Folic acid aids hypothyroid cognitionFolic acid attenuated learning and memory impairment via inhibition of oxidative damage and acetylcholinesterase activity in hypothyroid rats.
Directly studies folic acid effects
Our study aimed to understand how folic acid (FA) impacts cognitive issues linked to hypothyroidism. We used a rat model, treating them with propylthiouracil (PTU) to induce hypothyroidism. After administering various doses of folic acid over several weeks, we monitored behavior through tests designed to assess learning and memory skills.
We observed that the cognitive impairments caused by hypothyroidism were significantly reduced when folic acid was included in the diet, especially at higher doses. In the Morris water maze, rats treated with folic acid demonstrated quicker escape times and traveled shorter distances compared to those not receiving the treatment. Similarly, in the passive avoidance test, there was a marked increase in the latency for hypothyroid rats to explore dark areas when taking folic acid.
Additionally, we found that folic acid not only improved cognitive performance but also positively influenced brain chemistry. It reduced instances of oxidative stress markers and lowered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity while enhancing beneficial enzyme activities. This points to folic acid’s potential protective role in the brain, particularly through combatting oxidative damage and supporting cholinergic function.
In conclusion, our findings suggest that folic acid can effectively aid learning and memory in hypothyroid conditions, primarily through its regulatory effects on oxidative stress and essential enzymatic activities.
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Folate may aid hypothyroid treatmentThe impact of B vitamins on the functioning of methylation cycle in the liver and the kidneys of hyper- and hypothyroid rats.
Relevant but mixed findings
We aimed to discover how certain B vitamins, particularly folate, could influence homocysteine metabolism in rats suffering from hypothyroidism. Through our study, we created conditions that mimicked hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in the animals over a period of 21 days.
Our focus was on vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine, and betaine, assessing how they might help correct imbalances in homocysteine levels associated with thyroid dysfunction. We found that hypothyroid rats had significantly higher levels of homocysteine, which is often linked to increased risk of heart problems.
Notably, we discovered that administering folic acid, along with other B vitamins, led to a significant reduction in homocysteine levels in these rats. This finding suggests that folate could play an important role in potentially alleviating some of the negative effects of hypothyroidism, particularly regarding cardiovascular health.
Therefore, our observations indicate that B vitamins, especially folate, could be beneficial in managing homocysteine levels in hypothyroidism, contributing to reduced risks of endothelial dysfunction.
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Folic acid may aid thyroid functionFolic acid supplementation improved cognitive deficits associated with lithium administration during pregnancy in rat offspring.
Relevant but not definitive results.
We explored how different doses of lithium during pregnancy affected the neurodevelopment of offspring in rats, while evaluating if folic acid could provide any protective benefits. Pregnant rats were divided into various groups, including those exposed to high doses of lithium and others receiving folic acid alongside lithium treatment. More specifically, we examined how folic acid might lessen the negative effects associated with lithium administration, particularly concerning thyroid function.
Our observations revealed that high doses of lithium led to significant disruptions in both behavioral and biochemical markers linked to thyroid health. This included imbalances in thyroid hormones and evidence of oxidative stress. However, when we introduced folic acid at the highest dose, we found promising improvements. Folic acid appeared to reduce memory impairments and anxiety-like behaviors, along with improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory indicators compared to groups receiving only lithium.
While our findings suggest that folic acid could offer protective effects during lithium treatment and hypothyroidism, we must also consider that lithium poses clear risks when prescribed to pregnant individuals. We emphasize that further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between folic acid and thyroid function in such contexts.
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We explored the connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism through a focused study involving 100 hypothyroid patients. This research took place over a year and aimed to determine how common vitamin B12 deficiency is among these individuals and how it correlates with thyroid antibodies.
Our findings revealed that a significant 68% of the hypothyroid patients were vitamin B12 deficient. Interestingly, a large majority of these deficient patients were female, specifically 73.5%. Additionally, we noted that a high percentage of patients with elevated Anti TPO and Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies also had low vitamin B12 levels.
Although vitamin B12 deficiency was present in a notable portion of the hypothyroid population, we're careful to point out that the study does not state that vitamin B12 supplementation alone can fully alleviate hypothyroid symptoms. However, it suggests that addressing this deficiency could be a valuable addition to current hypothyroid treatments. By recognizing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency, we may improve the overall management of hypothyroid conditions for some patients.
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Our research centered on exploring how vitamin B12 levels relate to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. We analyzed data from a case-control study that included 885 participants, comparing 170 patients with hypothyroidism to 715 healthy individuals.
Through blood tests, we measured various hormone and vitamin levels, including TSH, T3, T4, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. We observed that hypothyroid patients had significantly higher TSH levels and lower T4 levels than the control group. Notably, vitamin B12 levels were also lower in those with hypothyroidism.
Despite these findings suggesting an association between low vitamin B12 and thyroid dysfunction, the study did not specifically test the effects of vitamin B12 treatment on hypothyroidism itself. Therefore, while we can conclude there is a connection, we cannot say for certain that vitamin B12 treatment would improve hypothyroidism. This opens up avenues for future research to further investigate the potential benefits of addressing vitamin B12 deficiencies in managing thyroid conditions.
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