 0.05) and diastolic (p < 0.01) blood pressure, and lowered the levels of plasma/liver DHA (p < 0.05 for both) but did not affect the lipid profile. Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation showed weight gain, blood pressure and the fatty acid profile similar to the control. However, it increased (p < 0.05) the levels of plasma triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to the vitamin B₁₂ deficient group lowered the weight gain although the levels of cardiometabolic variables were comparable to the control. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the presence of vitamin B₁₂ improved the pregnancy outcome and all cardio-metabolic variables. Our study highlights the adverse effects of sustained vitamin B₁₂ deficiency across two generations on the pregnancy outcome, fatty acid profile and blood pressure while a combined supplementation of vitamin B₁₂ and omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial.