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A population study of the influence of beer consumption on folate and homocysteine concentrations

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 55, pages 605–609 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant and independent risk factor for vascular diseases. Blood total homocysteine concentration (tHcy) is considered to be the product of an interaction between genetic and nutritional factors notably intake of folate, vitamin B12 and pyridoxine. The aim of the study was to determine whether regular intake of beer containing large amount of folate and other vitamins influences the tHcy blood concentrations.

Design: Cross-sectional population-based survey.

Setting: Adult population, residents of Pilsen (Czech Republic) and vicinity.

Subjects: Population series included 292 males and 251 females aged 35–65 y, mean age 53.4 y. All subjects were examined by a standard protocol for clinical, anthropometrical and laboratory estimations.

Main outcome measures: tHcy was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection, blood folate and B12 levels immunochemically using commercial kits.

Results: Beer intake was associated with blood folate and vitamin B12 concentrations positively and with tHcy concentration negatively. By categories of beer intake, subjects with intake of 1 l daily or more had significantly lower tHcy and higher folate concentrations than those reporting lower daily beer intake.

Conclusion: Moderate beer consumption may help to maintain the tHcy levels in the normal range due to high folate content. Folate from beer may thus contribute to the protective effect of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease in population with generally low folate intake from other nutrients.

Sponsorship: Supported by grant 301/00/P089 Grant Agency of Czech Republic and Internal Grant Agency of the Ministry of Health.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2001) 55, 605–609

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Ian M Graham, Dublin, Ireland, for the many helpful suggestions in the preparation of this manuscript. We are also grateful to Mr I Hlava´cˇek for valuable information on technical procedures of brewing.

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Author notes

  1. O Mayer Jr: Guarantor: O Mayer Jr.

  2. O Mayer Jr, J Šimon and H Rosolová: Contributors: OM made most of the clinical examinations and measurements, the elaboration of the results and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. JS initiated the project and participated in the interpretation of the results and in discussion. HR coordinated the data collection and participated in the interpretation of data.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic

    O Mayer Jr, J Šimon & H Rosolová

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  1. O Mayer Jr
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Correspondence to O Mayer Jr.

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Mayer Jr, O., Šimon, J. & Rosolová, H. A population study of the influence of beer consumption on folate and homocysteine concentrations. Eur J Clin Nutr 55, 605–609 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601191

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